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Brazil travel advisory: What Canadians need to know about new requirement, safety risks

Travellers should get a visa before visting the country.
brazil-travel-advisory-canada-april-2025
Canada has updated its Brazil travel advisory to reflect changes in eVisa requirements and the country's evolving security situation.

The Canadian government advises tourists headed to Brazil that the country's travel requirements have changed, and the security situation has evolved. 

Starting on April 10, 2025, Canadians travelling to Brazil must acquire an eVisa ahead of their trip. Australian and U.S. passport-holders must also get a visa to enter the country.

Travellers require eVisas for trips up to 90 days for tourism, cruise ship travel, and business. Minors under age 18 also require a visa. 

The Government of Canada emphasizes that it cannot intervene if you do not meet Brazil's entry or exit requirements. Ensure you have the eVisa in advance of travel to avoid disruptions. 

How do I apply for an eVisa?

A valid passport is the only travel document accepted to apply for the Brazilian eVisa. It is recommended that travellers ensure that their passports are valid for six months after the last day they plan to spend in Brazil.

According to Brazil's eVisa website, travellers must complete three simple steps. 

  1. Fill out the application with traveller information and upload required documents 
  2. Pay a fee of $80.90
  3. Download the eVisa

The average processing time for eVisa applications is up to five business days.

Brazil travel advisory

Canada has long cautioned travellers about risks associated with travel to Brazil. Visitors should exercise a high degree of caution in the South American country "due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas."

Since January 2025, clashes between military police and an organized criminal faction in parts of Porto Velho have resulted in "multiple deaths, significant property damage, and disruption of public transportation." Additionally, criminals have set fire to dozens of vehicles, including buses.

If you are in Porto Velho:

  • do not use public transportation
  • expect a heightened police and military presence, obey the instructions of local authorities
  • maintain a low profile
  • be prepared for emergencies

The Canadian advisory specifies that travellers should avoid all travel to some areas, including all of the borders within 20 kilometres of neighbouring countries. There are only a couple of exceptions. The Argentine border should be avoided except for the area encompassing Iguaçu National Park, and the Bolivian border should also be avoided, excluding the Pantanal National Park.

Travellers visiting border areas should always exercise caution and monitor local news to stay informed of changes. Criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling, poses an increased security risk.

Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to register trips they take, online, before they leave so that the Canadian government can contact them in an emergency, regardless of trip length. Additionally, registration allows the government to alert them about important changes or updates to the Travel Advice and Advisories for the country they are in.

Canadians can also follow Global Affairs Canada on X (formerly Twitter) @TravelGoC and @CanadaFP or on Facebook.


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