Brazil entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Brazil. You must apply at a Brazilian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Zambian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Brazil. Apply online through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is linked electronically to your passport — no need to visit a consulate.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Brazil. Brazil does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier. | 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 or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave Brazil within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least R$150 (around $30 USD) per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa must be obtained before travel
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Zambian passport holders. You must apply at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in advance. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Keep digital copies of all documents
Save scans of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and accommodation confirmations in your email or cloud storage. If your documents are lost or stolen, having digital copies makes replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa at a Brazilian embassy or consulate
Schedule an appointment at the Brazilian embassy in Lusaka or the nearest consulate. Submit your completed application form, passport, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and pay the visa fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Double-check your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
3
Arrive at a Brazilian airport and go through immigration
At airports like São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), follow the 'Foreign Passports' signs. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your passport stamped and collect your luggage
After the officer stamps your passport, you're cleared to enter. Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport handy — you may need it again at customs.
Download Brazil Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity5 years from issue date
CostBRL 240 (~USD 48)
Standard tourist visa for single entry. Must apply at Brazilian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity5 years from issue date
CostBRL 480 (~USD 96)
Allows multiple entries within validity period. Good for frequent travelers.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostBRL 480 (~USD 96) plus processing fees
Requires a job offer from a Brazilian company and work permit approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
Validity1 year
CostBRL 240 (~USD 48)
For enrolled students in accredited Brazilian institutions. Proof of enrollment required.
work visa
Brazilian Work Visa (VITEM V)
Up to 2 years, renewable
BRL 480 (~USD 96) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Brazilian company. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Brazilian Student Visa (VITEM IV)
Duration of course, renewable annually
BRL 240 (~USD 48)
For students enrolled in accredited Brazilian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
digital nomad visa
Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
BRL 240 (~USD 48)
For remote workers with proof of income (at least USD 1,500/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
retirement visa
Brazilian Retirement Visa (VITEM XI)
1 year, renewable
BRL 240 (~USD 48)
For retirees with passive income (at least USD 2,000/month). Requires proof of pension or investments.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | BRL 240 (~USD 48) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days per entry. | BRL 480 (~USD 96) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, capped at 100 days. | BRL 8.28 (~USD 1.66) per day, max BRL 828 (~USD 166) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Brazil do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 Zambia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; causes fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas but moderate in the Amazon basin. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to the Amazon region.
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 Office
SAIS Q 7, Lote 1, Brasília, DF
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring all original documents.
São Paulo
Federal Police Immigration Office
Rua Hugo D'Antola, 95, São Paulo, SP
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. For visa extensions, bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for ZM 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Brazil — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
If you are transiting through a Brazilian airport and will not leave the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to change airports or leave the transit zone, you will need a visa. Check with your airline before booking.
Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after you submit your application at the embassy or consulate. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to avoid delays.
The visa fee varies by nationality and is set by the Brazilian government. As of 2026, expect to pay around $80–$160 USD equivalent. Check with the Brazilian embassy in Lusaka for the exact amount.
No, tourist visas for Brazil are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa denials.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Zambian embassy in Brasília or the nearest consulate to apply for an emergency travel document. You will also need to get a new visa from the Brazilian authorities.
Brazil does not require any specific vaccinations for entry, but the yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit rural or forested areas. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from an endemic area.
No. A tourist visa strictly prohibits any form of paid work. If you plan to work, you must apply for a work visa before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.