Dealing with your Brazil tourist visa can be confusing, worrisome, and frustrating, especially if you don’t speak Portuguese.
I’ve answered the most common visa questions below, but please feel free to write in the comments if you have any other questions – I’ll be happy to help out if I can, or at least point you in the right direction!
Your Top Brazilian Visa Questions – ANSWERED
and more…
Brazil Visa Question #1
Do I need a Brazilian tourist visa? Or can I just show up in Brazil?
Many travelers receive 90 days of entry upon arrival to Brazil for FREE (certain nationalities, including the USA, must apply for a Brazil tourist visa in advance and pay a processing fee due to Brazil’s tourist visa reciprocity policy – if your country would charge Brazilians for a visa, and require them to apply in advance, they will reciprocate those policies on you).
After receiving your Brazil tourist visa (or visa stamp if you’re one of the lucky visa FREE people), you should note the number of entries you are allowed, and your maximum period of stay.
For most with a visa, this is 180 days within a 1-year window. Meaning, from your first entry, you have a MAXIMUM of 180 days to spend in Brazil in the next 365 days. After 365 days have passed, you get to start over.
Please note – upon arrival you receive 90 days (for most – double check the number in the box marked “PRAZO” : this is the number of days you can stay and is subject to the whim of the immigration officer). For more days, you will need to apply for a Brazil visa extension (more information on this below).
Brazil Visa Question #2
I’ve already stayed 90 days in Brazil – how do I extend my Brazilian tourist visa?
The government website on how to extend your Brazil tourist visa is in Portuguese here but I will explain in English below.
**Please note, some Europeans from Schengen countries cannot obtain a visa extension. If you can obtain a visa extension – the visa in your passport will explicitly state 180 days per year allowed in Brazil**
Step 1: Print and fill out the extension request form
You’ll need to go to this site, print the form, and fill it out in blue or black ink with all requested information.
Step 2: Complete your payment form
After filling out your extension request form, you will need to complete the online payment form here and then take it to a Banco do Brasil bank with a teller (ATM and other automated banking systems will not work). In March 2015, the cost was 67Reais.
After completing your Brazil visa extension payment, you will be given a receipt with a bar code. Do NOT lose this! Otherwise you will need to make ANOTHER payment.
Your visa extension application will not be accepted without the proof of payment receipt.
Step 3: Plan your federal police visit and gather your documents
For Rio de Janeiro, this means the international airport. The federal police is located on the second floor (follow the signs for Passport, as the office for foreigners extending their visa is located right next to the Brazilian passport office), and open from 8am.
I highly recommend if in Rio, during the high season, to arrive to the Federal Police before 7am. At that time, there will already be a line. Alternately, you can go in the afternoon (after lunch), but this is quite hit or miss. On a slow day, you’ll get right in but on a busy day you may not get seen (you’ll have to come back another day). Play it safe and go in the morning.
If you can, avoid Mondays and Fridays, as these are the busiest days, and you will likely spend the better part of a day there. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays have a much smaller crowd.
Documents needed:
Original passport
Visa extension form
Payment receipt with bar code
Copy of credit card statement (with credit limit circled) or bank statement from the last 30 days
Entry/exit card (given at arrival)
Air ticket out of the country showing the date and flight number
Also suggested to bring:
A laptop or phone to pass the time – there’s airport wifi in the waiting room
A book or Kindle – you’ll be waiting a while and want a backup in case your phone/laptop dies
A snack and water bottle – once you enter the room, you shouldn’t leave, in case your name will be called and you miss it
Please note: if you are missing any documentation – you can and most likely will be denied the Brazil visa extension, and will have to repeat the process all over.
Unfortunately, it happened to me, when my plane ticket didn’t clearly show the date (my mistake), the whole application was rejected and I received a loud lecture about wasting the officer’s time.
Also unfortunately, this is more likely to happen if you don’t speak perfect Portuguese. If you have a friend who speaks Portuguese, I highly recommend you bring him/her with you, as the majority of the officers do NOT speak English and can be quite cruel about it even though it is the office for Foreigners…
I witnessed a poor guy being condescendingly scoffed at by an officer (in Portuguese, so at least he didn’t understand) “What are you doing here in Brazil if you don’t speak Portuguese?!?” after he asked a question regarding the protocol.
The meantest/rudest people I’ve met in Brazil have been in this process… prepare yourself.
Step 4: The big day
Wake up early in order to arrive at least 1 hour before the supposed opening (yes, there will already be people waiting, and yes, the doors will likely open at least 15 minutes late.. this is Brazil).
Regardless of the attitudes of the officers (my experiences haven’t been pleasant thus far), remain calm and kind. If you have all of your documents in order, you won’t need to do anything other than wait. And wait. And wait.
Step 5: Leave with 90 more days in this beautiful country! (hopefully)
Yay and congratulations (PARABENS)!!
Brazil Visa Question #3
What happens if I overstay my Brazil tourist visa?
Overstaying in Brazil is usually not really a big deal.
You will be charged an overstaying fee, which can be paid either on exit, or at the next re-entry (if you ever come back). The overstaying fine has been reported at R8.50 per day, with a maximum of 100 days (the largest fine would be R850).
**IMPORTANT NOTE: There have been reports that the overstay fine has increased to R100 per day!**
After you’ve paid the fine, you will be able to come back again without a problem.
Due to the problems and annoyances in dealing with the visa extension – many people choose to simply overstay. This is not something that I recommend, but I have three personal friends who have overstayed and re-entered at later times (after paying the fee), one of whom later switched to a working visa, without any problems. You can also read other examples online.
Brazil Visa Question #5
What if I really really like Brazil and want to stay longer?
Can I get another tourist visa?
The tourist visa allows for only 180 days in Brazil in a 365 day year. This can only be extended for extreme extenuating circumstances (such as medical emergency).
You do have other options, including obtaining a student visa (including for studying at a university or even studying Portuguese), or gaining employment and being sponsored for a working visa. If you have a Brazilian partner, you can also apply for a more permanent visa based on this relationship.
