Brazil entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can visit Brazil without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months validity from your entry date into Brazil. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Brazil | Immigration officers at Brazilian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they want to see you leave within the 90-day visa-free window. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers rarely ask, but if they do and you have nothing, you'll be pulled aside for extra questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least R$ 200 per day of your stay. Immigration doesn't always check, but budget airlines flying into Brazil sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Brazil requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you book your flight. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Save photos of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. If you lose your passport, these copies make it much easier to get an emergency replacement at the New Zealand consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Brazilian immigration
At the airport (e.g., Guarulhos in São Paulo or Galeão in Rio), follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Foreigners'. Join the queue for non-Mercosur passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and the maximum stay (90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Brazil.
Download Brazil Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity90 days from issue date
CostFree for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
Not needed for short stays; listed for reference if you need a formal visa for other purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
Not needed for short stays; listed for reference if you need a formal visa for other purposes.
Long-stay visa (VITEM V)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires application at a Brazilian consulate.
digital nomad visa
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)
1 year, renewable for another year
Free for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Allows stay up to 1 year, renewable once. Apply at Brazilian consulate abroad.
retirement visa
Brazil Retirement Visa (VITEM VII)
1 year, renewable annually
Free for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
For retirees with passive income (minimum ~$2,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension or investments. Renewable indefinitely.
work visa
Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)
1 year, renewable
Free for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
For those with a job offer in Brazil. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Brazil Student Visa (VITEM IV)
1 year, renewable
Free for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
For enrolled students at a Brazilian educational institution. Allows part-time work. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplies if you exceed the 90-day visa-free stay. Pay at any Federal Police office before departure. | R$ 100 per day (approx. USD 20), maximum R$ 10,000 (approx. USD 2,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Brazil, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSão Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) · Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) · Brasília International Airport (BSB)
Health & vaccines for Brazil
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in some regions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low for most tourist destinations (Rio, São Paulo, Salvador). Prophylaxis recommended for travel to the Amazon basin (e.g., Manaus, Belém).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Brasília
Federal Police – Immigration Sector
SAIS Quadra 07, Lote 23, Brasília – DF, 70610-200
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, TM.7 form, and proof of funds.
Rio de Janeiro
Federal Police – Immigration Sector
Av. Presidente Vargas, 817, Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20071-003
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00
Busy office; arrive early. For extension, bring passport, TM.7 form, and accommodation proof.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 4.9 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
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Brazil before the 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa at a Brazilian consulate before traveling.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, New Zealand passport holders can transit through Brazilian airports without a visa, as long as you don't leave the international transit area and your onward flight is within 24 hours.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. You cannot take up paid employment. For work, you need a proper work visa arranged before travel.
You'll be fined approximately R$100 per day overstayed (around NZD $30). You may also be banned from re-entering Brazil for a period. It's best to leave on time.
No, Brazil does not require an online arrival declaration for New Zealand passport holders. You just show your passport at immigration.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. A simple accident or illness can cost thousands of dollars in Brazil. Insurance covers hospital bills, evacuation, and trip disruption.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.