A Comprehensive Guideline on Visa

 A Comprehensive Guideline on Visa

What is a visa?

A visa is essentially a travel permit that allows foreigners to legally enter another sovereign nation, and remain there for tourism, business, work, study, or other approved reasons. It specifies the duration and conditions of the approved stay in the issuing country. Visas are stamped or glued into passports and become invalid once the permitted period of stay expires.

Most countries require foreign nationals to obtain appropriate visas before arrival as a means of regulating and monitoring inbound visitors. Visa requirements are an integral part of border security and immigration control.

Visa types

The two main categories are:

• Immigrant visa: This visa is for foreign citizens relocating permanently to the issuing country. It allows the holder to apply for permanent resident status.
• Non-immigrant visa: For temporary stays in the issuing country. This includes tourist, business, student, and other visitor visas.

Visas are issued by governments for various purposes. The main categories include:

• Tourist visa: Allow foreign citizens to enter the country for recreational tourism, sightseeing, and experiencing culture and local attractions. Does not permit employment.
• Business visa: For short-term business trips like meetings, conferences, trade shows, and negotiations. Some business visas may permit limited revenue-generating activities.
• Transit visa: Permit foreigners in transit to pass through the country’s borders to reach their final destination in a third country. Issued for very short durations of stay.
• Student visa: Allow foreign students to pursue academic degrees or educational programs at accredited schools, colleges, and universities in the country. Typically issued for the duration of the study.
• Work visa: Issued to foreign nationals who have secured full-time or contractual employment in the destination country with a resident employer. Usually granted for longer periods.
• Religious visa: Allows clergy, missionaries, religious workers and lay members to visit for faith-based reasons like preaching, pilgrimages, religious study, etc.
• Journalist visa: Are Issued to professional journalists and media personnel traveling to report on events and stories happening in that country.
• Medical visa: Enable ill foreigners to travel for medical treatment at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions in the destination country.
• Family visa: Permit foreign family members of citizens or residents to immigrate and join them living in the country.
• Investor visa: Designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors aiming to start enterprises or channel investment capital into the country’s economy.
• Digital nomad visa: A relatively new category tailored specifically for location-independent digital workers who want to temporarily live in and experience the issuing country while continuing remote work.
• Temporary residence visa: Allow foreigners to live in the country for an extended but limited period, often for purposes like family reunification, specialized work contracts, study terms longer than student visa, etc.
• Permanent residence visa: Issued to those aiming to immigrate and settle in the country permanently. Allows holders to acquire most rights of citizens except political rights like voting.
• Electronic travel authorizations: Some countries issue electronic authorizations similar to visa but apply online. Allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter for short visits. Examples include the United States ESTA, Canadian eTA, and Australian ETA.

Visa-free travel

Some nationalities enjoy visa-free access to certain countries:

No visa required

• Citizens of select countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can enter over 170+ other countries without needing a visa.
• Duration of allowed visa-free stay differs by country – often 30-90 days on average.
• Applies to tourism, business, transit, and other short-term reasons.

Travel conditions

• No visa does not mean no entry requirements – you still need a valid passport.
• Electronic Travel Authorizations may be needed like ESTA for US or ETA for Canada.
• Other rules may apply like not working, studying or overstaying the allowed period.

Benefits

• Saves time and cost of applying for visas.
• Makes spontaneous travel, and multi-country trips simpler.
• Promotes tourism and foreign investment.
• Improves diplomatic and economic relations.
• Facilitates trade partnerships and globalization.
• Visa exemptions make travel faster and easier when available. But always confirm your eligibility beforehand.

Ways to get a visa

Here are some general visa guides:

Visa application at an embassy

Applying in person at an embassy or consulate is the most common approach.

Step#1. Finding the right embassy

• An embassy represents the government of a country, while consulates are smaller offices that handle certain services like visas.
• Search online to find the embassy or consulate nearest you that processes visa applications for your destination.
• Larger cities often have embassies, while consulates may be located in smaller towns.

Step#2. Scheduling an appointment

• Check the embassy website for instructions on booking a visa appointment.
• Appointments tend to fill up weeks or months in advance, so schedule your interview early.
• Many embassies now allow you to book appointment slots online.

