The Brazil business eVisa is designed for travellers attending meetings, conferences, trade shows and negotiations, activities that do not involve paid employment or receiving income from a Brazilian entity. If your trip includes on-site labour, technical installation or paid consulting, you need a separate work visa (VITEM V). UK citizens are currently visa-exempt for Brazil for business visits up to 90 days, but the eVisa provides a structured entry pathway with up to 5 years’ validity.
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Visa-free rules for UK citizens were confirmed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2024.
Do UK Citizens Need a Brazil Business eVisa in 2026?
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for Brazil for tourism, business and transit up to 90 days; the Brazil business eVisa is optional, useful for travellers wanting 5 years’ validity and streamlined border control.
The visa waiver covers tourism, business, artistic or sports activities, and transit, with a cumulative limit of 180 days within any 12-month period (90 days plus one 90-day extension granted by the Federal Police). UK citizens must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry with at least 1 blank visa page.
For frequent visitors, the eVisa adds multi-year validity and documented proof of business purpose. Confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa, and check the FCDO travel advice for Brazil before travelling.
Brazil Business eVisa vs Tourist eVisa vs Transit Visa: Complete Comparison
The Brazil business eVisa covers professional activities, the tourist eVisa covers leisure only, and a transit visa applies only when leaving the airport’s international zone. Passengers remaining in the international transit zone without clearing immigration typically do not need a visa; those who exit the airside area (overnight layover, baggage re-check) must hold valid entry authorisation.
| Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa | Transit Visa | Work Visa (VITEM V) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Leisure, sightseeing, cultural exploration | Meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade shows, market research | Passing through Brazil en route to a third country | Paid employment, technical installation, on-site labour |
| Permitted Activities | Tourism, family visits, recreational travel | Business meetings, contract negotiations, conference attendance, technology transfer under contract | Remaining in airport transit area; leaving requires separate authorisation | Local employment, paid consulting, equipment installation, technical training delivery |
| Max Stay | 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 by Federal Police | 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 by Federal Police | Duration of transit (airside only) | Per terms of work authorisation |
| Validity | Up to 5 years (reciprocity-dependent) | Up to 5 years (reciprocity-dependent), multiple entries | Single transit period | Per work contract duration |
| Required Documents | Passport bio page (colour copy), digital photo, proof of funds, return tickets | All tourist documents plus host company invitation letter with CNPJ number | Valid passport, onward ticket proof | Work permit approval, employment contract, activity specification |
| Fee | Consular fee + VFS service fee (see VFS Global portal) | Consular fee + VFS service fee (see VFS Global portal) | Consular fee (varies by nationality) | Higher consular fee; work permit processing fees apply |
Brazil Business eVisa Requirements & Documents
The Brazil business eVisa requires a valid passport, digital photo, financial proof, return tickets and a host company invitation letter with CNPJ number.
Required documents: passport valid for at least 6 months on entry with at least 1 blank visa page, colour copy of the bio page, passport-style digital photo, proof of sufficient funds, return or onward tickets, and a host company invitation letter with CNPJ number, letterhead, signatory role and stated purpose. A health declaration must be submitted within 72 hours prior to your flight. Dual British-Brazilian Nationals should travel on their Brazilian passport. Non-Brazilian minors under 18 travelling without one or both parents must carry an original or notarised copy of their birth certificate. Cash or travellers cheques totalling 10,000 USD or more must be declared online before entry.
How to Apply for the Brazil Business eVisa Online
The Brazil business eVisa application is 100% online via the VFS Global portal, with standard processing taking up to 10 business days.
Create an account
On the VFS Global portal (ensure your email is correct; an incorrect email prevents receiving login details and requires reapplication)
Fill in the form
Complete the application form and upload required documents
Pay the fee
Consular fee plus VFS service fee
Receive the eVisa
By email (PDF); print for boarding and arrival
Apply at least 2 months before travel. Do not purchase tickets before approval. The eVisa is not stamped in your passport; carry the printed PDF. If lost, reprint via the portal or check your email. The consulate may request additional documents or a personal interview at its discretion. Expedited processing is not guaranteed.