If you are switching your visa to a student or working visa, you will need additional documentation (provided by your school or employer), and you must leave the country to apply for this.
Pin Extend Brazilian Visa for Later
Necessary Details: Rio de Janeiro
What has your experience been with Brazilian tourist visas? Do you have any other questions?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
Oh my god! Finally! Someone who explain me how it works! In ENGLISH!!!!
Thanks a lot !
Author
Happy to help, Chris! 🙂
I did not mean to reply to this post but did not see another option. So let’s take Rio as an example, you have two options. You can go to the Federal Police station in the airport and get an extension. But to be honest, unless you are extending you stay for a long time it often makes more sense to just wait and go to the airport when you are ready to leave. The fine is about R$12 for each day you overstay your visit but obviously a taxi to the airport to extend your stay is going to cost may R$200 round trip so it might make sense to just wait. Also, depending on your travel, the fine will actually be applied the next time you return to Brazil not on the current trip. FYI, sometimes that might actually slip through the paper work which saved me about R$80 on one trip. If you do have to pay on your next trip you will have to plan on maybe adding 45 or 60 minutes to complete paying the fine then returning to customs to complete immigration and customs.
Hi! Thanks for the information, it has been really helpful.
However, do you know if there are other Federal Police offices besides the airport, for instance as I will be based in the state of rio but in another city? Do you know where I can check the information?
Author
There are a list of other Federal Police Offices in RJ state here that should be able to help, I would call first to make sure of their hours and procedures, as they may be slightly different from the ones I’ve listed here.
Superintendente:
DPF Mario Semprine
Endereço:
Av. Rodrigues Alves, 1 – 3º andar – Centro / CEP 20081-250
Fone:
(21) 2203-4000
Fax:
(21) 2253-3454
Comunicação Social:
(21) 2203-4406
Aeroporto Internacional Galeão (Antônio Carlos Jobim)
Avenida Vinte de Janeiro, s/nº – Terminal I – Setor Vermelho
Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim
Ilha do Governador – Rio de Janeiro – RJ – CEP 21942-090.
Fone:
194
Delegacia em Angra dos Reis
DPF Gladys Regina Vieira Miranda
Endereço:
Rua Benedito Pereira da Rocha, 463 – Casa A – Balneário
Angra dos Reis-RJ CEP: 23906-250
Telefones:
(24) 3364-8100 (Geral)
(24) 3364-8130 (Plantão)
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
Praça Lopes Trovão, s/nº – Porto de Angra dos Reis
(24) 3365-3503
Delegacia em Campos dos Goytacazes
DPF Gabriel Duarte
Endereço:
Rua Barão de Miracema 158 – Centro / CEP 28035-300
Fone:
(22) 2726-8700
(22) 2726-8730 (Plantão)
(22) 2733-9702 (Fax)
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
(22) 2722-8741
Delegacia em Macaé
DPF Felicio Laterça De Almeida
Endereço:
Rua Governador Roberto Silveira, 427 – Centro / CEP 27910-000
Fone:
(22) 2796-8300 (PABX)
(22) 2796-8330 (Plantão)
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
(22)2796-8316
Delegacia em Niterói
DPF Roberto Maia
Endereço:
Praça Fonseca Ramos s/n – Centro / CEP: 24.030-020
Fone:
(21) 2613-8830
Fax:
(21) 2613-8817
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
Niterói Shopping – Rua da Conceição – 3º Piso
(21) 2717-1935
Delegacia em Nova Iguaçu
DPF Hylton Vieira Coelho Junior
Endereço:
Rua. Iracema Soares Pereira Junqueira, Nº 25
Centro, Nova Iguaçu
CEP 26210-260
Fone:
(21) 3759-8000
(21) 3759-8030 (Plantão)
Fax:
(21) 3759-8002
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
(21)3759-8057
Delegacia em Volta Redonda
DPF Elias Escobar
Endereço:
Av. Sete de Setembro, 94/Aterrado CEP: 27213-160
Fone:
(24) 3344-8200
Fax:
(24) 3344-8202
Passaportes/Estrangeiros
(24)3344-8220
Núcleo de Polícia Federal em Petrópolis/RJ
Endereço:
Av. Ayrton Senna, 699, Quitandinha – Petrópolis-RJ
CEP: 25.653-040
Telefones:
(24) 2242-4554 – Gabinete
(24) 2242-4947 – Cartório e Fax
ive overstayed due to waiting for a visa to be processed. I now have my work visa and have to go to Paraguay to collect it. Will I still be allowed in on the visa even though I’ve been in Brazil more than 180 days?
Author
Yes you should be. Contact the embassy if in doubt. You’ll need to pay a fee based on the number of days you’ve overstated, but if you have an approved work visa already you’ll be allowed to re-enter. In Brazil, an over stay is almost NEVER a problem. So don’t worry 🙂
Hi, thanks for this great information. Do you know if the DPF for extensions is open on Saturday?
I can’t find the information anywhere. My 90 days runs out on this Sunday and I can’t go until Monday as is corpus christi feriado today.
If not I think i will go anyway on Monday though I will be over. A
any thoughts appreciated!
Author
Hi – in Rio, it is open Monday through Friday. Can you go on Friday? I would recommend calling if not, or contacting your embassy. I have been informed that if you overstay, your extension will not be granted.
Thanks so much for reply, am going to go tomorrow. Do you know opening hours (is it 8-12?)
Author
Are you going in Rio? It opens at 8, and goes until the afternoon. I’d recommend going on the morning – it takes quite some time 🙂
Thanks so much for this! I’ll be attempting my visa extension this week and it’s been confusing trying to figure it all out. Luckily I’m based in a smaller city so I’ve heard the wait isn’t as extreme but I didn’t know about all of those extra things you mentioned. We’ve been worried about the plane ticket out of the country. Since we hope to stay another 90 days but don’t know exactly when we’re leaving we haven’t booked a flight. A friend here said that if we just print off the itinerary of the flight we want to take, they will accept that, but it sounds unlikely to me. Do you have any advice? Thanks in advance!
