Brazil Transit Visa
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You may need a Brazil visa even if you're just transiting. The policy depends on several factors, including the airport you arrive at, your nationality, and how long you'll be staying.
This article explains whether you need a visa to transit, the application process, requirements, and processing times.
Do I Need a Visa to Transit in Brazil?
In most cases, travelers do not need a visa if they stay in the airport’s international transit area.
However, if you’re staying for more than 7 hours (depending on nationality and airport rules), you may need a visa. This is also true if the airport you travel to doesn’t have a transit area (see below).
Important: As of April 10, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens will be required to obtain a visa for transit, regardless of the length of stay.
Airports requiring a visa for transit
While many international airports in Brazil allow you to stay in the transit area without a visa, there are exceptions.
Specifically, 5 airports do not have international transit areas. Passengers transiting through these airports must obtain a visa, even if they’re not leaving the airport.
These airports are:
- Curitiba (CWB)
- Florianópolis (FLN)
- Porto Alegre (POA)
- Porto Seguro (BPS)
- Salvador (SSA)
If you’re transiting through any of these airports, you’ll need an eVisa or Visitor Visa (VIVIS) to enter Brazil, regardless of the length of your layover.
Does Brazil Have a Transit Visa?
Brazil no longer issues a separate "Transit Visa." Travelers who previously would have applied for this visa must now apply for an eVisa (citizens of Australia, Canada, and the U.S.) or a Visitor Visa (VIVIS).
How the eVisa works for transit
If you need to leave the airport during your layover or if your airport does not have a transit area, you must apply for a visa for Brazil. An eVisa allows you to enter the country, even if just for a short period, while waiting for your connecting flight.
How to get an eVisa for transit
Citizens of Australia, Canada, and the U.S. can easily apply for an eVisa for transit online. Simply fill in our simplified form, pay the processing fee, and receive your approved visa by email
FAQs About Transiting in Brazil
Do I need a visa for a layover in Brazil if I don't leave the airport?
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In most cases, you do not need a visa if you remain within the international transit area of the airport.
However, this exemption does not apply to passengers transiting through airports without an international transit area (e.g., Curitiba, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, Porto Seguro, and Salvador).
What happens if I overstay my eVisa for transit?
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Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or even a ban from entering Brazil in the future. It’s important to ensure you leave the country before your visa expires.
Can I leave the airport during my layover without a visa if I’m a citizen of a visa-exempt country?
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Some nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays in Brazil. If you’re a citizen of one of these countries, you may leave the airport during your layover without a visa.
Check the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a complete list of visa-exempt countries.
Can I transit through Brazil if my final destination is not Brazil?
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Yes, you can transit through Brazil even if your final destination is not Brazil. However, if you need to leave the airport or if your layover is at an airport without an international transit area, you might need a visa.