Return to Brazil Travel Authorization (ARB)

Publicado em 09/01/2023 15h18 Atualizado em 06/10/2025 18h42

The Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago issues Return to Brazil Travel Documents (ARB), free of charge, to Brazilian citizens who urgently need to return to Brazil and cannot present the required documents to obtain a regular passport. ARB allows its holder only one direct trip to Brazil. Flights with stopovers at international airports where the passenger remains in the boarding area are considered direct trips to Brazil.

STEP-BY-STEP

Read the instructions carefully before applying for an ARB:
Gather all required documents. See the table below.
Access the E-Consular Platform, and upload documents for review.
After being notified that your documents were successfully received and approved, bring the application documents to the Consulate on the scheduled date and time.

ATTENTION: Be aware that you must present the originals of the same documents previously uploaded to the E-Consular platform. The Consulate may request further supporting documents if deemed necessary.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The Consulate can only analyze applications after completing all forms, and the corroborating documents have been uploaded through the E-Consular Platform. After scheduling, the applicant must appear in person at the Consulate and present the following documents:

Online Application Form (Also referred to as RER (Application Form Receipt)	The first step is to fill out the mandatory RER form. Complete the application for a regular passport, and the Consulate will convert the application into an ARB. Click here to access the form and instructions. Once it is completed, print out the Application Receipt generated by the system.
E-Consular form	Complete "Autorização de Retorno ao Brasil (ARB)" - Return to Brazil Travel authorization form.
Brazilian document	If the previous passport is unavailable, bring your Brazilian ID (RG) and the formulário de extravio de passaporte (Lost, stolen, or damaged Passports Form) duly completed. When neither the passport nor Brazilian ID (RG) is available, please provide a Brazilian birth or marriage certificate + a photo ID such as Brazilian Driver's License (CNH) or Worker's Employment History Booklet.
Copy of airline ticket	Provide a return ticket to Brazil in the applicant's name.
Consent to have a passport + authorization to travel for minors under 18	The Consent Form must be completed and signed by both parents before a consular agent. Provide a Brazilian photo ID. A non-Brazilian parent must show a valid passport. If parents are not able to appear in person, the signature must first be notarized. The notary public's signature must then be certified by a Secretary of State (Apostille).
A recent color photo on photo paper. Click here for further specifications.	A US passport-size photo, 2x2 inches, taken less than 6 months before submitting the application. Photos already used in previous passports will not be accepted. Color photo taken in the last 6 months. Applicant directly facing camera with a neutral expression. Eyes clearly visible. Photo must be clear and in color, reproducing skin tones accurately, and be properly exposed with no shadows. If you wear glasses, the lenses must not reflect room or camera light. Under no circumstances may sunglasses or gaudy frames be worn. You may not wear hats or head coverings, except for religious purposes. Avoid white clothes. CHILDREN: No other person in the photo. The child must face the camera with eyes open. Only the child's face and shoulders should appear fully framed. No toys or people's hands can appear holding them. Note: Do not crop the photo to fit the RER form photo field.

PROCESSING TIMES

After the application documents are uploaded to E-Consular, the Consulate requires ten (10) business days to validate the application and enable scheduling. ARB is issued on the same day.

Note: The service must be scheduled no later than 15 days before the travel date. The Consulate cannot issue ARB before this period.

CONSULAR FEE

No fee for this service