Visa - Frequently Asked Questions

Publicado em 10/01/2023 08h42 Atualizado em 11/07/2023 06h28

1. Do I need a visa to go to Brazil?

2. Do I need a visa if I am not a Finnish national but have a Finnish passport?

3. What type of visa should I apply for?

4. After the visa is granted, am I entitled to enter in Brazil?

5. How long will my visa be valid for?

6. How long can I stay in Brazil?

7. Can I extend my visa while in Brazil?

8. What documents are needed for the visa application?

9. Can I book an appointment to deliver my documentation in person?

10. Do I need to buy a postal label at Posti?

11. Do I need to go through an interview?

12. Can I come and collect my documents at the Embassy?

13. Can I personally collect my ready visa?

14. Can I send a copy of my passport?

15. How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a visa?

16. Do I have to sign the visa application form?

17. Can I print the photo home? What are the ICAO photo guidelines?

18. Do I need to upload the documents in the application system?

19. Does my birth certificate needs to receive an apostille?

20. Does the extract from criminal records needs to receive an apostille?

21. I made a mistake in the application form. What can I do?

22. How long does it take to process a visa application?

23. I'm in a hurry or have an urgent trip to Brazil. Do you offer any urgent / faster visa processes? Can I pay extra to expedite my visa?

24. I have already bought a ticket / booked trip to Brazil / commited to travel plans. How fast can I get a visa?

25. I want to book my travel as far in advance as possible. When should I book my travel tickets?

26. How much does it cost to get a visa?

27. How can I pay the visa application fees?

28. I do not have a bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?

29. Do I need to send you the receipt - proof of payment?

30. My visa application has been refused. What should I do?

31. My visa has been denied (“denegado”). Can I apply again?

32. Do I need to register myself at the Federal Police, in Brazil, after my arrival?

33. What documents do I need to bring to the Federal Police?

1. Do I need a visa to go to Brazil?

The visa policy in Brazil is related to the person’s nationality, by reciprocity.

To check whether you need a visa to Brazil, due to your nationality, access "Nationalities that Require a Visa and Visa Exemptions" (this list is updated on a regular basis ).

Nationals of EU countries travelling to Brazil on tourism or business (engaging in business activities such as holding meetings, participating in corporate fairs and events, seeking commercial opportunities, signing contracts) purposes max. 90 days, no longer require a visa to enter the country.

Note that Finnish nationals (and nationals of all EU countries) travelling for work reasons need a temporary work visa.

Important: Duration of stay for EU nationals: The duration of stay for visa exempt nationals of EU (i.e. Finland) is of exact 90 days and cannot be extended in Brazil or abroad under no circumstances, due to reciprocity treatment.

2. Do I need a visa if I am not a Finnish national but have a Finnish passport?

The visa policy in Brazil is related to the person’s nationality, by reciprocity (not the country of the passport).

To check whether you need a visa to Brazil, due to your nationality, access "Nationalities that Require a Visa and Visa Exemptions" (this list is updated on a regular basis ).

3. What type of visa should I apply for?

The type of visa depends on the purpose of the applicant's trip to Brazil.

The most common visa types (by purpose of trip) are:

- Visitor Visa – VIVIS

- Student Visa - VITEM IV

- Temporary Work Visa - VITEM V

- Academic or Scientific Visa (Research, Teaching or Academic Extension) - VITEM I

- Digital Nomad Visa - VITEM XIV

- Visa for Family Reunion - VITEM XI

- Official Visa - VISOF / Diplomatic Visa – VIDIP

Other visa types, by purpose of trip are: health care visa; humanitarian visa; working-holiday visa, religious visa, voluntary work visa, investor visa; activities of economic, scientific, technological or cultural relevance; artistic or sports activities visa; foreign doctors (medical training).

Note that issuing or denying a visa is a sovereign act of Governments. It is a prerogative applied by every country and strengthened by international practice.

The type of visa - if granted - and the validity period of the visa are also a sovereign decision of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland.

4. After the visa is granted, am I entitled to enter in Brazil?

A visa is not a right in itself, but an expectation to be admitted in the country.

The final decision of a persons admittance in Brazil is responsibility of the Brazilian Border Authority (Polícia Federal), upon entry.

5. How long will my visa be valid for?

The visa date of expiry and visa duration of stay are not the same thing.

The visa date of expiry is for how long you may use the visa for the first entry. Usually, visas are valid for 1 year (that means you may use your visa to enter Brazil anytime, up to the expiration date).

However, you may only stay in Brazil to the maximum duration of stay, counted from the first entry in Brazil. This duration of stay may be different from the validity of the visa.

The validity of temporary visas depends on the category of the visa and on Governmental agreements, if any, between Brazil and the country of the applicant's nationality.

Note that issuing or denying a visa is a sovereign act of Governments. It is a prerogative applied by every country and strengthened by international practice.

