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Brazil Transit Visa

The Brazil Transit Visa covers foreign nationals passing through Brazil en route to a third destination. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Visit Visa (VIVIS) framework — required for citizens of certain countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States for stays of up to 90 days without the intention of establishing residence — explicitly covers transit as one of its qualifying purposes, alongside tourism and business. Since 10 April 2025, and expanded further from 1 January 2026, nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and more than 20 other previously visa-exempt countries must obtain the mandatory e-Visa even for airport transit through Brazil. Travellers of other nationalities may be exempt from a transit visa requirement depending on bilateral agreements, or may need a traditional transit visa through a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. As with all Brazil Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Brazilian consular and immigration authorities.

Eligibility

Based on official Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance, applicants for a Transit Visa must generally:

  • Be a foreign national transiting through Brazil en route to a third country.
  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • For nationalities subject to Brazil’s mandatory e-Visa reciprocity requirement (including the United States, Canada, and Australia): apply for the Visit Visa (VIVIS) e-Visa, since it explicitly includes transit as a qualifying purpose.
  • For other nationalities: confirm with the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate whether a traditional transit visa or an exemption applies.
  • Provide confirmed onward travel documentation showing the itinerary beyond Brazil.

Government Visa Fees

Itamaraty does not publish a single universal fee for VITEM XI spouse applications across all consulates; fees vary by the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate processing the application.

Fee TypeAmount
e-Visa (VIVIS), covering transit purposes, via the official VFSeVisa portalUSD 80.90 per applicant
Traditional Transit Visa, via Embassy/ConsulateVaries by consulate and bilateral fee arrangement; confirm with the relevant mission
INR EquivalentInformation may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee for traditional transit visa applications with the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

Brazil Visa Processing Time

For e-Visa applicants, recent Ministry of Foreign Affairs updates indicate approvals, including an embedded QR code, are being issued in as little as 48 hours in many cases through the official VFSeVisa portal. Given that transit itineraries are often time-sensitive, applicants should apply well in advance of their travel date to avoid any risk of a missed connection, particularly if applying through a traditional embassy/consulate route, where processing timelines can vary by mission.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended transit date
Digital passport photo, meeting portal specifications
Completed online application via the official VFSeVisa portal, selecting transit as the purpose of travel
Confirmed onward flight itinerary to the final destination
Payment of the USD 80.90 e-Visa fee
Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank visa pages
Completed online visa request form via the Itamaraty portal (formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br)
Recent passport-style photograph
Confirmed onward flight ticket and full travel itinerary to the final destination
Valid visa or entry authorisation for the final destination country, where required
Additional supporting documents as requested by the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm whether your nationality requires the mandatory e-Visa for transit, or a traditional transit visa, or is exempt altogether.
For e-Visa applicants: complete the online application via the official VFSeVisa portal, selecting transit as your purpose of travel.
Upload your passport scan, digital photograph, and confirmed onward flight itinerary.
Pay the e-Visa fee (USD 80.90) online.
Await your approval, typically issued with an embedded QR code within 48 hours in many cases.
For traditional transit visa applicants: complete the online visa request form and gather supporting documents, then book an appointment at the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
Attend your appointment (if required), submit your documents, and pay the applicable consular fee.
Await processing and collect your visa or approval confirmation.
Present your visa/e-Visa QR code, passport, and onward travel documents to airline staff and immigration authorities.

Important Notes

Since 10 April 2025, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens require the mandatory e-Visa even for airport transit through Brazil, and this requirement expanded to over 20 additional nationalities from 1 January 2026.
Airlines may deny boarding to passengers who cannot present a valid e-Visa QR code at check-in, and face fines for boarding passengers without one — this applies to transit passengers as well.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Brazilian citizens, including dual nationals, are not eligible for any Brazilian visa and must travel on a valid Brazilian passport.
Requirements can vary significantly by nationality; always confirm current transit requirements with the relevant Brazilian Embassy, Consulate, or the official VFSeVisa portal before booking connecting flights through Brazil.
Providing false or incomplete information in the application may result in refusal.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Brazil Transit Visa requires accurate documentation, a confirmed onward journey, and compliance with the transit visa requirements prescribed by the Brazilian authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with transit visa application forms, passport documentation, onward travel tickets, flight reservations, travel itinerary, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable transit visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Brazil Transit Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Brazilian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Brazil Transit Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa just to change planes in Brazil?
It depends on your nationality. Since April 2025, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens (and, from 2026, over 20 additional nationalities) require the mandatory e-Visa even for airport transit, as transit is explicitly covered under the Visit Visa (VIVIS) purpose list.
2. How much does a Brazil Transit Visa cost?
For e-Visa-eligible nationalities, the fee is USD 80.90 per applicant. Traditional transit visa fees vary by Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
3. How long does it take to process a Brazil Transit Visa?
e-Visa approvals are being issued in as little as 48 hours in many cases. Traditional transit visa processing timelines vary by mission.
4. Are all nationalities required to get a transit visa for Brazil?
No. Requirements vary significantly by nationality and bilateral agreements; travellers should confirm their specific requirements with the relevant Brazilian Embassy, Consulate, or the official VFSeVisa portal before travel.
5. What happens if I show up at check-in without a required e-Visa?
Airlines have been warned they may face fines for boarding passengers who cannot present the required e-Visa QR code, and passengers without one may be denied boarding.