Author
Definitely bring the flight ticket. At least in Rio, this was REQUIRED. I had to have the flight confirmation in my name already purchased and with the date on it. They checked this. Can you buy a refundable or changeable ticket? Or maybe call ahead to confirm – smaller offices may be more lenient.
Hello! Did the process or legislation change lately, since this article was posted? I heard a rumour that the extension is not possible anymore. And my Portuguese is too bad to actually get my information from the Brazilian website 🙂
Thank you!
Andreea
Author
Hi Andreea! I went through the process myself the day before this was published. Last month a friend had her visa extended, and to everything that I know, the visa extension is still possible now – double check your visa. Not all tourist visas allow for the 180 days per year necessary for an extension
Hi Steph,
Thank you very much for your answer. I am an EU citizen, I don’t know if that makes the difference 🙂
I read on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page in my country that the extension might be possible at the Federal Police with all the required documents in order. But I did not find an official page in Brazil about it…
I will have to see there… 🙂
Author
Hi Andreea! What does your visa say? Are you allowed 180 days in a year? If so, then you will be able to do the extension 🙂 You could also call the Federal Police – do you have their number?
Hey Andreea, great helpful site!
Question on overstaying, and leaving.
Is it possible to simply check-in at the airport, and check bags, without going to the Federal Police office first?
Author
Hi HP, which airport are you leaving from? For both of the Rio airports, you always check-in and check your bags at the airline counter BEFORE going through security and then to the Federal Police.
GIG. So I don’t need to go to the Federal Police office outside the gates?
Author
In every case of overstay that I know, the passenger continued through check-in, past airport security, and settled their overstay with the Federal Police during the normal exit process. In most cases, overstay fines are paid on your RETURN to the country, not on your exit, although this does vary.
The rules change constantly in Brazil and are sometimes up to the whim of your particular officer. If in doubt, I would recommend contacting your embassy or the Federal Police directly to determine the best course of action for your specific case.
I’m planning my second trip to brazil, and wanted to know if I can enter the country with just a one-way ticket? I plan to buy a refundable ticket before my 90 day mark, hopefully get the extension, and cancel that flight ( utilizing the 24 hour cancellation rule on some sites). Also, if granted the 90 day extension, I will be at the end of my travel year and my 90 day clock starts again. Would I have to leave the country to be able to legally stay the 90 days of my new year?
Author
Hello Jessica!
Upon entry, when traveling on a tourist visa, I was required to show my plane ticket out of the country within the 90 days. To be granted the extension at the end of the initial 90 day period, I also then had to show another ticket out before the end of the extension period.
The length of stay is calculated by the previous 365 days, not by the calendar year, keep in mind. Most tourist visas are for a maximum of 180 days within the prior 365 day period.
The regulations change constantly so I would advise contacting your local embassy to determine if you will need to leave the country in order to start your new 90 day initial stay period.
Another option is to obtain a student or working visa if you prefer to stay in the country for an extended period.
Thanks a million for this post 🙂
Does my ticket out of the country have to be in Portugese? I am Canadian, so naturally it’d be in English.
Author
I’m glad it helped!
Great question! Thankfully – NO! 🙂 Your ticket can be in English as well as your other supporting documents aside from the application and payment when you’re applying for an extension.
Ok great, thanks.
How early can I get this done? I have one month left on my visa and would love to get this done and over, so I can plan to either be here or ship on home
Author
While this isn’t on the official website (very frustrating), I was told by the Federal Police that you must do the renewal NO SOONER THAN 30 days before the expiration. I would recommend calling to double check, as I’ve also heard that it must be no sooner than 14 days before expiration.
Please note neither of these timeframes are on the official Federal Police website, but like much in Brazil, it’s subject to change and also the whim of the officer on the day.
I showed up to renew my visa earlier than 30 days before expiration, and I got to the final step of the process at the Federal Police before being turned away. SO FRUSTRATING!
have overstayed my 180 days will like to know if an over stayer stamp will be put on my passport
in inten to pay on my return
Author
Hi Gideon! If you have overstayed for only a short time, it is generally not a problem. If you’re worried, you should contact the Brazilian embassy in your home country or your own embassy in Brazil for assistance.
Hey,
I’m overstaying my visa for 10 days. Having one internal flight in Brazil within those 10 days. (I hope this will be fine… )
And then leaving Brazil from Vitoria (es) do you know where the PF is located in Vitoria?Also
3 weeks later I’ll be returning to Brazil. As my flight back is from sao Paulo. Is it possible to return this quickly?
I’m a European citizen.
Cheers Dieuwke
Author
Hi Dieuwke, it is generally not recommended to fly when you have overstayed, as your visa and passport will be checked. You should resolve your overstay first.
Contact your embassy in Brazil, or the Brazilian embassy in your home country, for specific answers for your specific case as Brazilian visa policies change constantly.
I need some help urgently
Author
Great – if you could let me know details I’d be happy to help.
Hey, thanks for the great articles.
My friend went to see the federal police today to renew their tourist visa after 89 days in Brazil. By accident they only took proof of a flight out of Brazil after 180 days. After much trying to explain (in intermediate portuguese) that they made a mistake and genuinely wanted to immediately change this flight to an earlier date within the 180 days, and also that they would be part of the Olympic games (entitling them to apply for a volunteers visa which allows them to stay in the country until the end of the year – when they eventually receive proof from the olympic people). My friend’s application was rejected.
Any ideas on what my friend can do now? Having overstayed their 90 days by a few days now can they leave the country and return within the 180 days and be granted a new tourist visa? Or will they be refused re-entry if they leave now?
Any advice?
Cheers,
A. Friend
Author
I would highly recommend contacting the Federal Police or your friend’s consulate.
When applying for the extension, it is VERY important to have all the paperwork correct otherwise it will be rejected, just as happened to your friend (and once to me as well).
Can the friend leave the country to apply for the volunteer visa?