Step#3. Gathering documents

• Check the embassy website for the list of required documents like passport, passport photos, flight bookings, bank statements, etc.
• Any documents not in the local language may need certified translations.
• Birth, marriage, or other civil document certificates often require an apostille seal certification.

Step#4. Attending the interview

• Come prepared to answer questions about your trip plans and purpose of travel.
• Dress professionally and be completely truthful – any lies could lead to a rejection.
• The interview is done to assess if you are likely to abide by the terms of a tourist visa.

Step#5. Paying the visa fee

• Fees range from $25 to $160 depending on the country. Confirm accepted payment methods.
• Some embassies want fee payment before the interview, others on the day of.

Remember: Embassies may outsource visa applications to third-party visa agencies who will submit everything to the embassy on your behalf.

Online visa application

Many countries now allow applying for electronic visa (e-Visa) online:

Step#1. Finding the official website

• Avoid any third-party websites and only use government e-Visa portals.
• The official website will end in .gov or identify itself as run by the government.

Step#2. Submitting your application

• Fill out the electronic forms thoroughly and accurately. Double-check all details.
• Upload scanned copies of your passport, passport photo, and other required documents.
• Application systems will guide you through the steps and tell you what files to upload.

Step#3. Paying the fee

• Pay any application fees through secure payment gateways using a credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.
• Beware of copycat websites that charge unnecessary service fees on top of the official government fee.

Step#4. Receiving your e-Visa

• If approved, you will get an email with your e-Visa within 1-3 days typically.
• Download and print multiple copies of the e-Visa document to carry on your trip.

Visa on arrival

Some countries allow visitors to get a visa upon arrival:

Step#1. Checking eligibility

• Consult government tourism websites to see if your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival.
• Make sure the airport or land border crossing you plan to enter offers visa-on-arrival service.

Step#2. Having documents available

• Have digital copies of any forms required to submit on arrival.
• Carry passport-size photos and payment for the visa fee.

Step#3. Applying at immigration

• Look for visa on-arrival counters after you disembark and head to immigration control.
• Submit the application form, documents, photos, and visa fee payment in cash.
• Receive the stamped visa in your passport if approved.

Step#4. Waiting for approval

• It can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to 1-3 days to get approval decision.
• Rejected applicants are put on the next flight home at their own expense.

Visas on arrival are risky without pre-approval, but convenient for some nationalities.

Common reasons for visa denial

Here are some reasons why for Visa was denied:

Passport validity issues

• Your passport’s expiration date is too soon. Most countries require at least 6 months of validity beyond the travel dates.
• Your passport has too few blank pages left. Most countries require at least 2-4 blank pages for stamps and visas.

Incomplete or inaccurate application

• Failing to submit all required documents that support your visa application.
• Providing incorrect or inconsistent details on the application forms.
• Not answering interview questions clearly and transparently.

Applicant risk factors

• Having any past criminal convictions that make you inadmissible. Some countries prohibit entry for drunk driving offenses.
• Lacking certain vaccinations required for entry such as yellow fever, malaria, etc.
• Not having adequate travel medical insurance coverage for the duration of your trip.
• Violating the terms of previous visas like overstaying or working illegally.

Government policy changes

• Some countries can abruptly change their visa rules or suspend visa issuance entirely. This causes applications to get denied through no fault of the applicant. Monitoring travel advisories is essential.

Visa duration and validity

Visas allow entry and stay for set periods and conditions:

• Short-stay tourist visa: Allow stays of 5-90 days typically. Permit limited activities like tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. Do not permit employment.
• Long-stay temporary residence visa: Allow stays of 180 days to 5 years based on the purpose. These are for studying, working, starting a business, or a family reunion.
• Single-entry visa: Permit entering the country only once for a short stay. Cannot re-enter on the same visa.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allow unlimited entries for short stays during the entire validity period. Easier for frequent travelers.
• Double or triple-entry visa: Allow a set number of entries, like two or three entries, during the validity period.

What is the difference between a passport and a visa?

