Visiting Brazil in 2025: New Visa Requirements for American Travelers
Travelers hoping to visit one Latin American destination in 2025 will have to back up their stay with bank account statements. American citizens will soon have to bring more than a passport to gain entry into the country.
Visitor Visa
According to CNN Travel, Brazil will be implementing their new visa program starting next year. In accordance with new rules which are set to be put into place in 2025, travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia, will have to not only share bank statements but also pay for a visa. Just as the European Union postponed its ETIAS program which would require visitors from most non-EU countries to obtain pre-travel clearance, Brazil had also originally halted the new visa system. But all bank account showing bets are set to be back on soon enough. Still, there will be some instances where obtaining entry will be easier. Those traveling for tourism or via cruise travel will be able to apply for an e-visa rather than having to visit a consulate. The overall cost of the visa will be $80.90, but will last for a decade. The visa will be valid across multiple entries. Stays will also be limited to 90 days per year. The visa requirement is nothing new, however.
Nothing New
Rather, US travelers who wished to travel to Brazil prior to 2019 were forced to get visas in order to be permitted entry. As reported by Tampa Bays News Channel 8, former president Jair Bolsonaro had initially removed the requirement to boost the tourism industry. In the meantime, e-visas were introduced just a year prior to the prerequisite being abolished completely. Bolsonaro’s predecessor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, decided to reintroduce the requirement to maintain reciprocity between the countries. According to the Brazilian government’s website, a letter of intent will also be necessary. This letter should detail dates of the trip and planned details of your stay such as lodging.
Funds Before Fun
In addition to showing proof of residence in the US, return tickets to Brazil or a signed return declaration as well as income will also be required. That means visitors will have to show their last three checking or savings account statements – or last six pay slips. In order to be granted entry, travelers will also need to show at least $2,000 in their account. Those who can’t make these requirements will need a sponsor to sign for them and show their finances instead.
It Goes Two Ways
The system isn’t a one-way street either. Brazilians traveling to the US must be prepared to schedule a visa appointment at their nearest embassy. They also have to prove that they have the finances to pay for their trip and will need a visa which will set them back $185. That’s almost double the fee of what Americans will be made to pay when entering Brazil. The processing times for the Brazil visa system will take around five working days. Still, the company handling the applications, known as VFS, “strongly recommend” travelers apply two months prior to their departure date. Americans are the second largest group of visitors to the country after Argentinians according to TravelPulse.