Hey, great article. I’ve stayed in Brazil for 73 days in the beginning of the year and I’m coming back now after less than 90 days. What can happen at the passport control? Is it possible they won’t let me in? Thanks 🙂
Author
Hi Alice! Which country are you from, and did you overstay?
In most cases, you will be allowed to enter without an issue but you will need to pay the fee if you have overstayed.
Regardless of whether you overstayed on your first visit: you will most likely be required to show a proof of plane ticket that you will be leaving the country within the visa requirements.
Does someone know what happens if you fail to leave Brazil within the 8 days given to you by the PF after you have gone to the federal police station to report your overstay? I went to report my overstay today, because I need to travel domestic and was warned about a chance of being refused from a domestic flight when running on “excess” days. The problem is my flight out from Brazil is not within 8 days, but only in 12 days. Advancing this flight by 4 days would also mean I need to change or cancel a bunch of domestic flights, resulting in high amendment fees and messed up plans.
Someone who settles visa issues in Brazil for a living told me I could just pay another fine for the additional 4 days at the airport when about to board the flight out of the country. Could it really be this easy?
Ok Thank you I am amjad deaf very happy Plzzz send me Visa Plzz only you are my closely attah with you I am only depend on you Plzzz send me visa Brazil and I have send you my all documents Thank you Email amjadyousaf93@yahoo.comI have Pakistan In Gjuranwala and Passport AD6918861
Author
Hi Amjad! I am just a blogger, I can’t help with visa applications. Please contact the Brazilian embassy in your country for more help.
Hi! Can anyone explain the situation with Olympic time overstay? as everyone i talk with has different opinions of that..
i’m already almost for 90 days in Brazil and will stay for another 30 days minimum. As i’m working as volunteer they say if i can show some proof that i have been working for games that time – then it’s no problem and i don’t need to extend my overstay visa.. Thank you
Author
Hi Ray!
Unless there is an official policy and you have it in writing, I definitely wouldn’t rely on that getting you through immigration without a fine. I would recommend contacting the Federal Police ASAP and printing out whatever they tell you to have it on hand always (especially if you plan to take any domestic flights before then).
Hi…I’m contemplating within going for a visa run to Uruguay OR to apply for extension of visa OR to overstay for 3 days before leaving Brazil through Sao Paulo. I came in to Brazil on 7th Sept 2016 and was given 90 days tourist visa. I have a return flight at 1.25am on 8th Dec….which means I will be through the immigration (or FP) check on 7th Dec evening. Please help.
Hi Ravi – the 90 day visa is for 90 days, not 3 months from the day you arrive. Be sure to count the days – and include the day you arrived and the day you will leave. By my count, you will definitely be overstaying.
The first two options you suggest are the legal ones. The last is definitely overstaying, though as seen here that isn’t always a big deal. It’s your call. I personally don’t like overstaying (I’ve done it twice in other countries) as it makes me nervous and ruins my time.
Can you move your flight up?
Hi Steph!
Thanks for your detailed instructions, however some of the links are not working for me.
Can you confirm me that application form is called “Formulario de prorrogacao de prazo de turista” (yellow-white form)?
Furthermore, I did not get what I have to do before going to a bank. To pay online a fee? And then what to do in a bank if paid online? I am currently in Santa Maria (city near Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul state) and when I drop the menu down, I have an option to select Santa Maria. However, when I proceed, nothing happens: Looks like site is not working correctly? Maybe I shall go to Porto Alegre?
On the separate note: It is showing me value of 110,44 Reais to pay. Looks like amount has been changed a lot in a year.
Thanks a lot!
Hi John! Looks like the Federal Police updated their website (but still haven’t added an English option…) and didn’t put in redirects. Can’t say I’m surprised but it’s annoying.
Anyway, I’ve updated the links to be the new ones.
Yes – the application is the yellow-white form. In English, this means the application to prolong the tourist visa.
No – the Brazilian system is EXTREMELY outdated. You print a receipt that you filled out a form, which you then take the bank to pay, and then you take the receipt the bank gave you to the Federal Police. Really silly (this is 2016, who doesn’t take online payments?) and really annoying (Brazilian banks aren’t known for their efficiency).
Regarding the website – you can try to contact the Federal Police if it isn’t working, but I wouldn’t bet on it. If you can choose a different location, or try again a day or two later, they may have fixed it.
Oh no, that sucks about the price increase, but still not too high I suppose.
Good luck!
Ola Steph,
I am currently in Brazil. I arrived with a US passport and a 90 day visa. I was wondering if I leave Brazil at the 90 day mark how long do I have to wait to return? If I leave for a month or 90 days can I come back again? Do I need an extension to return? Also I came here on a one way ticket and I was never asked about my return and was planning to take a bus across the border into another country. Will the give me trouble if I ask for an extension?
Hi!
Depending on your visa (double check in your passport book), you should have 180 days in one year (365 day period). You should be able to wait a few days and come back (coming back the same day is risking it – I wouldn’t recommend it), as long as this is your first 90 days in the country. If you do not want to leave the country after your first 90 days, you can apply for the extension (follow the steps above) but this needs to be done BEFORE your original 90 days runs out.
Usually an extension will not be granted with a bus ticket – you’ll need to show a plane reservation and the other documentation listed above. You could always buy a plane ticket the morning of your extension request, and cancel it within 24 hours (depending on the airline) for a full refund.
Hi Steph, I am from Sweden and I called the Swedish consulate, they said that no longer it is possible to extend the stay. They said that I dont need a visa, I can stay in Brazil visa-free for 90 days and apparently after those 90 days I have to be outside of Brazil for 90 days, then I can return to Brazil. Have you heard anything about that? My boyfriend read however on the Federal Police website that it is possible to extend the stay. Maybe the havent updated their website?
Thanks!
HI Diana,
You can only extend your visa if you have a visa. If you’ve entered visa-free, you do not have a visa to extend. It is only possible to extend your stay with an unexpired visa, granted to certain nationalities (like Americans).