Passports and visas are different international travel documents:

Passport

• An official government-issued ID that certifies your identity and citizenship.
• Required for international travel as proof of your nationality.
• Issued by your home country and valid for 5-10 years usually.
• Allows both entry into foreign countries and exit out of your own country.

Visa

• A conditional permit issued by your destination country allows entry and temporary stay.
• Needed to travel to foreign countries in addition to a passport.
• Issued for specific periods ranging from weeks to years.
• Specifies the conditions and duration of your allowed visit.

Key differences

• A passport is for ID and a visa is for foreign entry permission.
• Passports have longer validity, and visas are shorter.
• Passports are issued domestically, and visas are by destination countries.
• Visas specify the purpose, duration, and conditions of visits.

Both documents are mandatory for authorized international travel.

What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?

Visas facilitate short-term stays, while residence permits are for long-term:

Tourist or work visa

• Allow stays of days up to 1-5 years for tourism, business, study, medical, etc.
• Do not permit permanent residence or employment without a work permit.
• Requires applying at a consulate and having an ongoing residence elsewhere.

Temporary residence permit

• Foreign nationals stay long-term for work, business, or family.
• Permit staying for multiple continuous years with unrestricted rights to live and work.
• Can transition into permanent residence and eventual citizenship in some cases.

Key differences

• Visas are for temporary visitors, residence permits are for immigrants.
• Visas restrict employment – residence permits don’t.
• Residence permits have longer validity periods.

What are electronic travel authorizations?

Electronic authorizations allow short visits without a traditional visa:

What they are

• An online entry pre-approval for visa-exempt nationalities.
• Faster and cheaper alternative to visas for short leisure and business visits.
• Examples: U.S ESTA, European ETIAS, Canada eTA.

Benefits

• Quick and easy to apply online in under 15 minutes.
• Valid for multiple entries over 2-5 years typically.
• Pre-cleared for travel so no approval delays upon arrival.

Limitations

• Not a substitute for a visa – only eligible nationalities can use them.
• Limited validity of under 90 days per visit.
• No authorization to study, work, or establish residency.

ETAs streamline immigration for frequent, short-term visitors from partner countries.

Joint visa schemes

A joint visa scheme refers to an agreement between two or more countries to allow travelers to visit all participating countries with a single visa. Some regional organizations issue a common visa for their member states.

Benefits

• Reduced visa costs and paperwork for travelers
• Encouraged tourism and economic development
• Closer ties between participating countries

Example

• The Schengen Visa: Over 30 million Schengen visas are issued per year. The standard Schengen visa allows holders to visit Schengen countries for 90 days within 180 days.  An airport transit visa allows transiting through Schengen airports without entering the Schengen zone.
• Central American Single Visa: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua allow free movement between these countries for their citizens. These four Central American countries also participate in the Central American Single Visa scheme. This common visa allows tourists to visit any of the four countries with a single visa. It comes in two types – a tourist visa and a business visa. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days.

• Gulf Cooperation Council Visa: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) connects Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. GCC citizens can travel freely between these Middle Eastern countries. The GCC also aimed to introduce a common Schengen-style GCC tourist visa, but progress stalled due to political differences between member states. Currently, GCC citizens still need separate visas for some member countries.

• Pacific Alliance Visa: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru form the Pacific Alliance trade bloc. Citizens of these countries can travel within the bloc without visas. The Pacific Alliance also offers a common visa for tourists from outside the bloc. The Pacific Alliance Visa allows visitors to enter and leave any of the four member countries. It is available as a business or tourist visa and is valid for up to 6 months.

• The KAZA Univisa: The Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) Univisa commenced in 2016 between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It allows visa-free travel between the two countries for up to 30 days. The Univisa costs $50 and is available at border entry points and airports. There are plans to expand the KAZA Univisa program across the conservation area to create a common visa for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.

What is an exit visa?

If you need an exit visa to leave a country, you must meet exit visa requirements before you can depart. This can prolong your stay and prevent you from leaving when planned.

The countries that still enforce exit visa regulations include:

 Belarus

 Iraq

 Kuwait

 Lebanon

 North Korea

 Oman for foreign workers

 Qatar for certain nationalities

 Saudi Arabia for foreign workers

 Turkmenistan

 Russia also requires exit visa for citizens of certain foreign countries it has disputes with, such as Latvia and Ukraine.

