Whether you’re going to Brazil to spend time on the beach, enjoy the nightlife in Rio de Janeiro or explore the Amazon rainforest, two items should be at the very top of your packing list: your passport and your visa.

All American citizens traveling to Brazil are required to carry the appropriate type of Brazilian travel visa.  There are quite a few different types of Brazilian visas, so make sure you apply for the right one!   To help you out, we’ve listed some common travel situations along with the corresponding types of visas.

Tourism

The first type of Brazilian visa is the tourist visa. Obviously, if you’re traveling to Brazil as a tourist, you’ll need one of these.  However, there are several other situations that also require a tourist visa.

For example, scientists and other members of academia need a tourist visa to attend conferences.  People competing in amateur competitions, like sports competitions, would also need a tourist visa. So would people going to Brazil to visit friends or family.

Temporary Visas

In addition to the tourist visa, Brazil’s visa system has several different types of temporary visas. This is where their system can get confusing. Here are some examples.

If you are a student, you’ll need a Temporary Visa I if you are an exchange student (undergrad level or below) and a Temporary Visa IV if you are in Brazil for graduate or post-graduate level studies.

Interns and other unpaid trainees need a Temporary Visa I.

If you are an athlete, you’ll need a Temporary Visa I if you’re an amateur in Brazil to train and a Temporary Visa III if you’re a professional athlete who is getting paid. (more…)