Courtesy Visa (VICOR) — Brazil

The Courtesy Visa (VICOR) is meant for specific public figures visiting Brazil in a non-official capacity. It also extends to their spouse or partner.

The Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) processes the visa inside Brazil, while consulates handle issuance abroad.

Who the visa is for

You qualify for the Courtesy Visa (VICOR) if you’re a foreign personality or authority visiting Brazil on an unofficial visit. This visa doesn’t cover formal state missions or accredited diplomatic assignments.

Your spouse or partner may receive a VICOR linked to your status. The focus is on your personal standing as a recognized authority, not on employment, tourism, or business.

Here’s a table showing how VICOR compares to related visa types:

If your visit is for formal government representation, review the Diplomatic Visa (VIDIP) or Official Visa (VIOFF) instead.

The Federal Police (PF) oversees immigration records inside Brazil.

Official form and authority

The Courtesy Visa is documented with the Polícia Federal form titled “Courtesy Visa (VICOR)”. This is an official immigration classification in Brazil’s visa system.

You’ll deal with two authorities:

1. Brazilian consulates abroad – issue the visa in your passport.

2. Federal Police (PF) – manage immigration control and registration after you enter Brazil.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

VICOR is its own classification, separate from Diplomatic Visa (VIDIP), Official Visa (VIOFF), or Form RER-Visa. Make sure the visa type matches your visit’s purpose before applying.

A Brazil courtesy visa is discretionary. You must meet your category’s criteria, and authorities can refuse your application even if you submit everything required.

Approval is not guaranteed

Submitting a VICOR (courtesy visa) application doesn’t guarantee approval. Brazilian consulates look at each case individually before issuing the visa.

The decision sits with the authority handling your case. Visa issuance is done through a Brazilian consulate abroad, while immigration control in Brazil is handled by the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF).

Approval depends on whether your situation fits the specific courtesy category. Filing documents alone doesn’t create a right to the visa.

Wait for a formal decision before making travel plans. Prior travel to Brazil or past visa history doesn’t guarantee approval.

Other limitations

A courtesy visa doesn’t put you in the same legal category as a Diplomatic Visa (VIDIP) or an Official Visa (VIOFF) holder. Each visa type has its own scope and purpose.

You’re only allowed to do activities consistent with your visa. If you do something outside what’s permitted, you risk refusal, cancellation, or future immigration issues.

Inside Brazil, the Federal Police (PF) oversees immigration registration and compliance. You must follow PF requirements during your stay.

If your circumstances change, don’t expect the courtesy visa to convert automatically into another status, like an RER-Visa. You need proper authorization through the correct legal process before changing your immigration category.

There’s no government application fee for a Brazil Courtesy Visa as of March 2026. Processing is usually completed within 10 business days, but the exact timing depends on where you apply.

Fee details

As of March 2026, the application fee is R$ 0 for a Brazil Courtesy Visa.

Brazilian consulates issue the visa abroad and don’t charge a government filing fee for this category right now. If you need registration after arrival, the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) handles it inside Brazil.

Key points:

• The R$ 0 amount applies to the Courtesy Visa category.
• Other categories, like Diplomatic Visa (VIDIP) or Official Visa (VIOFF), have their own rules.
• If you later change status in Brazil (for example, through an Form RER-Visa process), separate rules might apply.

Check with the Brazilian consulate where you file, as consular practices can shift.

Typical processing time

Processing usually takes up to 10 business days.

This timeline applies to standard applications submitted through a Brazilian consulate. Business days don’t include weekends or official holidays.

You should:

1. Submit a complete application to avoid delays.

2. Watch for communication from the consulate for extra document requests.

3. Allow extra time if you have urgent travel plans.

If you’re already in Brazil and dealing with post‑entry requirements, the PF manages immigration registration. The visa itself is issued abroad by a consulate.

For Diplomatic Visa (VIDIP) and Official Visa (VIOFF) applicants, internal government coordination can affect timelines. Confirm expectations with the issuing authority.

Fee table headings

Here’s a quick table for cost and timing:

If you apply under a different category—like VIDIP, VIOFF, or a residence-based process such as RER-Visa—confirm the fees and timelines with the right Brazilian authority before submitting your documents.