Who needs an exit visa?

Exit visa requirements depend on your nationality and profession in countries mandating exit visa:

• Citizens of most Western countries do not need exit visa: United States, Canada, Germany and France.
• Citizens of Asian, Middle Eastern and former USSR countries are more likely to require exit visas: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Oman, and Singapore.
• Migrant workers in the Middle East often need employer-sponsored exit visas to leave.

Consequences of exit visa

The consequences of overstaying your exit visa or leaving without one include:

Heavy fines, which accumulate daily.

Imprisonment ranges from weeks to months.

Entry ban into that country in the future.

These consequences severely impact migrant workers in countries with exit visas. Sometimes workers get stuck for months waiting for exit visa approval. Human rights organizations continuously work to abolish exit visa systems globally. But a handful of countries continue the practice without signs of ending it.

(Thanks for providing this information to visaguidenow.com)

Visa and Emirates ID

 Visa and Emirates ID

Visit visas, work permits, entry permits, residency visas, and Emirates IDs.

·      Information and services

·       Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE

·      Checkwhere to apply for a visa

·      Residencevisas

·      Visit visas

·      Touristvisa

·      Transit visa

·      Visa charges

·      Track visa application and validity

·      Emirates ID

·  Lost your passport with UAE residence visa on it?

·      Tips to stay safe from labour and visa fraud

·      FAQs about visa and Emirates ID

    

eVisa for GCC residents

 GCC residents and their companions need to apply online for a visa to enter the UAE. The visa is valid for 30 days and is extendable once for 30 days.

• eVisa application
• Notes and conditions

eVisa application

GCC residents and their companions need to apply online for a visa and must obtain the same before arriving in the UAE.

• Entry permit for residents in the GCC countries - GDRFA Dubai

• Issue entry permit for GCC resident -Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
  
  

Notes and conditions

Read notes and conditions relating to eVisa for GCC residents.

• eVisa will be sent to you to your registered email address once your application is approved
• Application for GCC expatriate residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens will not be approved if the sponsor is not travelling along with them
• GCC residents’ entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and they are allowed to stay for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 30 days
• Entry permit for companions travelling with GCC citizens is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and they are allowed to stay for 60 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 60 days
• Upon arrival, if the GCC residence visa is found to be expired or canceled, he will not be granted entry
• If the profession of the GCC resident is found to be changed after the issuance of his entry permit, the entry permit holder will not be granted entry
• GCC residency must be valid for at least 1 year from the arrival date
• The passport of GCC residents must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date.

(Updated on 01 Oct 2024)

Jobseeker visit visa

Foreigners are granted a visit visa to search for a job without requiring a host/sponsor in the country, for one trip. You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90, or 120 days. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply. 

Foreigners are granted a visit visa to search for a job without requiring a host/sponsor in the country, for one trip. You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90, or 120 days. 

 Eligibility for a jobseeker visa

To get a visit visa for exploring job opportunities, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

1.   He/she must be either:

a.   in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) professional levels of jobs, or

b.   a graduate from the best 500 universities in the world according to the

 classification approved by the Ministry of Education and must have graduated within the last 2 years.

2.   He/she must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent

3.   He/she must fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee.

 Read more in the Executive Regulation of Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners (Arabic, PDF, 500 KB).

 Required documents

1.   A coloured photo

2.   A copy of the applicant’s passport

3.   Qualification certificate (attested)

 Related online services

• Issuing a visit visa to explore job opportunities – GDRFAD
• Issue search for job visa 60 days (single entry) – ICP
• Issue search for job visa 90 days (single entry) – ICP
• Issue search for job visa 120 days (single entry) – ICP.

Updated on 15 Jul 2024

 

Visas for Ireland

 Visas for Ireland

Visa Requirements for Entering Ireland Requirements

Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on what country you're from.

Note: A Schengen or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland. For exceptions, please see Schedules 2 and 3 below.

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

If you want to take a holiday or a short break in Ireland, you can visit for less than 90 days.

If you are from a visa-required country, you will have to apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Tourist Visa.

