April 28, 2025
Brazilian authorities have significantly changed the visa requirements for commercial and business aircraft crewmembers and passengers, and all U.S., Canadian and Australian nationals now need a visa to enter the country, unless they meet the exemption requirements for active flight crew members.
“This is a significant change to Brazil’s entry requirements for passengers. Previously, the country allowed residents of these countries to enter the country without a visa,” explained NBAA Director, International Operations and Regulations Laura Everington. “Fortunately, it’s a straightforward, online process, but operators need to be aware of it and ensure all passengers have their visa documentation before flying to Brazil.”
The new rule requires that all passengers/tourists and crew members who do not meet the exemption requirements for active flight crews must complete the e-visa application online via Brazil’s official e-visa website.
“The online process typically takes five business days from the date of the application, but it’s a good idea to complete an application 15 days before your departure,” Everington said. “In addition, while it is an electronic document, we strongly recommend that each passenger have two printed copies of the visa with them upon arrival.
“We are recommending that any NBAA member planning to attend LABACE Sao Paulo, this August, fulfill the e-visa requirements in early July to ensure their documentation is ready before traveling to Brazil for the event,” she added.
While pilots and passengers arriving on commercial flights will need the new e-visa, business aircraft pilots may be exempt from the e-visa requirements if all the following conditions are met:
- They are on duty
- They are listed on the aircraft’s GENDEC, Standardized Electronic Declaration System
- They are in uniform upon arrival in Brazil
- They must hold a valid passport, license or professional certificate issued by a Civil Aviation Authority
- This exemption does not apply to crew members who arrive on a commercial flight intending to join a business flight already in Brazil.
“While there is an exemption for active flight crews, it’s important to remember that cabin attendants and mechanics will still require an e-visa to enter Brazil,” Everington said. “And, they must have the documents before arrival. Currently, e-visa will not be issued to ‘tourists’ once they are in the country.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.