Check your passport if you’re not sure:
As stated above in the post: “If you can obtain a visa extension – the visa in your passport will explicitly state 180 days per year allowed in Brazil”
Best of luck!
OK, thanks for your answer 🙂
You’re welcome! Best of luck 🙂
Hi, my visa is expiring in 4 days time n I’m less than 2months due for delivery..shud I go to pf with my big belly n request for extension or just wait, have d baby n hope 4 no problem at pf regarding getting my baby passport n my PR? Advise pls..thanks.
For this particular situation, I don’t have any experience (even secondhand) to offer you. However, I would recommend calling in anonymously to find out more. Most countries offer extensions based on medical reasons, which you have a great one: you’re not supposed to be flying while at that stage of pregnancy.
By overstaying your visa now, you don’t want to put yours or you baby’s permanent residency at risk (especially yours) which may not be given if you’re in the country technically illegally.
My recommendation would be to definitely request the extension, you don’t want to jeopardize your residency or risk legal trouble for overstaying (for example, when you check in to the hospital and need to show your passport, which clearly shows your overstay).
Hey Steph, PLEASE ANY ADIVCE WOULD BE AMAZING!!!! hey guys, British citizen, been in Brazil for over 3 years without a Visa and need to leave at the end of May to Columbia and come back into Brazil a few days later. if pay the $850 fine when i arrive back in Brazil, does anyone know how long until i can come back into the country? you mentioned above, it doesn’t matter s long as you pay the fine, but i have heard people saying i need to wait 6 months
Hi Virren,
Have you tried contacting the Federal Police anonymously? And also your embassy?
3 years is quite a long overstay, you may want to consult with a lawyer to help on this one.
I have not travelled to Brazil yet but my visa will expire before I am ready to travel. what is d procedure for renewal pls. I am a Nigerian going for my studies in Brazil. how long will it take me to renew before travelling. can I start d renewal process before the visa expiration date?
many thanks
Hi OJ,
If your visa will expire before you arrive, you’ll need to contact your embassy for renewal before arriving. Each embassy has different procedures and time lengths, only they will be able to tell you that. I’d contact them IMMEDIATELY to find out the information.
MY VISA RENEWAL ISSUE
Hi,, i would like to renewal my expired Brazilian tourism visa, but I’m not in Brazil for now, i went to the embassy that i got it before, but unfortunately they makes me feel that they wont give it to me again, Because they keep on asking many things and when i provide it, they said why you’re so fast,and told me to come back again on the next month, if you come again in the same month, your application well be rejected and you’ll gonna have that stamp in my passport, which well be never to go to Brazil ever!!! OMG i really don’t know how to fix this and how can i have it again.
Could someone help and advice me on this issue?
Please mail me in this for anything could help :
Sa2m0i12@gmail.com
And this is my what’s app number
+966567963268
Thanks a lot and any help well be appreciated.
Hi Sami, Can you please share which nationality you are, and which embassy you have tried to apply at?
For Americans, once we have “used up” our maximum days allowed each year, the only way to enter again is to apply for a different type of visa (working visa, volunteer visa, student visa, etc), or wait until sufficient time has passed to allow for re-entry.
I have never heard of someone receiving a stamp or ban when their renewal is rejected. My renewal was rejected because I didn’t have the proper paperwork the first time I applied. It wasn’t a problem. Even people who overstay and clear their fines do not receive a stamp banning them from entry.
Well, thanks for your replying for my issue, and I’m a citizen of Saudi Arabia and I’ve got my 1st tourism visa from the capital of my country (Riyadh).
The date I’ve got it was the 3rd of January /2017. For 90 days.
Is it possible to have it again in the same year from same embassy in my city ,if not, is it possible to have it from another county near of my country?
Author
I’m not sure for Saudi citizens, I can only speak about US citizens as that’s what I have experience with. Maybe it’s the same, but it’s best to contact your embassy. For a US citizen, your visa is good for 10 years, and you will be allowed to enter for the maximum number of days that your visa allows. Getting another visa won’t happen / won’t allow you to overstay those days. The only thing you can do is to extend your visa, or to change your visa (working visa, education, etc).
Hi, I’m currently in São Paulo and want to extend my visa. On the extension form it has a bit with “personal reference in Brazil Name/address.” Can I put down a friend in São Paulo who I am staying with at the moment?
The other thing I am slightly worried about is being asked about my address. I’m staying with a friend (rather than in a hotel), so was wondering if this is something that you were asked about when extending your visa?
Many thanks for any replies!
Author
Hi Alex,
“personal reference in Brazil Name/address”: A Brazilian is preferred (ie not an expat) if possible.
I was asked where I was staying, which was my boyfriend’s apartment. If you’re staying at a friend’s house, that’s not a problem.
Good luck!
Oi! This information has been so helpful, it’s been very difficult to find blogs online that answer these types of questions and in such a way to easily understand.
My situation is that I plan to go to brazil on a tourist visa (it would be my extension to 180 days for the year) but have every intention of staying and *hopefully* changing my visa status to a working one (Its been difficult to find any concise answers on this, even from my a friend who is a Brazilian lawyer). It seems to me that you say it’s an option (once already in Brazil, but that you have to leave the country – does this mean return to the US, or can cross over shortly into a border country?
Thanks for any help!
R
Author
Hi Rachel! When I switched from a tourist to a working visa, I did have to leave the country.
This is complicated BUT: I was supposed to apply for the working visa in my country of nationality, but I don’t live in the US (and hadn’t for years), so then it should have been my country of residence (which would have been Thailand, but I had left because of the military coup), so I ended up applying in Israel, which was the country of my fiance’s nationality, and it all worked out. I’m not sure if they’ll make you return to the US, or if you can go into a border country, but I would guess that they’d let you do so in a relevant third-party country (as I did, in Israel) especially if you have extenuating circumstances.
Hi Steph, the info on this site is very helpful!!!! I am from the UK and looking at entering Rio next year as a tourist for up to 6 months (180 days) based on the info above. My question is this – Can I enter Brazil on the 90 day tourist visa and IMMEDIATLY apply for an extention upon arrival in Rio at the airport?