Please read the conditions that apply to this type of visa carefully.

What is a short stay ‘C’ visa?

A short stay or ‘C’ visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 

90 days while you:

• Travel around as a tourist
• Visit family or friends
• Study on a short-term course
• Get married
• Receive medical treatment.

This visa does not allow you to:

Do paid or unpaid work of any kind

Use any publicly funded services, such as a public hospital.

Use any publicly funded services, such as a public hospital.

Guidelines for planning a trip to Ireland

• Find out if you need a visa to travel here
• Apply for a visa before traveling. You must do this from your home country or the country where you are a legal resident. We recommend you do this three months before you travel
• Apply for a visa for each person traveling. Ireland does not issue Family visas or E-visas
• Apply on behalf of any person aged under 18 if you are their parent or legal guardian
• Wait for approval before you buy any travel tickets.

V.IMPORTANT:

Please note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not permit you to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

How do I apply?

To apply, follow these three steps:

1.     Create a visa application online http://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/

• Use the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS) to apply for your visa online
• Answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly
• Follow the instructions on the Summary Application Form created by the online system. This summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation
• Print, sign, and date the summary form and submit it with your supporting documentation.

The visa officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.

Visa Fees

The fees for visas are:

• Single entry: €60
• Multi entry: €100
• Transit: €25

Types of Visas and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service. 

• Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available in the Coming to Visit section on immigration.ie.                                                                                                            ClickHere
• Information on coming to work in Ireland is available in the Coming to Work section of Irish Immigration.ie.                                                                                                                                                            CLICK HERE
• Information on coming to study in Ireland is available in the Coming to Study section of Irish Immigration.ie.                                                                                                                                                          CLICK HERE                   
• Information on coming to join a family in Ireland is available on the Coming to Join Family section of Irish Immigration.ie.                                                                                                              Click Here

How to apply:

Complete the online application form:

                       Download Here

This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign, and date.

Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.

Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living.

In Pakistan, applications submit at Gerrys and VSF Global.

Applicants can get an appointment at Gerrys and VSF Global.

Latest Visa Update United KIngdom

 Latest Visa Update United KIngdom

Switch to UK's new eVisa by March 2025: Here's a step-by-step guide

The United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday announced a grace period until March 2025 to allow expired physical visa documentation for international travel as holders transition to an online eVisa system. The announcement affects visa holders globally, including many Indians.

The Home Office has been moving visa evidence online, asking holders of biometric residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), and indefinite leave-to-remain stamps or vignette stickers in passports to switch to eVisas by December.

Over 3.1 million people have already moved to the digital system. However, others have faced challenges, including technical issues, leading to an extension for expired physical documents to be accepted provisionally for international travel.

“For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available,” said Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship. She added that the government is working to ensure the transition is smooth. “We are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition,” she said.

Airlines allowed to accept expired documents

Airlines and carriers can now accept BRPs and BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024, as valid for travel until March 2025. The Home Office said it will review the provision periodically and confirmed passengers remain subject to standard immigration checks.

“Anyone seeking to enter the UK whose underlying immigration status has expired will be liable for refusal of entry,” the Home Office said.

Switching to eVisa

The Home Office issued another appeal urging paper visa holders to move to the eVisa system using the GOV.UK portal. Those with indefinite leave to remain are being advised to apply for a "No Time Limit" eVisa, a process that is free of charge.

“It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, which offers greater convenience. An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights,” the Home Office said in a statement.

If your BRP is expiring or has been lost or stolen, follow these steps to obtain an eVisa:

1. Report the loss or theft: Immediately inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about your lost or stolen BRP to prevent unauthorized use (if it has been stolen or lost).

2. Create a UKVI account: Visit the official UKVI website to set up a free account. You'll need access to a smartphone, a valid email address, and your BRP number or visa application reference.

3. Verify your identity: Use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document and capture a live photo. This process confirms your identity and links it to your eVisa. 

4. Access your eVisa: Once your identity is verified, your eVisa will be available in your UKVI account. This digital record serves as proof of your immigration status.

