Brazil Transit eVisa
Essential visa for travelers passing through Brazilian airports
What is a Brazil Transit eVisa?
The Brazil Transit eVisa is a specialized travel authorization for passengers connecting through Brazilian airports en route to third countries. This visa category recognizes that Brazil serves as a major transit hub for international flights connecting North America, South America, Europe, and other continents.
Major Brazilian airports like São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU), Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), and Brasília (BSB) function as important connection points for international air travel. Airlines frequently route passengers through these hubs, creating situations where travelers technically enter Brazilian territory during layovers, even when their final destination is elsewhere.
Starting April 10th, 2025, citizens from Australia, Canada, and the United States passing through Brazil - even if only staying airside in the international transit area - require this specific visa type. The Transit eVisa simplifies this process through digital application, removing the need for in-person embassy visits for travelers who aren't actually visiting Brazil.
When Do You Need a Transit Visa?
Airport Connections
You're flying from one country to another and your flight includes a layover at a Brazilian airport, regardless of whether you stay airside or enter Brazil.
Example: Flying Toronto → São Paulo → Buenos Aires
International Transit
Your ticket involves changing planes in Brazil while traveling between international destinations, even if you never leave the secured transit area.
Example: Flying Sydney → Rio → Lisbon
Overnight Layovers
Your connection involves an extended layover requiring you to leave the airport, collect luggage, or stay overnight at a hotel near the airport.
Example: 18-hour layover in São Paulo
Immigration Clearance
Any situation where you must pass through Brazilian immigration control, even if your final destination is outside Brazil.
Example: Changing terminals requiring re-entry
Important Note:
Even if your airline ticket shows a single booking with a connection in Brazil, and even if your luggage is checked through to your final destination, you still need a Transit eVisa. Brazilian law requires proper visa documentation for all passengers entering Brazilian territory, including transit passengers.
Transit Visa Validity and Permitted Duration
Visa Validity
Transit eVisa valid for 10 years from issue date or until passport expiration, enabling multiple transit stops through Brazil during the validity period.
This extended validity is particularly valuable for frequent international travelers whose routes regularly connect through Brazilian airports.
Maximum Stay
Permitted to remain in Brazil for up to 90 days per transit, though most transit passengers stay only hours or a few days.
The 90-day allowance accommodates unexpected flight delays, cancellations, or deliberate stopovers to explore Brazilian cities during connections.
Multiple Transit Flexibility:
Use your Transit eVisa for unlimited transit stops through Brazil during the 10-year validity. If your travel patterns frequently route through Brazilian airports, this visa eliminates repeated application requirements.
Activities Permitted with Transit Visa
✓ Allowed Activities
- •Remain in airport transit areas awaiting connecting flights
- •Leave airport to stay at nearby hotels during extended layovers
- •Quick sightseeing in nearby areas during long connections
- •Use airport facilities, restaurants, and lounges
- •Access checked luggage if needed during layover
- •Handle unexpected situations like flight cancellations
✗ Prohibited Activities
- •Extended tourism or vacation activities within Brazil
- •Any form of employment or business activities
- •Enrolling in educational programs or courses
- •Using Brazil as your primary vacation destination
- •Overstaying your onward flight departure time
Important: If you plan to actually visit or vacation in Brazil (not just transit), apply for a Visitor eVisa instead. Using a Transit eVisa for tourism violates visa conditions and may result in deportation.
Transit Visa Application Requirements
🛂 Valid Passport
- • Valid for at least 6 months from your transit date
- • Issued by Australia, Canada, or United States
- • Contains blank pages for entry/exit stamps
- • In good physical condition
📸 Recent Photograph
- • Color photo taken within last 6 months
- • 5cm x 7cm with white/light background
- • Clear frontal view, neutral expression
- • No glasses or headwear (except religious)
✈️ Travel Itinerary (Recommended)
- • Confirmed flight bookings showing transit through Brazil
- • Proof of onward travel to final destination
- • Hotel reservation if staying overnight (optional)
- • Not mandatory but helpful for faster processing
Simple Application Process for Transit Visa
Fill Application
Complete online form with passport and travel details. Takes 10 minutes.
Upload Documents
Submit passport scan and photo. Optionally include flight itinerary.
Pay Fee
Secure payment of $140 (regular) or $195 (express) via credit card.
Get eVisa
Receive approved eVisa by email in 3-7 or 1-3 days. Print and travel.
Transit eVisa Fees
Regular Processing
Standard processing time
Processing Time:
3-7 Working Days
Fee Amount:
$140
Per applicant • All fees included
Express Processing
Fast-track processing
Processing Time:
1-3 Working Days
Fee Amount:
$195
Per applicant • All fees included
Your Fee Covers:
Essential Transit Travel Tips
Carry Printed eVisa
Always carry a printed copy of your Transit eVisa. Immigration may request it even if you're staying airside.
Check Minimum Connection Time
Ensure adequate connection time. São Paulo GRU requires minimum 2-3 hours for international connections.
Pack Essentials in Carry-On
Keep medications, valuables, and necessities in carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed during transfer.
Have Local Currency
Keep some Brazilian Reais for airport purchases. Many vendors don't accept foreign currency or cards.
Save Flight Details Offline
Screenshot flight confirmations and save offline. Airport WiFi may be unreliable or require payment.
Know Your Airline Contact
Save airline customer service numbers for delays or cancellations during your Brazilian transit.
Transit Visa FAQs
Do I need a transit visa if I don't leave the airport?
Yes, Brazil requires a transit visa even if you remain in the international transit area and never formally enter the country. This applies to all eligible nationalities starting April 10th, 2025.
What if my layover is very short (under 2 hours)?
Duration doesn't matter - any layover in Brazil requires a transit visa, even if it's just 30 minutes. The visa requirement is based on passing through Brazilian territory, not the duration of stay.
Can I leave the airport during my layover with a transit visa?
Yes, you can leave the airport to stay at a hotel, have a meal, or do brief sightseeing during your layover. The Transit eVisa allows up to 90 days in Brazil, though most use it for just hours or days.
What happens if my connecting flight is cancelled?
Your Transit eVisa covers unexpected situations like flight cancellations. You can stay in Brazil while arranging alternative flights, as long as you don't exceed the 90-day limit.
Transit Through Brazil Hassle-Free
Get your Transit eVisa now and travel with confidence through Brazilian airports
Apply for Transit eVisa Now →Quick processing: 3-7 days standard • 1-3 days express