Or would this be impossible due to the fact that to enter for 90 days i would have had to have a return flight in under 90 days (and thus not allowing me to extend to 180 days until my flight date is changed). Hope this makes sense! Any advice would be AMAZING!
Author
Hi Jimi, when you apply for your extension, it starts as soon as you receive it, so there’d be no point to get it upon arrival (as you wouldn’t be getting any extra days). Apply for your extension with a week left of your current visa.
Good luck!
Hi! I’m staying in Brazil within a student visa of one year which will expire in the end of this February. Can I extend my staying with a tourist visa without leaving the country? or I need to leave the country and apply for a new visa? I couldn’t find information anywhere.
Author
Hi Trang! When I was in Brazil, the rule was that you had to leave the country to apply for a new visa at the embassy. You should double check with your embassy in Brazil, or the Brazilian embassy in your home country, for the most up-to-date information.
Hi me and my partner are UK citizens heading to Brazil to volunteer on farms and do yoga courses and agroforestry courses. We want to clarify that the first 90 days are Visa Free and within one or two weeks of that ending we can apply for an immediate extension of maybe one or two months? We arrive in Brasilia on January 21 from the UK and intend to stay for more than 90 days and we have already purchased an return ticket on the may 20th to return to the UK. My question is, do we need a return flight within the 90 day period to enter Brazil and stay three months ? Can we purchase an flight online on January 21 before we land ? Maybe from Brasilia to Venezuela or Paraguay (somewhere cheap) to show that we have a flight leaving Brazil under 90 days ? After we land and clear immigration can we cancel the flight ? Thanks for this blog post ! We leave tomrrow so we urgently need a reply! Thanks in advance
Danni & Dario
Author
Hi, I’m American and have no idea about UK-specific policies. Yes, I had to show my airline proof that I had a return flight from Brazil when I entered on a tourist visa – otherwise, I would have been prevented from boarding the plane.
I’d recommend contacting the Brazilian embassy in the UK, they would be able to give you the most accurate information. As you’ve said, you leave tomorrow, so you should call them ASAP.
Nice resource, thank you! For proof of return ticket would you know which airlines fly out of Brazil and offer a quick refund service with zero charge.
So far my research I have found the following: With Emirates 25 USD is charged in admin fees. Latam takes 45 days to give the refund but seems to be free. I think British Airways is free within 24 hours but there are no cheap flight options and it doesn’t feel nice to stump up $2000 in case something goes wrong!
Ideally it would be a cheapish flight with a quick and free refund.
Thanks
Nicholas
Author
Sorry Nicholas, I’ve never had to get a flight refunded so I’m not sure which airlines flying out of Brazil would have a zero-charge refund. I did hear that flights originating or ending in the US with an American carrier have 24-hour no-charge cancellation policies, but I rarely fly to the US so I can’t confirm whether that’s true or not.
OK thanks for the quick reply! Yes I think I just read the same on skyscanner. 🙂
The online payment link seems not to be working any longer. (As well as gov website on how extend visa in Poruguese). If I go to the airport I suspect they’ll give me the link. Is there a bank there to do the payment and a place to print out documents? If not, will have to come back again.. So difficult to get information. I’m at the Botafogo Federal Police right now and they hardly know anything.
Author
The link seems to go in and out of functioning constantly, it’s very hard to keep updated, I’m sorry. I’d recommend calling.
No, at the time of my visit, you needed to do everything before, there was no place to print documents or do the payment anywhere near.
Yes, the bureaucracy in Brazil is extremely frustrating, disorganized, and backward. Definitely one of the reasons I’m very happy not to live there anymore: saving on daily headaches and time wastes.
Finally managed to get my extension. I have extended my stay in various Latin American countries and this was by far the most tedious. I got there late morning and left at 5pm. If you’re not planning to stay more than a month past your visa expiry I would consider just overstaying (assuming it’s 8.50Rs per day with no major consequences as people say – although problems arise if they check the passport when (e.g.) getting a bus?).
Updates / edits / additions:
– You now need to have “Proof of tourism in the Brazilian Territory” – e.g. documental proof of future bus travel or a visit to Pão de Azucar. Utterly absurd. I got a bus ticket to a another state (I hope I can cancel it!).
– You need to go to this link for the payment with code 140090 – https://servicos.dpf.gov.br/gru2/gru?nac=1&rec=2 – I would however just go there and ask in case it has changed by the time you do it. There was printing facility and bank at the one I went to (Rio) (see below)
– I can confirm that for the city of Rio you can still only do the extension with the Federal Police in Terminal 1 of the international airport.
– 50 metres from the Federal Police there is a hotel with computer / wifi and opportunity to print documents (and pay for the extension). Plus a bank for the payment another 100 metres away.
– Ask for checklist for all documents (I couldn’t find it on the internet) when you arrive. When you give in documents politely request them to check all is in order so you don’t wait and then discover you’ve missed something.
– I tried to call beforehand but couldn’t get through. This is the number in case you have more luck: (21) 3004 6050
Author
Such great info! Thank you so much.
Thank you so much! A lot of the links in the blog post are not working and this is the only good info I have found, thanks again!
Author
Hi Janell – sorry! I try to keep the links updated as much as possible, but unfortunately, the Brazilian government is always changing things up and does NOT do redirects (ugh). If you find something not working or a replacement, please do let me know.
Could you clarify on the “Proof of tourism in the Brazilian Territory” bit? What does that mean? Isn’t Pão de Azucar a supermarket — tourism in a supermarket?
Author
Pão de Azucar is also a major natural attraction in Rio de Janeiro.
Seems that the overstay fine increased incredibly and is now not R$8.28, but R$100 per day! Be careful.
Hi. I’m a Canadian citizen. In past years, I have twice overstayed my 90 day stay by one month, and another time by 2 months , preferring to pay the 8 and something R per day fine to going through the frustration and unpleasantness of the renewal process at that very far away office of the federal police at GIG airport. (I once wasted most of a day going there only to be told that I lacked one of the required papers).