5. Update personal details: Ensure your UKVI account reflects current information, such as passport details and contact information, to avoid issues during travel or status verification.

Key points about eVisas:

< eVisas eliminates the need to carry physical documents.

< Holders do not need to leave passports with authorities while awaiting decisions.

< No need to renew or collect physical permits.

< Existing immigration rights remain unchanged during the switch.

Digital transition by 2025

The e-visa program began under the previous government and has continued under the current Labour government. By 2025, the Home Office intends for most visa processes to be fully digital.

The rollout has seen some concerns raised by digital rights groups, who warn that individuals without digital proof of residency may face challenges. The government dismissed these concerns, stating the three-month extension would allow for issues to be resolved. 

British and Irish citizens are unaffected by the changes. Those who have acquired British citizenship but previously held visas are also excluded from the transition requirement.

(This Article Published in Business Standard)

HOW TO VISIT TO BRAZIL

HOW TO VISIT TO BRAZIL

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest and easternmost country in South America and Latin America. It is the world's fifth-largest country by area and one of the most populated countries. Its capital is Brasília, and its most populous city is São Paulo. Brazil is a federation composed of 26 states and a Federal District. It is the only country in the Americas where Portuguese is an official language. Brazil is among the world's most multicultural and ethnically diverse nations, due to over a century of mass immigration from around the world.

The visa is the document issued by Brazilian consulates abroad that allows foreigners to enter and stay in the country. Citizens of Mercosur countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in Brazil, they only need to present their passport or a valid identity document. Visitor visas may be issued for tourism, business, transit, artistic, or sports activities, and the stay may not exceed ninety days.

Brazil Electronic Visa Updates

The Brazil eVisa was recently made available for travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States. These countries were previously visa-exempt.

Electronic applications for these nationalities are now open to travel from April 10, 2025.

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, you need to understand the visa and entry requirements. The visa you need depends on your nationality and how long you’ll stay.

With this guide, you can find out whether 

Brazil’s Visa Policy for Foreign Visitors

Brazil’s visa requirements are divided into 3 categories:

1.   Countries eligible for the eVisa

2.   Other visa-required countries

3.   Visa exempt countries

Countries eligible for the Brazil eVisa

The Brazil eVisa is available to citizens of:

Australia

Canada

United States

You must hold a valid passport from one of these countries to apply for a Brazil visa online.     

                               Apply Now

 It’s the most convenient visa option for eligible short-stay visitors.

Travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States entering the country from April 10, 2025, can now apply for a Brazil visa online. Using the eVisa system, you can request your visa in minutes from your smartphone, laptop, or another device. It’s quick, convenient, and fully digital.

Other visa-required countries for Brazil

Travelers from some African and Asian countries need a traditional visa for Brazil. If you’re from a visa-required country other than Australia, Canada, and the United States, you need to apply for your visa in person.

Check the visa requirements for your nationality and apply at the embassy.

Visa-exempt countries for Brazil

Visa-exempt countries for Brazil include all European Union member states and several African, Asian, and Central American countries. Visa exemptions are for up to 90 days in most cases.

Important: Australia, Canada, and the United States are no longer exempt from visa requirements for Brazil. An eVisa is required for entry from April 10, 2025.

Entry Requirements for Brazil

As a foreign national, you need your passport, visa, and e-DBV to travel to Brazil. Make sure you have both ready for inspection by immigration officials. online Brazil Customs Declaration (e-DBV). This electronic travel document is designed to streamline your travel experience, reducing waiting times upon arrival or departure.

You must apply for your visa and travel to Brazil using the same passport. If you have renewed your passport since your visa was issued, you’ll need to reapply for your visa.

Holding a valid passport and an approved visa does not guarantee entry. Immigration authorities will verify you meet all the entry requirements.

Who Needs to Complete a Brazil Customs Declaration?

Every traveler entering or leaving Brazil must complete a Customs Declaration. This is the case even if you have nothing to declare.

This requirement is not limited to foreign nationals, as Brazilian citizens and residents also need to fill out this form.

The Customs Declaration form serves as a critical tool for the Brazilian authorities to monitor and control the movement of goods across borders. Thus, it helps to prevent illegal activities and ensures compliance with local laws.

