Get your e-visa sorted before departure, visit during the dry season, plan your budget, and understand basic safety tips — and you’re already most of the way to a smooth trip to Brazil.
Visas & Entry
Most foreign visitors need to apply for a visa before traveling to Brazil. We recommend applying for an e-visa (electronic visa) online via the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Fill out the application form, upload your passport and photo, and pay the fee online. Processing usually takes a few business days. The validity and permitted length of stay will be stated in your approval notice — typically, tourist stays are no longer than 90 days. Alternatively, you can apply for a sticker visa by submitting paper documents at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your own country. This takes longer but may suit travelers with more complex itineraries. At customs, Brazilian authorities are strict about fresh fruits and meat products — do not bring these. Large amounts of cash above a certain limit must be declared.
Best Time to Visit
- June–September (dry season, winter half of the year): The best time to visit the Amazon and Pantanal, with fewer mosquitoes and more wildlife sightings. Rio is also warm and pleasant.
- December–March (rainy season, summer half of the year): Ideal for beach activities and when water levels at Iguazu Falls are at their peak. February–March is also Carnival season — expect a lively atmosphere.
- Iguazu Falls: Can be visited year-round. Water volume is more impressive in the rainy season but so is the mist. In the dry season, the walking paths are clearer.
Budget Reference (Per Person)
| Category | Daily Cost (Excluding International Flights) | Description |
|---|
| Budget | $28–$49 | Hostels/guesthouses, DIY barbecues and small eateries, intercity buses |
| Comfortable | $70–$125 | 3-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, domestic flights, attraction entry fees |
| High-end | $210+ | Ocean-view hotels, Amazon river cruises, private guides and car hire |
International airfare is usually the biggest expense. Domestic flights within Brazil (e.g. Rio – Iguazu – Manaus – Salvador) typically cost $140–$280 one way — booking early can save you money. As for cash, prepare around 100–200 Brazilian reais per person per day, and use an international credit card for other expenses.
Etiquette & Taboos
- Brazilians are warm and friendly — handshakes and hugs are common, and people tend to stand closer during conversations than you might be used to. There’s no need to step back.
- On the beach, politely smile and decline if approached by vendors. No need to argue. When bargaining with beach vendors, stay friendly.
- Most restaurants include a 10% service charge — tipping extra is not necessary.
- Football (soccer) is a sensitive topic. Be mindful when discussing national team results and avoid making off-color jokes about the historic rivalry with Argentina fans.
- City safety is the first lesson for any traveler in Brazil: don’t show your phone openly, avoid carrying a single-strap bag, and stay out of certain areas at night. Stay alert at all times.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers both medical and property protection — private healthcare in Brazil can be very expensive.