How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Brazil: A Complete Guide

How Does the Tourism Visa Extension Work?

Brazil offers tourists the opportunity to extend their stay beyond the initial period granted by their visa or visa exemption.

Typically, a standard tourist visa allows you to stay for 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, you can apply for an extension to stay an additional 90 days, allowing for a total stay of up to 180 days within a year.

Who is Eligible for a Visa Extension?

Many tourists who enter Brazil on a tourist visa (VIVIS – Visitor Visa) or those who are from visa-exempt countries can apply for an extension.

However, eligibility might vary based on your nationality and the bilateral agreements between Brazil and your home country.

It’s essential to check the specific requirements and conditions that apply to your nationality.

The Ministry for Foreign Relations in Brazil periodically issues a list of countries that, based on the criteria of reciprocity, are allowed to extend their visit visas for another period of 90 days.

This list is called Quadro Geral de Regime de Vistos Simples (QGRV-Simples) and is available to check on the official website for the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

Portugal, United States, Australia, among other countries are examples of countries that are allowed to extend visit visas in Brazil.

Requirements for Extending Your Tourism Visa

To extend your tourism visa in Brazil, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Brazil.

2. Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption: You must currently be in Brazil on a tourist visa or be from a visa-exempt country.

3. Apply within the term: You must submit the application before your first 90 days term expires. 

4. Application Form: Complete the visa extension application form available from the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) website.

5. Pay the fee (GRU): The fee currently costs 110,44 BRL.

6. Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay.

7. Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of where you will be staying during your extended stay.

8. Return Ticket: Show proof of a return ticket or onward travel out of Brazil within the new extended period.

When and Where to Apply for a Visa Extension

You should apply for your visa extension at least 30 days before your current visa or permitted stay period expires. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Fill up the Visa Extension form: You need to fill up the form with the information required, it is available at the Federal Police website. 
2. Pay the Fee: Pay the applicable fee for the visa extension. This fee currently costs BRL 110,44 and should be paid through a specific bank slip (GRU – Guia de Recolhimento da União) which you can obtain at the Federal Police or online.
3. Visit the Federal Police: It’s advisable to make an appointment online beforehand through the Federal Police website, however not every precinct will take appointments for this specific service. This is a “in person” service and the tourist must attend phisically. 
4. Submit Documents: Present all required documents, including your passport, application form, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds.
5. Wait for Approval: The processing time for visa extensions usually takes minutes, you should leave your appointment at the Federal Police Immigration Precinct with the new permitted stay period stamped on your passport provided you had all the documents.  It’s best to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Important Considerations

• Compliance: Ensure you comply with all visa conditions during your stay. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
• Non-Extendable Visas: Some nationalities or specific types of visas might not be eligible for extension. Always verify the specifics for your situation.
• Travel Plans: Make sure your travel plans, including accommodation and return flights, are flexible enough to accommodate the extension process.

Myths and Truths

• Myth: Extending a tourist visa is difficult and time-consuming.
  • Truth: While it requires preparation and adherence to the process, many tourists successfully extend their visas without significant issues.
• Myth: You must leave Brazil to extend your visa.
  • Truth: You can apply for an extension within Brazil at the Federal Police.

Extending your tourism visa allows you to fully immerse yourself in all that Brazil has to offer, from its beautiful beaches to its rich cultural heritage.

By understanding the requirements and following the necessary steps, you can enjoy an extended stay in this incredible country without any hassles.