The type of visa - if granted - the visa date of expiry and the authoirzed stay are also a sovereign decision of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland.

The visa expiry date is written on the visa stamp.

6. How long can I stay in Brazil?

The visa date of expiry and visa duration of stay are not the same thing.

However, the foreign citizen may only stay in Brazil to the maximum duration of stay, counted from the first entry in Brazil. This duration of stay may be different from the validity of the visa.

The duration of stay of temporary visas depends on the category of the visa and on Governmental agreements, if any, between Brazil and the country of the applicant's nationality.

Note that issuing or denying a visa is a sovereign act of Governments. It is a prerogative applied by every country and strengthened by international practice.

The type of visa - if granted - the visa date of expiry and the authorized stay are also a sovereign decision of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland.

Note: EU nationals (i.e. nationals of Finland) may stay in Brazil up to 90 days for tourism or business. More information at "Visit Visa".

For other visa types or nationalities, check the duration of stay written on the visa stamp.

7. Can I extend my visa while in Brazil?

Visa exempt trips to Brazil (EU nationals, 90 days, on tourism or business except work) cannot be extended under no circumstances due to reciprocity.

Temporary visas (temporary work visa, temporary study visa) may be extended in Brazil by request to the Federal Police.

8. What documents are needed for the visa application?

The required documents depend on the type of visa, as listed on our website.

The requirements listed on each visa type web page should not, in any way, be considered all inclusive. It is the responsibility of the applicant to find out what documents are needed and submit them on time.

9. Can I book an appointment to deliver my documentation in person?

No. Visa applications are done entirely by mail (Posti).

Alternatively, the application may be deposited in our mailbox (only from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 13:00 h).

Note: A return postal label is mandatory for all visa requests and must be presented by applicant and with each application. Check question 8.

Instructions to correctly buy the postal label are available at https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-helsinque/servicos-consulares/agendamento-e-contatos-do-setor-consular/subposti/posti-postal-label

Important: Applications sent without the postal label will not be processed.

Terms and conditions for services by mail: "Services by Mail (Posti)".

10. Do I need to buy a postal label at Posti?

Yes. A return postal label bought at the Posti website is mandatory for all visa requests and must be presented by applicant, each and every time an application is presented.

The postal label is necessary for us to return your documents. It is not possible to pick them up in person.

Important: Applications sent without the postal label will not be processed.

Terms and conditions for services by mail: "Services by Mail (Posti)".

11. Do I need to go through an interview?

The Brazilian Consular Authority may require a consular interview, additional documents or additional information at any phase of the process in order to clarify circumstances of the trip and/or the identity of the applicant.

12. Can I come and collect my documents at the Embassy?

No. A return postal label bought at the Posti website is mandatory for all visa requests and must be presented by applicant, each and every time an application is presented.

The postal label is necessary for us to return your documents. It is not possible to pick up your application or visa in person.

Important: Applications sent without the postal label will not be processed.

Terms and conditions for services by mail: "Services by Mail (Posti)".

13. Can I personally collect my visa?

No. The Visa will be sent back to you by mail (Posti), using the postal label (registered or express mail only) you provided us together with the application.

A return postal label is mandatory for all visa requests and must be presented by applicant, each and every time an application is presented.

The postal label is necessary for us to return your documents / visa. It is not possible to pick them up in person.

Important: Applications sent without the postal label will not be processed.

Terms and conditions for services by mail: "Services by Mail (Posti)".

14. Can I send a copy of my passport?

No, we accept only original documents (including the passport). Copies, print versions, those sent as attachment in e-mails and electronic versions are not accepted.

15. How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a visa?

By Brazilian Law, the passport must comply with two circumstances: 1) be valid on the date of entry AND 2) be valid for the whole duration of the stay (for Brazil there is no need for additional passport validity after the trip).

The passport must also have at least 2 unused (blank) pages. Note that pages reserved for amendments can not be used for visa purposes.

16. Do I have to sign the visa application form?

Yes, after printing it out, the form should be signed inside the designated box in blue or black ink. Do not exceed the borders.

17. Can I print the photo home? What are the ICAO photo guidelines?

We do not recommend to print photos at home as the photo must be compliant with ICAO standards and it must also be in photo paper.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has stipulated certain mandatory specifications for all passports photos (for all countries). Please find them here.

The standard size for passport photographs in Finland ( 5x7 ) is accepted for Brazilian visas.

18. Do I need to upload the documents in the application system?

Yes. Uploading the documents is mandatory. It is also mandatory to send us the same documents in originals (in paper). Note that copies in any form are not accepted (check question 12).

19. Does my birth certificate needs to receive an apostille?

The birth certificate must receive an apostille (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, for example, Finland) or must be legalized by a Brazilian Embassy in the country of origin (for countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention).

Whenever they are not originally written in English, they must also receive an official translation to English or Portuguese (sworn translation).

