The Brazil Transit Visa or VIVIS (also known as a tourist or business visa), is a Brazilian Government initiative that helps in assisting travellers who are passing through the country of Brazil. Visitors will be provided with a stay up to a maximum of 90 days, which can further be extended up to an additional 90 days. However, the total period of stay should not exceed 180 days within a 12-month period, which is counted from the first date of entry into Brazil.
It should be known that the Brazilian Government has waived any visa requirement for visitors from countries such as Canada, the United States, Japan, and Australia. So, if you are travelling from any of the above-mentioned countries to Brazil for any purpose, be it for tourism, artistic, business, or sports activities, you will not have to apply for a Brazilian Transit Visa.
What are the Eligibility and Requirements?
The following set of applicants are required to apply for a Brazilian Transit Visa: travellers who are visiting Brazil for business meetings, tourism, or visiting relatives and friends,; those who are planning to enter Brazil for a specific time limit to connect with a flight/ship for reaching their destination country (third country); travellers who are planning to participate in any athletic competition or artistic event for which there are no admission fees and they are not being compensated/paid for such activities; or professors, scientists, specialists, or researchers who are taking part in seminars, conferences, or meetings in the field of scientific-technological research, provided they are not being compensated/paid by any Brazil-based entity.
The documents that will be needed to apply for a Brazilian Transit Visa are: the online applicant form printed and signed by the applicant; a valid passport that has at least 2 blank pages and at least 6 months validity (original and copy); proof of financial capability to complete the travel (bank statements or paycheck slips); a passport-style photo that has been taken in the last six months complying with the ICAO requirements; booked flight tickets that will show entry into and exit from Brazil; a cover letter showcasing the relevant information regarding the applicant and the intended trip; a document providing evidence of hotel reservation; and the invitation letter from the organiser of an event or company if the applicant is participating (if any).
Additionally, for minors, a visa authorisation form must be submitted to the Brazilian Consulate of the country where the application is submitted – signed by both parents and should be notarized. Lastly, the standard fee for a Brazil Transit Visa per applicant is 80 dollars, which can further differ based on the country you are applying from.
How to Apply For Brazil Transit Visa Online
If you are planning to apply for a Brazil Transit Visa online, then you can do so by following the below-mentioned steps.
- Start the application process by heading over to the official website here.
- Â On the landing page, choose the second option named “Foreign Citizen”. After that, select “Visa”.
- A new web page will open, letting you know the terms and conditions related to the visa application. Once you have read through the fine print, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select “Start New Application”.
- The primary step involves providing “General Data,” which includes your name, birth date, marital status, sex, place of birth, nationality, etc.
- Then, in the next step, you have to provide details of your travel and the date on which you need your transit visa.
- After that, you have to upload digital copies of your photo, biometrics, signature, and other relevant documents onto the online portal. Ensure that you follow the recommended ICAO photograph requirements as mentioned by the Brazilian visa authorities.
- Finally, you will be able to submit your visa application online.
After submission, a receipt will be generated that needs to be printed and signed by the applicant. Proceed to also glue your photograph onto the printed receipt. Once done, present your printed receipt along with the original documents to the Brazilian Consulate situated in your country.
After all the provided information is verified, the Consular Agent will then collect the requisite visa fees (which vary based on the country from which you are applying) and provide you with proof of delivery. To locate a Brazilian Consulate in your country, visit the link here.
It should be known that the processing time for your Brazilian Transit Visa may vary and will be ultimately determined by the Consular Authority. However, you can expect your application to be processed within a maximum period of 180 days.