United States entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Brazilian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit. As of 2026, you must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. The visa is not issued on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the United States. Apply at the US Department of State website — the process includes an online form (DS-160), a visa interview at the US embassy in Brazil, and a fee payment. Start your application at travel.state.gov.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Brazilian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host ready. A simple printout or email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers can ask for evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Bank statements showing a few thousand USD or a credit card with a reasonable limit usually suffice. | Recommended |
Visa required for all entries
Brazilian passport holders cannot enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. You must obtain a visa before traveling, even for short visits or transit.
ESTA not available for Brazilians
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is only for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Brazil is not part of this program. Do not apply for ESTA — it will be rejected.
Overstaying can get you banned
Overstaying your authorized period by even one day can trigger a 3- or 10-year ban from re-entering the US. Always leave before your I-94 expiry date.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a compliant photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode. This is the first official step.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185 for B1/B2) through the designated bank or online portal. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the nearest embassy (Brasília, Rio, São Paulo, or Recife), and book an available slot. Wait times can be several weeks, so plan ahead.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy with your DS-160 confirmation, passport, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Brazil, and purpose of visit. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect or have it delivered.
6
Enter the US
At the port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with the visa. The CBP officer may ask about your stay. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; must apply at US consulate in Brazil.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries; most Brazilians receive this.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years, renewable
Cost$185 USD (SEVIS fee extra ~$350 USD)
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$460 USD (plus legal fees)
For specialty occupations; employer-sponsored with annual lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace, plus OPT up to 3 years
$185 USD + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency for investor and immediate family.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (not available for Brazil)
N/A
N/A
Not available for Brazilian citizens as the US does not have a relevant treaty with Brazil. Included for completeness.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~R$925) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Brazilians. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~R$925) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~R$1,850) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; no fixed per-day fine but penalties apply. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Brazil30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous US visa overstay20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Brazilian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you can transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or permanent residence may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Miami International Airport (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Brazil).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile, dengue)Low risk
Occasional outbreaks in southern states; use repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Safe food and water generally; risk increases with street food or undercooked items.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant in high-altitude destinations like Denver or ski resorts.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for appointments.
Practical information for BR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Brazilian passport holders.
From application to visa in hand, expect 4–8 weeks. Interview wait times vary by consulate — São Paulo and Rio are busiest. Check the U.S. embassy website for current appointment availability.
The application fee is $185 (about R$ 900–1,000 depending on exchange rate). This is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. Additional costs include photos, courier, and travel to the consulate.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must show valid reasons. Overstaying can get you banned.
You'll receive a reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration Act (most common: insufficient ties to Brazil). You can reapply anytime, but you must address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process.
No. The B1/B2 visa is for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. You cannot accept employment or get paid by a US company. For work, you need an H-1B or other work visa.
The CBP officer may ask. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. A good rule: carry at least $100 per day of your stay in accessible funds.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.