Planning a Trip to Brazil? Get Ready to Share Your Financial Statements Starting Next Year

2024 is set to be a great year for travel.

Following the European Union's delay of the ETIAS program, which will require visitors from non-EU countries to get pre-travel clearance, Brazil has also postponed the launch of its new visa system for travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia.

If 2024 brings a temporary relief, 2025 is when the real impact will be felt. For travelers from those three countries going to Brazil, it will not only affect them emotionally but also financially - and they will need to provide their bank statements as well.

Brazil has recently announced the start date for its visa program, which is set to begin in 2025 as part of the ETIAS implementation.

Starting April 10, 2025, citizens from Australia, Canada, and the US will be required to have a visa when entering the country. The good news is that those traveling for tourism or on a cruise can conveniently apply for an evisa online instead of going to a consulate.

The cost of the visa will be $80.90, but it will be valid for 10 years and allow for multiple entries. Visitors will be allowed to stay for up to 90 days per year. Originally planned for 2024, the visa requirement had been scheduled to be reinstated. Prior to 2019, US travelers going to Brazil had to obtain visas - the evisa system was only introduced a year before the program was completely abolished.

Applicants will need to provide additional information as outlined on the Brazilian government’s website. This includes a letter of intent detailing the trip dates, purpose, and accommodation details. Proof of US residence, return tickets to Brazil (or a signed return declaration), and proof of income are also necessary.

Proof of income can be shown through the last three checking or savings account statements, or the last six payslips. Travelers should have at least $2,000 in their account on average. Those who do not meet the financial requirements must have a sponsor sign for them, demonstrating their financial support instead.

Stay in Paris and you'll pay up to $5.50 per person per night in city tax.

Stay in Paris and you'll pay up to $5.50 per person per night in city tax.

Alexander Spatari/Moment RF/Getty Images

Related article

Europe has decided to postpone the implementation of travel entry charges until 2025. Visa systems usually operate based on reciprocity, which is the case for Brazilians traveling to the US. However, for Brazilians, the process is even more challenging.

At present, the majority of Brazilian citizens are required to book a visa appointment at the nearest embassy and demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover their entire planned trip. In the case of traveling to the US, including for transit purposes, a visa costs $185.

Processing times for the Brazil visa system typically take around five working days. However, VFS, the company in charge of processing applications, suggests applying at least two months before your planned travel date.

In 2023, Brazil welcomed nearly six million visitors, with 483,000 of them being US citizens who visited in the first nine months of the year. According to TravelPulse, a travel industry publication, US visitors ranked second in numbers, just behind visitors from Argentina.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming implementation of Brazil's visa program in 2025 has sparked mixed reactions. While some travelers may be disappointed by the added requirement, others may appreciate the extended timeframe before it takes effect. The visa application process, with its requirement for financial proof, may also pose challenges for some visitors.

It's important to note that the visa system operates on the principle of reciprocity, meaning that Brazilian citizens face similar requirements when traveling to the US. The US visa costs $185 and requires an extensive application process. Understanding these reciprocal measures can provide a broader perspective on the visa implementation in Brazil.