Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa System
Brazil has streamlined its eVisa process for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, allowing online applications (€80 fee) that are valid for 10 years with multiple entries. The approval typically takes 5-10 business days, so apply early to ensure smooth entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Brazil, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry validity periods.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to avoid complications at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, UK, Japan, South Africa, and most South American nations can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, extendable once for another 90 days.
Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds (around $50/day) may be requested upon arrival.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, use Brazil's official eVisa portal or apply at a Brazilian consulate, submitting documents like a valid passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of accommodation. The standard tourist visa costs about €80 and allows stays up to 90 days.
Processing times vary from 10 days to a month; expedited options are available for an extra fee in some cases.
Border Crossings
Major international airports like São Paulo-Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão handle most arrivals with efficient immigration lines, but expect fingerprinting and photo scans for all visitors.
Land borders with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay are straightforward but may involve longer waits; always have your documents ready for checks.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, evacuation (especially in remote Amazon areas), and trip disruptions due to weather or strikes.
Opt for policies with at least $50,000 in medical coverage; premiums start from $2-5 per day from trusted international providers.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended for another 90 days by applying at the Federal Police in Brazil before your initial period expires, providing reasons like extended tourism or business.
The extension fee is around R$200 (about €35), and approval isn't guaranteed, so plan accordingly with supporting documents like hotel bookings.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Rio or São Paulo by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international and domestic airfare, especially during Carnival season.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for padarias and lanchonetes for affordable meals under R$20, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Street vendors and feiras (markets) offer fresh fruits, acai bowls, and empanadas at bargain prices, immersing you in Brazilian flavors.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a Bilhete Único card in cities like São Paulo for unlimited bus and metro rides at R$4.40 per trip, drastically reducing urban transport expenses.
Intercity buses via companies like Greyhound equivalents are economical at R$50-100 for long distances, often cheaper than flying.
Free Attractions
Explore iconic sites like Copacabana Beach, Ipanema sunsets, and Tijuca National Park hikes without entry fees, providing authentic Brazilian experiences at no cost.
Many museums and cultural centers offer free admission on Wednesdays or Sundays, allowing budget travelers to dive into history and art.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but carry small amounts of cash for street markets, taxis, and tips in remote areas.
Use ATMs from major banks like Banco do Brasil for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges which charge high commissions.
Attraction Passes
Get the Rio Card or similar city passes for discounted entry to multiple sites like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Cable Car, often saving 20-30% on combo tickets.
For the Amazon, eco-tour packages can bundle boat rides and guides, paying off after 2-3 activities compared to individual bookings.
Smart Packing for Brazil
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including quick-dry shirts and shorts for humid days in Rio or the Amazon.
Include modest cover-ups for religious sites like Salvador's churches and versatile layers for cooler southern evenings in São Paulo.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type N plugs (three-prong), a portable charger for long beach days, and a waterproof phone case for water activities.
Download offline translation apps for Portuguese, Google Maps for navigation, and a VPN for secure Wi-Fi in cafes and hostels.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for boat trips, and vaccinations proof for yellow fever in jungle areas.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen (50+), DEET insect repellent for mosquitoes in the Pantanal, and antidiarrheal for potential food adjustments.
Travel Gear
Opt for a secure daypack with anti-theft features for city exploration, a reusable water bottle (for purified water), and a lightweight rain poncho for sudden showers.
Include photocopies of your passport, a money belt for valuables, and a dry bag for beach or river outings to keep essentials safe.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable flip-flops or sandals for beach hopping in Bahia, sturdy hiking shoes for Iguazu Falls trails, and closed-toe sneakers for urban walks in bustling favelas tours.
Water shoes are essential for snorkeling in Fernando de Noronha or river rafting, protecting against rocky terrains and marine hazards.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable sunscreen, moisturizer for dry plane air, and a compact umbrella or hat for intense sun exposure in the northeast.
Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene on long bus rides, plus eco-friendly toiletries to respect Brazil's sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest.
When to Visit Brazil
Summer (December-February)
Peak high season with hot, humid weather (25-35°C) perfect for Carnival in Rio and beach parties in Salvador, though expect crowds and higher prices.
Ideal for water sports and festivals, but rain is common in the Amazon; southern cities like Porto Alegre see milder 20-28°C temps.
Autumn (March-May)
Shoulder season with warming temperatures (20-30°C) and fewer tourists, great for hiking in Chapada Diamantina and exploring colonial Ouro Preto without summer heat.
Rainy season starts in the north, but it's prime time for whale watching off the coast and affordable accommodations in major cities.
Winter (June-August)
Dry season in the Amazon (18-28°C) for optimal wildlife viewing in the Pantanal, while the south experiences cooler 10-20°C weather suitable for wine tours in the Serra Gaúcha.
Low season means budget deals on flights and hotels, though southern rain can occur; perfect for cultural events like São João festivals.
Spring (September-November)
Transition to wetter weather (22-32°C) with blooming landscapes, excellent for birdwatching in the Atlantic Forest and surfing in Florianópolis as crowds thin out.
Avoid peak rain in Rio by focusing on the drier northeast; it's a vibrant time for eco-adventures and lower costs before the holiday rush.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is king for rural areas and small vendors.
- Language: Portuguese is the official language. English is limited outside tourist hubs; basic phrases or a translation app will help immensely.
- Time Zone: Multiple zones; Brasília Time (BRT) UTC-3 is standard in most areas, with variations like UTC-4 in the west and UTC-2 in parts of the northeast.
- Electricity: 127V or 220V, 60Hz. Type N plugs (three round pins); dual-voltage devices recommended, and adapters are essential.
- Emergency Number: 190 for police, 192 for medical emergencies, 193 for fire, and 199 for civil defense
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 10% to restaurant bills if service isn't included, and round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or purified water, especially in rural or coastal regions
- Pharmacies: Readily available as "Farmácias" with green crosses; 24-hour options in cities stock international meds