But this time (May 2018), I was assessed a fine of 100R per day, which was completely unexpected. Had I known, I would have done things differently (either a shofter stay, of the renewal process in spite of its difficulties). As the fine is paid not on leaving but on reentering the country, , I wasn’t faced with an immediate problem, but I doubt I’ll go back (much as I’d like to) faced with a 3000R fine, instead of the 250R I had figured on. Spread the word. Do you see any likely – to – be – successful way to get the fine reduced to the previous levels- this one time, anyway?
Thanks for your service as this information is difficult to find.
After 89 days in Brazil I have returned to the US. My question, do I need to request an extension in person? It sounds very risky to fly there for my 90th day and pray they accept my request. If I am rejected then my second day there would be considered an overstay.
Author
If you have left the country and only stayed for 89 days on your initial visit, you don’t need to request an extension. You simply return and will be granted an additional 90 days. The 180 days within 365 still applies, however.
On the subject of rudeness… I was born and raised in Brazil but have American citizenship only ,because of unusual circumstances. For the past 30 years or so, I go thru hell every time I pass thru immigration in Rio. They demand as rude as they know how, for my Brazilian papers, even though I present to the necessary documents( Brazilian letters signed by a Brazilian Consul) that explain why I only have an American passport.
They always( no exceptions!), do just the opposite of what the American Immigration does to me every time I come back to the US and that is , sometimes ask me how my vacation was and Always, tell me “ Welcome back home!”. God Bless America!
Author
Aw I’m sorry to hear about how you’re treated in Brazil, but am so glad you receive a pleasant welcome home in the US! I can’t say that I’m always treated with kindness by US immigration officers (actually, I’ve been yelled at a few times and have also been told my love of packing light is strange and suspicious, but oh well), so I’m glad someone gets treated nicely! 🙂
This is actually useful, thanks.
Hi, this is very useful-thank you for all the info.
Question: I’m from South Africa. We get 90 days Visa free.
Do we qualify to do an extension for another 90 days?
Also: I arrived in Brazil on 28 September 2017, stayed for a month and left for Ecuador. My return flight is on 10 September 2018 to Brazil.
Does this mean I have 2 months left of my initial 90 days, or will I get a new 90 days….
Author
Hi Cassandra! This information is only for those with visas. They are the ones that qualify for extensions. I’d recommend contacting your embassy for your best course of action.
Hi everyone,
The information on here has been extremely useful and I share the following hoping it can be of use to you. As NG commented above, the checklist for the prorrogacao isn’t printed anywhere on line. The only one I managed to find was the one listed here and have taken note of NG’s update regarding the “proof of tourism” required.
I was able to get the contact to the Passport/Foreigner Office in Galeao, and the number is (21) 3398-5410. Caller beware: the person who picked up was very rude and refused to answer any of my questions insisting she was in charge of passports, and that I had to visit in person to have any information about the prorrogacao requirements. I told her I had a quick question and she just repeated the exact same thing. My language skills are not very good so I found it hard to insist because I lack the vocabulary. I will go to the office this week and try to get the extension using the documents listed on here. Wish me luck, I’ll post an update after the ordeal.
Author
Thank you so much for sharing this! I will update the post later today to include the information you’ve very kindly provided.
**** EXTENSION UPDATE FROM RIO DE JANEIRO WITH 2018 EXTENSION REQUIREMENT LIST BELOW****
I was granted the extension I solicited today at Rio’s Galeao airport. I asked for 86 more days (to stay until November 1) and ended up getting an extension up to November 23, even though the flight information I presented was for departure on November 1st.
I arrived extremely early at 6:30 am and was the first one waiting at the office on a Wednesday. The Foreigner Office opens from 8:00-16:00 and by the time the doors opened at least 30 people were lined up. A separate line formed for people who made appointments previously, the “agendado” line, and people who were there for other paperwork, including the visa extension, were in the “general/information” line. Yes, even if you have to ask a simple question you have to get in this line. Currently, there is no option to make an online appointment for a prorrogacao de estada which is why I lined up in the “general” line.
What happens at 8:00 am? The bureaucrats open the doors and ask to serve people with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women first. If no one walks up, they start moving onto the people standing on the agendado line. Yes, not the best procedure for those on a first come, first serve basis but this is what happened today. A woman who was returning told me the day she came they would take turns helping a person on the agendado line and then another from the general line. I guess it’s really up to whoever opens the door that day. Today, the bureaucrat told me to wait in line until all of the agendado people were serviced, then they’d move onto the rest of us.
Things went on like that for approximately 20 minutes and then around 8:20 a French couple who arrived shortly before the doors were opened to the general line just cut right in. Yes, they snuck in front of everyone waiting in line, including me who got there first, even though they had no previous appointment scheduled. I realized this kind of thing happens so I took a risk and right before I saw they were leaving the counter I jumped in and told the officer, “These two you just helped cut in front of all of us, I arrived at 6:30 and couldn’t make an appointment for the prorrogacao because the internet system doesn’t allow me to.” The man at the counter miraculously took pity on me and let me drop off my documents (including my passport) and told me to sit and wait for my name to be called. When the woman behind me tried to go next, because she saw I succeeded, she didn’t have the same luck and they sent her back to the line doing the whole agendados first, general line second. They finally got to the general line at 8:48 am. I timed it.
I got my passport back at 9:53 am with the said prorroga stamp.
I detail the whole thing because it unfortunately shows how arbitrary things are at the Galeao Foreigner Office. People cut, people try and get around the line, neat things like that. You will have to be insistent, but nice, to the bureaucrats there if you have a question or objection. Don’t argue with them, you’ll loose, and if they tell you to wait you’ll just have to wait unless you have a serious emergency that you are able to explain in Portuguese. These people are not the kindest, you can tell they get a kick out of their petty positions of power in the demeaning way the speak to everyone who arrives. Just keep all this in mind and hope for the best, arm yourself with patience, a book, and something to eat because the waiting time is unknown and if you leave the room and you’re up next, good luck.