Countries Eligible for the Brazil e-DBV Online

The online Brazil Customs Declaration form (e-DBV) is available for all nationalities.

Similar to the online Brazil visa application, this electronic system has been implemented to:

• Remove the need to complete a traditional paper-based form
• Remove the need to wait in long lines on arrival or departure

You can complete it online in advance and streamline the process of boarding your flight or other transportation, from anywhere in the world.

Brazil Customs Declaration for Minors

The Brazil Customs Declaration for children under 16 years old must be made by a parent or guardian on their behalf.

It's important to note that certain items cannot be included in the baggage of minors, even if accompanied by their legal representatives.

These items include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or other products containing ingredients that can cause physical or chemical dependence.

Requirements to Fill Out an e-DBV Form for Brazil

To complete the e-DBV form, you'll need the following:

• Personal identification details, including passport information
• Travel itinerary, including dates and purpose of your visit
• A detailed list of all goods being brought into or taken out of Brazil, particularly those subject to customs control

You should double-check all the information you provide on the form and list all the relevant goods before you submit it.

This is essential, as a penalty of 50% of the value exceeding the exemption limit may be charged for misleading or incomplete declarations.

Goods to Declare when Entering/Leaving Brazil

When traveling to or from Brazil, it's crucial to be aware of the customs regulations regarding the declaration of goods.

All passengers over 16 need to declare goods that exceed the Brazil tax exemption quotas, which are as follows:

• 12 liters of alcoholic drinks
• 10 packs of cigarettes (20 units each)25 units of cigars/cigarillos, or 250 grams of tobacco
• Up to 20 units (no more than 10 identical units) of low-cost items (less than US $10 each). Goods exceeding these quantities or not for personal use are limited to 3 identical units.

The following also needs to be declared on your e-BBV form:

Any goods lost during the trip

Cash, in any currency, over the value of US $10,000

Items under regulatory control by the Health Department, Agricultural Department or Army

Additionally, certain items cannot be considered as part of standard baggage and must be declared. These include:

• Vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, motorbikes, jet skis, and similar items, along with their parts and accessories
• Engines and parts for ships and aircraft.
• Products under health surveillance intended for providing services to third parties
• Items intended for corporations under the Common Import Regime (RCI).
• Goods valued over US $3,000 are subject to a special customs regime of temporary admission (applicable only to non-residents in Brazil).

Items bought in duty-free shops upon arrival in Brazil do not count towards the foreign goods limit. Purchases in these stores are limited to $500.00 per person.

How to Complete a Brazil Customs Declaration Online

Completing the e-DBV online is straightforward and takes just a few minutes:

•   Enter your personal and travel details as prompted
• Accurately list all goods that require the declaration
• Review your information for accuracy and completeness
• Pay the processing fee
• Submit the form electronically

Once the e-DBV form is submitted and processed, usually within minutes, you receive an email confirmation containing a receipt with a barcode.

You need to present this as proof of having submitted your e-DBV on arrival at Cosmos in Brazil. You have the option to present it on your mobile device or as a printed copy, either is accepted.

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Arriving in Brazil with the e-BDV form

Upon your arrival in Brazil, you’ll need to go to the 'goods to declare' channel at the port of entry (if you indicated this is the case on your form).

You’ll have to present your e-BDV barcode and proof of advance payment of import tax (if applicable)

At land border points, where there might not be specific 'goods to declare' channels, present yourself to customs supervision before any inspection procedure begins, with the documents mentioned above.

If you have indicated ‘no goods to declare on the e-DBV, go to the channel marked as such on arrival at customs in Brazil. However, you should be aware that if your declaration is inaccurate, you can face penalties.

When to Submit an e-DBV Customs Declaration for Brazil

The e-DBV form should be submitted before you arrive in or depart from Brazil. You can complete it up to 30 days before your departure date.

It's good practice to complete the e-DBV as soon as your travel plans are confirmed, and you have all the necessary information about the goods you'll be carrying.

Remember that an e-BDV does not replace a visa. It’s important to revise the Brazil visa and requirements before your trip to the country to check if you’ll need to submit a visa application in addition to an e-BDV form.