Brazil entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Brazil in 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Start the process at least 3 weeks before your trip to allow for processing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Kenyan passport holders need a visa before traveling to Brazil. Apply through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal at gov.br/mre. Processing takes 5–15 business days; fees vary by visa type.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Brazil strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Brazilian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Brazil can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early — no exceptions
Brazilian e-Visa processing can take up to 15 business days. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved. There is no expedited service for Kenyan applicants.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, passport scan, and flight tickets in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox) and on your phone. If you lose your printed copies, you can still show them at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Brazilian e-Visa portal (gov.br/mre). Fill out the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $40-80 depending on nationality). Processing takes 5-15 business days.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. The visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries depending on the type.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
At the airport in Brazil (e.g., Guarulhos in São Paulo or Galeão in Rio), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly.
4
Arrive and enjoy your stay
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You can stay up to 90 days. If you want to extend, visit the Federal Police office in Brazil before your visa expires.
Download Brazil Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable once for 90 days
ValidityUp to 5 years from issue date
CostR$ 240 (approx. USD 48)
Requires application at Brazilian embassy/consulate. Must show proof of funds and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable once for 90 days
ValidityUp to 5 years from issue date
CostR$ 480 (approx. USD 96)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Same requirements as single entry.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityBased on employment contract
CostVaries (employer typically pays)
Requires job offer and sponsorship from Brazilian employer. Processed through Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, up to 1 year renewable
ValidityBased on enrollment
CostR$ 240 (approx. USD 48)
Requires acceptance from a recognized Brazilian educational institution.
digital nomad visa
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)
1 year, renewable for another year
R$ 240 (approx. USD 48) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least USD 1,500/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year, renewable once.
retirement visa
Brazil Retirement Visa (VIPER)
1 year, renewable annually
R$ 240 (approx. USD 48) application fee
For retirees with passive income (at least USD 2,000/month). Requires proof of pension or investments. Renewable indefinitely.
investor visa
Brazil Investor Visa (VITEM IX)
2 years, renewable
R$ 240 (approx. USD 48) application fee
For investors with minimum investment of R$ 500,000 (approx. USD 100,000) in a Brazilian company. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Brazil Student Visa (VITEM IV)
Duration of course, up to 1 year renewable
R$ 240 (approx. USD 48) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Brazilian institutions. Allows part-time work with authorization. Renewable based on course length.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Kenya passport holders; valid for 90 days, max stay 90 days. | R$ 240 (~$48 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 1 year; max stay 90 days per entry. | R$ 480 (~$96 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for stays exceeding visa validity; pay before departure. | R$ 8.28 (~$1.65 USD) per day, max R$ 828 (~$165 USD) |
| Stay extensionPossible for tourist visa holders; apply at Federal Police before expiry. | R$ 168 (~$33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Brazil
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through Brazil do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases.
- Transit through multiple Brazilian airports may require a visa.
Transit hubsGuarulhos International Airport (GRU), São Paulo · Galeão International Airport (GIG), Rio de Janeiro · Brasília International Airport (BSB)
Health & vaccines for Brazil
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions due to risk of birth defects.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; causes fever and joint pain, outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas but moderate in the Amazon basin. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to high-risk regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Brasília
Polícia Federal - Setor de Imigração
SAIS Q 7, Lote 1, Bloco A, Brasília - DF, 70610-200
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Rio de Janeiro
Polícia Federal - Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Vargas, 817, Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20071-003
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBrasília
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 180 days.
Money
CurrencyBrazilian Real (BRL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 5.05 BRL
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h to +3h depending on region
vs Los Angeles+4h to +6h depending on region
Electricity
Voltage127V or 220V / 60Hz (varies by city)
Plug types
NType N (also C) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but quality varies by region.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Brazil
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Brazil — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5 to 15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You can check the status on the same portal where you applied.
The fee is around $40 to $80 USD, depending on the visa type and current exchange rates. You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Federal Police office in Brazil. Extensions are usually granted for up to 90 additional days. You must apply before your current visa expires. There is a fee (around $20-30 USD).
Brazil does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry, but it is recommended if you plan to visit rural or forested areas. Some countries may require proof if you are transiting. Check with your doctor.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan passport holders. Do not travel without an approved e-Visa.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
It is not a standard requirement, but immigration officers may ask if they suspect you cannot support yourself. Carry a credit card or bank statement just in case.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.