Before we bag on Brazil, I’ve done similar procedures in many countries and this kind of thing is a pain in the butt just about everywhere in the world if you’re a tourist/foreigner. Generally speaking, officers tend to share the same disdain for the people who show up, talk down at you, etc.. It’s awful, yes, but that’s the reality of things.
Below the current requirement list for the “prorrogacao de estada/extensao de visto de turista.” You can only obtain it in person from the Galeao Foreigner Office M-F 8:00-16:00 as of 8/8/2018.
I’m transcribing the English text verbatim because I can’t upload a digital version of it.
“TOURIST VISA EXTENSION
Demanded documents:
1) Passaport
2) Immigration paper*
3) Departure ticket reservation
4) Maintenance proof: bank statements, money etc.
5) Tourist visa extension form (fill only the first section)
6) Proof of tourism in Brazil (hotel/museum reservation in the future)
7) Copy of the arrival ticket*
Internet site: http://www.dpf.gov.br click G.R.U. In the main page; It will open a window; write name and address in Brazil.
Revenue code: 140090–R$ 110,44 (GRU–FUNAPOL)
Collect unit code: SUPERINTENDENCIA REGIONAL DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Print tax form and pay it in the bank
Extension temp II: A letter from the firm asking more time in Brazil”
*The paper given to you when you arrived by plane to Brazil. I never got one because I crossed the Argentine land border and as long as you have an entry stamp, you’re good.
**Not fully sure what this means but I got my extension without providing them with an arrival ticket, since I crossed the land border, I relied on my arrival stamp. I guess if you arrived by air just bring a copy of the arrival ticket just in case? To avoid having them deny you the extension because you don’t have that thing?
Author
You’re a hero!! GREAT INFORMATION!! Thank you!
Do you have any idea what happens if they don’t give you a copy of the arrival ticket?
Author
I don’t, I’m sorry! I would recommend contacting the Federal Police or your embassy.
Hi, I managed to take all the steps, but I’m stuck with the tax form. They ask me my CPF, but as I am a tourist, i dont have one.
Do you know what I can do? ,
thanks!
Author
Here are directions for obtaining a CPF.
Hi
Is it possible tl change a tourist visa to a working or student visa in brazil within the 90 days without leaving brazil ?
Author
My knowledge is that the answer is no. You need to leave Brazil in order to change your visa type. I had to leave to change to a working visa (which I did in Israel), and I’ve had friends who left (to nearby South American countries) to change to a student visa. You can’t change the status within the country.
Hello Steph,
I got my Brazilian visa with an exit flight to Buenos Aires, and an intention of going to Argentina for a week, and coming back to Brazil to start my other 90 days because you can do that in Colombia. Can you extend by doing a border hop for a few days, in my case a week?
Thanks in advance!
Does the 90-day extension begin on the day you are granted it OR does it begin once your initial 90-day period expires? If it’s the former scenario, then to get 180 days total you’d have to leave the extension request until literally the last day you are legally in the country.
Author
Officially: Begins on the day you are granted. Unofficially: may depend on the person granting the extension.
Yep, it’s not the way I would have organized the system but it is what it is.
Hi, thanks for the complete article!
What I’m wondering, is if I can do the 90+90 tourist VISA, and then come back with another citizenship? I’m a dual national, so I could really use one passport for each 180 days and stay as long as I want(with the exit trip to switch declared citizenship) 🙂
Any insight on that would be appreciated, thanks!
Author
Sorry Amber, I’m really not sure! I would recommend checking with the Brazilian embassy in one of your countries of citizenship!
Hello Steph,
First of all many thanks for the great information.
My question is if I need to extend my work/Technical Visa,how many days before I can start the process before my current visa end.
What is the timeline it takes to get approved.
Thanks,
Author
Hi Aj! For anything to do with work or technical visas in Brazil, I would ask directly to your company/company’s lawyer or to immigration.
This is an amazing blog. Thanks for explaining it so simply 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂
Some outdated information here:
– Policia Federal in Rio moved from Galeão to the third floor of Santos Dumont
– Entry and exit tickets aren’t given anymore
– I needed to bring a “proof of tourism” which can be as simple as a “bus ticket” to Buzios or another destination, I just screen printed before the payment screen with all my personal info in there
Thanks so much!
Was it hard to get the extension? Did you make an appointment before going? How long was your extension? 90 days or more?
Author
If you meet all of the requirements and provide all of the required documents, you will be approved.
You cannot make an appointment; you need to show up and wait.
I received 90 days, which is the maximum for the extension.
Dear Sir,
I am holding Brazil Tourist VISA for 90 days how can I extend my visa for another 90 days I am an Indian citizen.
Now I am in Matta Grouso Brazil
Author
Hi Anand, I’ve explained everything above. If you have unanswered questions I’d advise contacting your embassy/consulate. Best of luck!
Hello..Great website and I appreciate reading all the assistance you have provided those with our comments!u
Just a quick question – I arrived in Brazil on a 90 day “multiplas” VISA on May 28, 2019 (before the VISA elimination date for US nationals came into effect on June 16).
Heading back to the US for a wedding on August 10, with a return back to Brazil on August 22. Will I still be granted another 90 days upon entry? Or do I need to extend my visa before my departure back to the US?
I suppose i wanted to confirm that 180 days maximum (ok with multiple entries) per year – is still valid? I have been trying to locate to confirm this is still valid with the new non-visa introduction.
Any assistance would be wonderful!
Much appreciated!
Obrigado!
I am eligiable to enter brasil without a visa and stay up to 90 days with my passport. I entered Brazil on 26th of february 2019 and only stayed for 70 days. I am coming back for the carnival on 28th of January 2020 and I want to stay for 180 days. Can I do this with an extention and by not leaving the country ? Because my timer resets on 25th of February 2020 and I am coming on 28th of January 2020. It is confusing
Author
I recommend contacting your embassy. My experience and this article are based on needing a visa to initially enter.