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Brazil Crew Visa

The Brazil Crew Visa is processed under the Temporary Visa II (VITEM II) category, issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), and applies specifically to airline or ship crew members who do not hold an international crew ID card. According to official Itamaraty guidance, VITEM II explicitly covers flight and ship crew members not holding an international crew card, alongside other short-term professional purposes such as commercial contacts and journalism, provided the visit does not involve payment of wages or financial compensation from a Brazilian entity. Crew members who do hold a valid international crew ID card may be exempt from this visa requirement under separate arrangements; confirm current eligibility with the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. As with all Brazil Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Brazilian consular authorities.

Eligibility

Based on official Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance, applicants for a Crew Visa (under VITEM II) must generally:

  • Be a foreign national working as an airline or ship crew member who does not hold a valid international crew ID card.
  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, containing at least 4 blank visa pages.
  • Not be entering Brazil to engage in any paid activity under an employment contract with a Brazilian entity (crew wages are typically paid by the foreign airline or shipping company, not a Brazilian entity).
  • Provide evidence of their employment and role with the airline or shipping company, and details of the vessel or aircraft involved.
  • Provide a photocopy of a round-trip ticket or confirmed travel itinerary, with flight or voyage numbers and dates.

Government Visa Fees

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

Fee TypeAmount
VITEM II Crew VisaVaries by Brazilian Embassy or Consulate; 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 with the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

Brazil Visa Processing Time

According to official Itamaraty guidance for VITEM II applications generally, the online visa request form is valid for 30 days after submission, after which a new form must be completed if not used within that period. Some jurisdictions may require the Brazilian Embassy to request prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brazil before the visa can be issued, which can extend the overall processing time. Given that crew schedules are often time-sensitive, applicants should coordinate closely with their employer and apply well in advance of their planned assignment.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months, containing at least 4 blank visa pages
Completed online visa request form via the Itamaraty portal (formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br), submitted within its 30-day validity window
Recent passport-style photograph
Photocopy of round-trip ticket to Brazil, or a confirmed ticket/voyage reservation, with flight or vessel details, dates, and itinerary
Letter from the employing airline or shipping company confirming the applicant's role as a crew member, and details of the aircraft/vessel and purpose/duration of travel
Seaman's book or flight crew credentials, where applicable
Additional supporting documents as requested by the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm whether you hold a valid international crew ID card, which may exempt you from this visa requirement — otherwise, proceed with the VITEM II application.
Obtain a letter from your employing airline or shipping company confirming your role, the vessel/aircraft details, and the purpose of your travel.
Complete the online visa request form at formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br within its 30-day validity window.
Gather your supporting documents, including your round-trip ticket or voyage details and crew credentials.
Book an appointment at the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
Submit your documents and pay the applicable consular fee.
Await processing, which may involve prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brazil in certain cases.
Collect your visa and present it, along with your passport and crew documentation, upon arrival in Brazil.

Important Notes

VITEM II's crew provision applies specifically to airline or ship crew members who do not hold a valid international crew ID card; those who do hold one may be exempt under separate arrangements.
Crew members are not permitted to engage in any paid activity under an employment contract with a Brazilian entity while on this visa.
The online visa request form is valid for only 30 days after submission; a new form is required if this period lapses.
In some cases, the Brazilian Embassy may need to request prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brazil before issuing the visa, which can extend processing time.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Requirements can vary by consulate and by the applicant's specific role (airline crew versus maritime crew); confirm with the relevant Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Brazil Crew Visa requires accurate documentation, valid crew credentials, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Brazilian authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting eligible crew members with visa application forms, passport documentation, crew identification, employer or airline/shipping company documents, travel itinerary, 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 crew visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Brazil Crew 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 Crew Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all airline and ship crew members need a Crew Visa for Brazil?
No. Crew members who hold a valid international crew ID card may be exempt from this visa requirement under separate arrangements; the VITEM II Crew Visa applies specifically to those without such a card.
2. How much does a Brazil Crew Visa cost?
Fees vary by Brazilian Embassy or Consulate; confirm the exact current fee with the relevant mission.
3. How long does it take to process a Brazil Crew Visa?
Processing timelines vary by mission, and in some cases the Embassy may need prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brazil, which can extend the process. The online application form itself is valid for only 30 days.
4. Can I be paid by a Brazilian company while on a Crew Visa?
No. VITEM II holders, including crew members, are not permitted to engage in any paid activity under an employment contract with a Brazilian entity.
5. What documents does my employer need to provide?
A letter confirming your role as a crew member, details of the aircraft or vessel involved, and the purpose and duration of your travel to Brazil.