Visit Visa - Tourism (VIVIS) — Brazil

The Brazil tourist visa is part of the Visit Visa (VIVIS) category and allows you to seek entry and remain in Brazil for short-term stays, as long as you comply with the law. Brazilian consulates issue visas abroad, and the Federal Police (PF) handle immigration controls and registration within Brazil.

Purpose and scope

The Visit Visa (VIVIS) covers tourism and other short visits. You can’t use this visa to work, enroll in long-term academic programs, or settle permanently.

Brazil’s short-term entry categories include:

If employment is your purpose, look at the Temporary Visa – Work (VITEM V). For study, the Temporary Visa – Student (VITEM IV) applies. Those seeking residence should review the Form RER-Visa.

A visa gives you the right to request admission, but final entry depends on inspection by Brazilian authorities.

Who it’s for

Apply for the Brazil tourist visa if you’re traveling temporarily and don’t plan to work or stay long-term.

This visa is for travelers who:

• Want to visit Brazil for tourism
• Plan to stay for a limited period
• Will not work for a Brazilian employer
• Don’t intend to enroll in long-term academic programs

Applications are made through a Brazilian consulate outside Brazil. If you’re admitted, you must comply with immigration controls enforced by the Federal Police (PF).

If your activities fall outside tourism or short visits, use the correct visa category. Applying under the wrong classification can mean denial of entry or needing to leave and reapply.

Start by getting the correct form and instructions. Fill out every field accurately and submit the signed application with all supporting documents. Use the version issued by the Federal Police (PF) and follow their instructions closely.

Get the form and instructions

Download the current VIVIS (tourism) application form and instructions from the Federal Police (PF). Avoid unofficial or outdated versions.

Check that the form matches your purpose of travel. Common categories include:

Submitting the wrong category form delays your process.

Read the instructions carefully. The PF sets the requirements, and consulates issue visas based on those standards.

How to complete the form

Fill in all required sections. Don’t leave mandatory fields blank.

Steps:

1. Enter your personal details exactly as in your passport.

2. Provide accurate travel and contact details.

3. Choose the correct visa category (e.g., Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS)).

4. Double-check spelling and consistency.

5. Sign where indicated.

Information must match across all documents. If your passport lists names in a certain order, use that order.

Gather all supporting evidence as listed in the official instructions. Organize documents as requested. Missing evidence causes delays or refusals.

If you apply for VITEM V or VITEM IV, use only the form for that visa. Don’t mix requirements.

Submitting your application

Submit your signed application and all supporting documents as directed in the instructions.

Outside Brazil, submit to the Brazilian consulate. Inside Brazil, the Federal Police (PF) handles immigration registration.

Before you submit:

• Make sure the form is complete and signed
• Include all required documents
• Confirm the visa category matches your purpose
• Follow the latest PF instructions

Submit documents in the format required. Keep copies for your records.

Your stay in Brazil depends on the visa category granted by a consulate and the conditions stamped in your passport at entry. The Federal Police (PF) monitor compliance, including overstays and status violations.

Allowed length of stay

The allowed stay is shown on the entry stamp in your passport. You must leave Brazil or obtain a lawful extension before that date.

Maximum stay depends on your visa type and nationality. Common categories include:

• e-Visa (Tourism)
• Visit Visa - Business (VIVIS)
• Visit Visa - Transit (VIVIS)

With a Visit Visa (VIVIS), you’re limited to short-term activities like tourism, business meetings, or transit. Paid work and long-term study aren’t allowed.

If your purpose changes, apply for the appropriate status:

• Temporary Visa - Work (VITEM V) for employment
• Temporary Visa - Student (VITEM IV) for study
• Form RER-Visa for residence, if eligible

The PF manages immigration control and any regularization inside Brazil. Overstaying can lead to fines or future entry bans. Confirm your authorized stay period with the Brazilian consulate that issued your visa or the PF after arrival.

Entry type and annual limits

Your visa might allow single entry or multiple entries, depending on what the consulate grants. Always check the visa label in your passport to confirm the entry type you received.

A single-entry visa means you can enter Brazil once. If you leave, that visa is finished.

A multiple-entry visa lets you enter Brazil more than once during the validity period. Each stay is still limited to the maximum duration allowed at entry, and the immigration officer decides how long you can stay every time you enter.

Visit visas like VIVIS don’t automatically turn into work or residence authorization. If your goal is to work, study for an extended period, or live in Brazil, you need to get the right temporary visa before starting those activities.

You’re expected to comply with:

• The purpose you stated when applying
• The length of stay the officer grants at entry
• Any registration requirements set by the PF

Ignoring these conditions can lead to penalties, fines in BRL (R$), or future visa refusals. Some nationalities or visa categories have annual stay limits—these are set by the Brazilian consulate or the Federal Police.

Consular officers look at whether your planned activities fit the visa category you selected and if you’ll stick to its limits. They also check for consistency across your application, supporting documents, and your stated reason for travel.

Decision basics

You must apply under the right category and show that your activities fit.

For tourism, use the e‑Visa (Tourism) or the appropriate Visit Visa (VIVIS) for short stays. For business meetings, apply for Visit Visa – Business (VIVIS). If you’re only passing through, you need Visit Visa – Transit (VIVIS).

Officers compare your declared purpose with other visa types, including:

If your plans suggest work or study but you apply as a tourist, the officer can refuse the application.

Approval isn’t automatic. Filing a VIVIS‑Tourist application doesn’t guarantee a visa.

Brazilian consulates issue visas abroad. After you arrive, the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) handles immigration registration if required.

Why applications are refused

Refusals usually happen because of mismatch, inconsistency, or unsupported claims.

Some common issues:

• Applying for VIVIS (Tourism) but describing paid or academic activities
• Selecting Visit Visa – Business (VIVIS) but outlining only tourism
• Indicating long-term residence intentions under a short-stay category
• Making statements that don’t fit the selected visa type

Officers look for internal consistency. Your itinerary, travel purpose, and chosen visa should all match up.

They also check if your plans actually require a different visa, like VITEM V for work or VITEM IV for study. If your activities fit those, a visit visa isn’t right.

You can’t fix a fundamental category mistake after a refusal by explaining your intent. You’ll need to apply under the proper visa classification through the Brazilian consulate that has jurisdiction over your case.