20. Does the extract from criminal records needs to receive an apostille?

The extract from criminal records must receive an apostille (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, for example, Finland) or must be legalized by a Brazilian Embassy in the country of origin (for countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention).

Whenever they are not originally written in English, they must also receive an official translation to English or Portuguese (sworn translation).

21. I made a mistake in the application form. What can I do?

You may change information on your application at the same website used for filling out the form. Note that changes are no longer possible once you send the application to us by mail.

22. How long does it take to process a visa application?

Check the current processing times for consular services at "Processing Times". Note that the processing time starts counting from the day we receive all the documentation and fees are paid. Imporant: we do not offer any "urgent" or "faster" services. Check question 21.

23. I'm in a hurry or have an urgent trip to Brazil. Do you offer any urgent / faster visa process? Can I pay extra to expedite my visa?

No. The Consular Section does not offer urgent, express or faster services of any kind and does not issue urgent documents, including visas.

Check the current processing times for consular services at "Processing Times".

Note that the processing time starts counting from the day we receive all the documentation and fees are paid.

Keep in mind when planning your requests for the desired services that during the school vacation period (June to August and December to January), there is an increase in demand for consular services and thus, service times may increase.

Don't leave your request for the last minute. It is your responsability to plan ahead.

Note that you should only commit yourself to travel plans after a visa has been granted, as visas to Brazil may also be denied.

24. I already have bought a ticket / booked trip to Brazil / commited to travel plans. How fast can I get a visa?

We do not offer any "urgent" or "faster" services. Check question 21.

Check the current processing times for consular services at "Processing Times".

Note that the processing time starts counting from the day we receive all the documentation and fees are paid.

Don't leave your request for the last minute. It is your responsability to plan ahead.

Note that you should only commit yourself to travel plans after a visa has been granted, as visas to Brazil may also be denied.

25. I want to book my travel as far in advance as possible. When should I book my travel tickets?

Applicants are strongly advised not to book their travel until after they receive their passport and a visa has be granted. Note that a visa may be denied, so do not commit yourself to travel plans.

The best way to avoid the unpleasant circumstance of having bought an airplane ticket only to find out that the visa was refused, or that you will need to go through the costly process of changing your tickets to another travel date, is to wait until after your visa arrives. Note: some types of visa require sending us proof of reservation / booking of flight tickets. In that case, do not leave your application to the last minute.

26. How much does it cost to get a visa?

Visa application fees differ depending on the type of visa and nationality (reciprocity). Check our current fees at "Consular Fees".

27. How can I pay the visa application fees?

The Embassy only accepts bank transfers from bank accounts in Finland. The bank details for the deposit as well as the amount of the consular fee to be applied are only informed after receiving the complete documentation for the service. The Embassy does not accept cash or card payments, only bank transfers.

28. I do not have a bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?

Yes. If you don’t have an account you can use another online bank account (relatives, friends, etc) as long as they are from banks in Finland. Remember to identify the transfer with the code provided by the Embassy.

29. Do I need to send you the receipt - proof of payment?

No. As soon as payment is received we will process your application. However, the transfer must always be identified with an individual code referring to the service that we provide together with the bank information. Payments made without that identification will not be accounted for nor will be refunded.

30. My visa application has been refused. What should I do?

Visa applications may be refused by lack of documents or for inconsistencies in the data provided (incomplete or mismatching information).

If your visa application has been refused for lack of documents, you may correct the application and send it to us again.

Note that the application has a validity date, so you may reapply with corrected documents until the expiration date printed on the application form.

31. My visa has been denied (“denegado”). Can I apply again?

Keep in mind that visas may be granted or denied by the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland in Finland, according to Brazilian migratory law and visa regulations.

A visa shall be denied, among other reasons, to any foreign citizen who, when submitting his/her application, behaves in an aggressive, insulting or disrespectful way.

If your visa has been denied (“denegado”) by Brazilian Authorities, you may not apply again and a trip to Brazil will no longer be possible.

32. Do I need to register myself at the Federal Police, in Brazil, after my arrival?

All temporary visa (VITEM) holders must mandatorily register themsleves with the Federal Police within 90 days from first entry. A registration is not needed for the Visit Visas (VIVIS).

33. What documents do I need to bring to the Federal Police?

Upon registration, the individual will have to present the following documents:

1) Original Visa Application Form (with stamp and signature of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland)

2) Extract from Population Information System (or Birth Certificate) containing both parents’ full names (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application).

3) Extract from the Criminal Records (applicants over 18 years old) (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application).

IMPORTANT: The extract from population / birth certificate and the extract from criminal records must receive an apostille (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, for example, Finland) or legalized by a Brazilian Embassy (countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention) in the country of origin. Information on the apostille is available at "Legalization of Documents and Hague Apostille Convention".

The documents must also be subsequently translated into Portuguese, in Brazil, by a sworn translator ("tradutor juramentado"). Instructions about sworn translation are available at "Sworn Translations".