Journalistic coverage, news reporting or filming (VIVIS)
a) General rules
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Visitor Visas (VIVIS) are aimed at those travelling to Brazil for maximum stays of up to 90 days, without the intention to establish residence, for the purposes of journalistic coverage, news reporting or filming (click here to check which other travel purposes it applies to).
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Except for journalistic productions, in case of audiovisual shootings / recordings (i.e., advertising, marketing or commercial pieces, as well as the making of documentaries), foreign crews must obtain prior authorisation issued by the Brazilian National Agency of Cinema – ANCINE – in partnership with a Brazilian co-producer.
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ANCINE – Equipe Filmagem Estrangeira – Assessoria Internacional
Telephone number: + 55 21 3037 6032
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If activities will be conducted in indigenous lands or in environmental protection areas, the producers must obtain prior authorisation from the competent bodies.
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Please note: rather than a Visitor Visa, a Temporary Visa (VITEM V based on Normative Resolution No. 17) applies to news correspondents from newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasters, or press agencies.
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Entry of equipment: in case it is necessary to take photographic and/or filming equipment into Brazil, it is recommended that crews obtain an "ATA Carnet" to be presented to customs authorities. This is an international customs document, accepted in Brazil, which permits tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import of goods for up to one year. Click here to obtain further information about "ATA Carnets".
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Foreign nationals from countries with which Brazil holds visa exemption agreements benefit from Visitor Visa (VIVIS) waiver. Click here to check whether you require a VIVIS or not.
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UK passport holders are exempt from VIVIS as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days per year (counted from the date of first entry, multiple entries permitted).
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VIVIS holders are strictly forbidden to practise any paid work in Brazil, but are allowed to receive payments from the government, a Brazilian employer or a private entity for the purposes of daily allowances, artistic paychecks, compensation or travel expenses, as well as to receive cash prizes in sports, artistic or cultural competitions.
b) Length of stay in Brazil
Validity period: limit date / deadline for the first entry in Brazil to take place – counted from the date the visa has been issued.
Up to 1 year. For some countries, by reciprocity, it can be 3, 5 or 10 years.
Duration of stay: period during which the individual is allowed to remain in Brazil – counted from the date of first entry in the country.
Up to 90 days. For some countries, by reciprocity, it can be of up to 30 or 60 days, as indicated in the visa requirements table.
Extension of stay: the stay may be extended for up to the same amount of time granted upon first entry (i.e., up to 90, 60 or 30 days), except in the cases specified in the visa requirements table.
Extensions are not automatic and must be requested at the Federal Police before the end of the first granted period.
Please note: holders of passports of the "Schengen area" member States (except Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland and Portugal), despite benefiting from VIVIS exemption, are only allowed to remain in Brazil for 90 days every 180 days. Thus, nationals of these countries cannot have the initial 90 days' stay extended. Holders of passports of other countries that benefit from visa waiver must follow the standard visa extension rules.
c) Visa fees
Click here to check the visa fees. The postal order must be handed to the visa agent during the appointment, along with the required documentation.
d) Lodging the application, processing times & visa collection
Click here to check the processing times and how to book an appointment and collect the visa, if approved.
e) Required documents
Please note: the original documents listed below must be presented during the interview.
Documentation
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Comments
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1
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Visa application form
(Click here to access) |
a) Completion instructions:
- The form must be filled in online. There is no printable version available for download. - Enter complete information – please note that some fields are mandatory. - Parents' names must be entered in full (name and surname), exactly as displayed in the applicant's birth certificate. - Upload the digital copies of all documents listed below (items 2 to 8). Applications without the uploaded documents will not be accepted. - Click on the "Complete Application" button to generate the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER). b) After the form is concluded: - Print and sign the RER; affix your photo on the indicated field. If the applicant is under 18 years old, the RER must be signed by both parents. - Gather all original documents listed below. They must be presented during your interview at the consulate, in addition to the RER. Please note: documents in digital format must be printed (including bank statements downloaded from Internet Banking platforms). Documents shown on mobile device screens will not be accepted. |
2
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Valid passport
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There should be at least two blank pages.
Please note that pages reserved for amendments cannot be used for visa purposes. |
3
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One passport photo
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The photo must be recent, against a white background, in the local standard specifications (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
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4
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Copy of the return ticket
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One of the following documents must be submitted:
- Booking confirmation (paid ticket or e-ticket) containing the applicant's name and complete travel information (itinerary, flight numbers, arrival / departure dates); or - Booking reservation or letter from a travel agent containing the applicant's name and complete travel information. |
5
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Proof of sufficient financial means, compatible with the entire stay in Brazil
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Presenting this document will only be required if the travel expenses are going to be covered by the applicant him/herself, and not by the means of communication to which the applicant is linked (see item 7). If applicable, at least one of the following documents must be submitted:
- Bank statements containing the account holder's name, current balance and transactions from the last 3 months (leading to the week that precedes the interview at the consulate); and/or - International credit card statements containing the card holder's name, available credit limit and transactions from the last 3 months (leading to the week that precedes the interview at the consulate); and/or - The last 3 payslips. * As a reference, the applicant must have approximately US$ 150.00 per day available to cover expenses. |
6
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Proof of regular immigration status in the UK
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If applicable.
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7
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Original invitation letter from the means of communication to which the applicant is linked
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The invitation letter must be printed on official letterhead of the means of communication to which the applicant is linked and contain the following information:
a) The applicant's full personal details, including job, position and function; b) Purpose of the trip (brief description of the activities) and intended length of stay; c) Details of the co-producer and person in charge in Brazil (full name, telephone, e-mail etc.); d) If applicable, declaration that all the applicant's travel expenses will be covered, during the entire stay in Brazil, by the means of communication to which the applicant is linked. In case the invitation letter contains this information, the applicant will not have to present personal proof of sufficient financial means (item 5 above). Please note: - If provided by the Brazilian counterpart, the signature on the invitation letter must be certified by a notary public (tabelião). |
8
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ANCINE's authorisation
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If applicable. Required only in case of audiovisual shootings / recordings of documentaries and advertising, marketing or commercial pieces.
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