Effective April 10, 2025, Brazil’s visa exemption for U.S., Canadian, and Australian nationals will officially end. This policy change has significant implications for U.S. operators in the business aviation sector. While crew members of general aviation (GA) may still be eligible for a visa exemption, specific requirements must be met:

Visa Exemption for Crew Members

Crew members of GA flights are eligible for visa exemption if they comply with the following criteria, regardless of nationality:

• On duty;

• Listed as crew members on the GENDEC;

• In uniform upon arrival;

• Possess a valid license and/or professional certificates from an official Civil Aviation Authority (CAA);

• Hold a valid passport.

Important Considerations for Crew Members:

• Crew members arriving on commercial airlines are NOT eligible for the visa exemption.

• Visa CANNOT be obtained upon arrival for either crew members or passengers.

• Flight attendants and flight engineers are not explicitly covered by the immigration exemption policy. While they may be cleared based on being listed on the GENDEC, they may still face entry denial. It is recommended to obtain prior visas for flight attendants and mechanics, depending on their nationalities.

Recent Visa Policy Change (April 2025 Update)

A significant shift in Brazil’s visa policy requires U.S., Canadian, and Australian nationals to have visas. This primarily affects passengers and crew members arriving on commercial airlines who are joining a GA flight departing from Brazil.

As a result, some crew members have begun obtaining e-visas to avoid potential immigration issues, but this is not yet a requirement for crew members on duty.

Visa Exemption Ends: What to Know (April 9, 2025)

Brazil’s visa exemption for tourists from the United States, Canada, and Australia ends on April 10, 2025. Starting on this date, all travelers from these countries will need to obtain an approved visa prior to entering Brazil. Importantly, crew members have already been required to hold a visa since July 10, 2024, and this remains unchanged.

This policy shift marks the end of a long-standing visa exemption policy and reinstates the pre-2019 travel requirements for all travelers.

Visa Requirements by Category

For Tourists:

• Starting April 10, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian tourists will need a visa to enter Brazil.

• Visa Application Process: Both tourists and crew members must apply for their visa through Brazil’s official e-visa platform: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/

  • Apply at least 15 days before travel.

  • Processing typically takes 5 business days.

  • The visa fee is $80.90, and the visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries.

For Crew Members:

• As of July 10, 2024, U.S., Canadian, and Australian airline and maritime crew members have been required to hold a visa when entering Brazil. This applies regardless of nationality.

• Crew members should apply for the e-visa in advance to comply with the new requirement, ensuring smooth travel and entry into Brazil.

General Entry Requirements

• U.S. citizens must present a valid passport upon arrival in Brazil.

• Citizens of other countries should consult their respective embassies or travel advisors to confirm any additional entry requirements.

Conclusion: What This Means for U.S., Canadian and Australian Operators

The visa exemption for U.S., Canadian, and Australian nationals ends on April 10, 2025, and starting on this date, all travelers from these countries will need to have an approved visa before entering Brazil. This change impacts tourists and crew members alike. For crew members, this policy has been in effect since July 2024.

These changes mark the end of the visa waiver period and the return to pre-2019 visa requirements, making it crucial for U.S. operators to ensure compliance with the updated visa process. Fortunately, a simplified e-visa system is now in place, allowing for a more efficient application process.

Operators should ensure their crew members, particularly flight attendants and mechanics, have the appropriate visas before travel to avoid any issues upon arrival.

For additional information or assistance with visa applications, please refer to the official Brazilian e-visa platform: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.