Brazil Business eVisa Fees: Full Cost Breakdown
Total cost = consular fee + VFS service fee (see brazil.vfsevisa.com for current amount). The $2,000 figure sometimes cited online is a myth; actual government fees are far lower. Fees are non-refundable once processed.
What Activities Are Allowed on a Brazil Business Visa?
A Brazil business eVisa permits meetings, conferences, trade shows and contract negotiations but explicitly prohibits paid employment or receiving income from a Brazilian entity. The visitor must remain exclusively on the payroll of the company abroad.
- Attending business meetings
- Conferences
- Trade shows
- Contract negotiations
- Market research
- Board meetings
- Investor relations calls
- Technology transfer services under a cooperation agreement
- Paid employment
- Receiving salary from a Brazilian entity
- Signing employment contracts
- Paid consulting
- On-site labour
- Activities that create an employment relationship in Brazil (require a technical visa – VITEM V)
When Does a Business Trip Require Work Authorisation in Brazil?
| Scenario | Visa Required | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Attending a trade show | ✅ Brazil business eVisa | No local employment |
| Signing a contract with a Brazilian partner | ✅ Brazil business eVisa | Commercial negotiation |
| Attending a board meeting | ✅ Brazil business eVisa | Corporate governance |
| Delivering a 3-day paid training course | ❌ VITEM V | Remunerated activity |
| Installing machinery at a client’s factory | ❌ VITEM V | On-site labour |
| Factory audit as external auditor | ✅ Brazil business eVisa | No employment relationship |
| Providing technology transfer under contract | ⚠️ Visitor visa (if no employment relationship) | Cooperation agreement required |
| Working remotely for a UK employer | ⚠️ Grey area | Digital Nomad Visa may apply |
Under Law No. 13,445/2017, work permit applications use one of two methods: prior residence (outside Brazil, visa stamp at a consulate abroad) or authorisation for residence (already in Brazil, processed by the Ministry of Justice, no exit required). The technical visa (VITEM V) uses exclusively the prior residence method. Unauthorised work risks deportation, fines and entry bans. If unsure, consult the Brazilian Consulate in London.
This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex cases involving paid work or extended stays, consult a qualified immigration attorney or the Brazilian Consulate in London.
Brazil Business eVisa FAQ
Do UK citizens need a Brazil business eVisa in 2026?
UK citizens are visa-exempt for Brazil for tourism, business and transit up to 90 days. The eVisa is optional but offers up to 5 years’ validity with multiple entries for frequent travellers.
What is the difference between a Brazil business eVisa and a tourist eVisa?
A business eVisa covers professional activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations); a tourist eVisa covers leisure only. Neither permits paid employment in Brazil.
Do I need a work visa if I am attending a conference in Brazil?
No. Attending conferences and business meetings falls within permitted business eVisa activities. A work visa (VITEM V) is only required for paid employment or on-site labour.
How long is the Brazil business eVisa valid?
Typically 5 years multiple entry, max 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 days via Federal Police (Portuguese application required before expiry).
How much does a Brazil business eVisa cost?
Total cost = consular fee + VFS service fee. See brazil.vfsevisa.com for the current amount. The $2,000 figure is a myth.
How long does it take to get a Brazil business eVisa?
Standard processing takes up to 10 business days via the VFS Global portal. Expedited processing is not guaranteed. Apply at least two months before travel.
Can I work remotely for my UK employer while in Brazil on a business eVisa?
Extended remote work may require a Digital Nomad Visa. Consult the Brazilian consulate in London for clarity on your specific situation.
What happens if I overstay my Brazil business eVisa?
Overstaying incurs a daily fine payable at the airport upon exit or during your next visit. The 90-day stay can be extended to 180 days per calendar year via the Federal Police.
Do I need a visa for airside transit through Brazil?
Passengers remaining in the international transit zone without clearing immigration generally do not need a visa. Those who exit the airside area must hold valid entry authorisation.
What should the host company invitation letter include?
The letter must be on company letterhead, include the company’s CNPJ number, state the signatory’s role and authority, and clearly describe the business purpose, dates and activities of the visit.
