Effective December 1, 2023, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia can now request an electronic visit visa (e-visa) to travel to Brazil, without the need to visit a Brazilian embassy or consulate to obtain it. The e-visa requests must be submitted exclusively through the link https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ to VFS Global.1 It is essential to remember that the requirement for a visit visa for nationals of these countries will come into effect on January 10, 2024.
For trips prior to January 10, 2024, nationals of these countries do not need to present a visa, even if the return trip is after that date. (For related coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2023-167, August 31, 2023.) For updated information on obtaining visit visas, as well as specific fees and procedures, it is recommended to check the official websites of Brazilian embassies and consulates in these jurisdictions.
WHY THIS MATTERS
This change in policy, while adding a step that must be taken by individuals from the aforementioned countries planning to travel to Brazil for tourism or business, given that the process is all electronic, means travelers should have an easier time of it. The process for obtaining an electronic visit visa will not require a trip to a Brazilian embassy or consulate. It's important to note that temporary visas must still be requested at a Brazilian embassy or consulate general. The e-visa is only issued for tourism or business trips, without the intention of establishing residence in the country.
However, from January 10, 2024, Brazilian nationals holding U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizenship will no longer be able to travel to Brazil with a foreign passport, thereby adding a restriction on their existing flexible travel options.
Changes to Brazilian Nationals with U.S., Canadian, Australian Citizenship Traveling to Brazil with Foreign Passports
Additionally, starting from January 10, 2024, Brazilians who also hold U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizenship will no longer be able to travel to Brazil with a foreign passport, as the Brazilian government does not issue visas to Brazilian citizens. Therefore, Brazilian citizens must travel to Brazil with a valid Brazilian passport. Lack of the necessary documentation for boarding may result in setbacks with the airline.
KPMG INSIGHTS
There is some flux in the visa rules, especially in terms of qualifying citizens and the process for obtaining the appropriate visa. Concerned parties should consult with their travel agent and qualified immigration counsel or a member of the KPMG mobility team (see the Contacts section).
The KPMG mobility team is actively monitoring updates on visa rules and related matters and will strive to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed of any relevant developments.
FOOTNOTE
1 VFS Global website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ .
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Brazil.
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