Visitor Visa (VIVIS)

a) General Rules

• Applicants must begin the Brazilian visa application process at least six (6) months prior to their intended travel date.
• The applicable visa fee must be paid in advance for the application to be processed. For a visitor visa (VIVIS), the fee is GHS 1,200 (one thousand two hundred Ghanaian cedis).
• Visa fees are non-refundable, as they cover the administrative costs of processing and assessing the application, regardless of the outcome.
• Visitor Visas (VIVIS) are intended for short stays of up to 90 days without the intention of establishing residence, for purposes such as tourism or transit.
• Nationals of Ghana, other West African countries, and countries such as Lebanon, China, and India are required to apply for a short-term visit visa.
• Nationals of countries with which Brazil maintains visa exemption agreements are exempt from the Visitor Visa (VIVIS). Applicants should verify visa requirements before applying.
• VIVIS holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment in Brazil. They may receive daily allowances, artistic compensation, travel reimbursements, or prizes in sports, artistic, or cultural competitions.
• Transit through Brazil does not require a VIVIS if the traveler remains in the international transit area and holds a single ticket under one booking reference. Separate tickets requiring border control clearance will require a VIVIS unless visa-exempt.

b) Length of Stay in Brazil

Validity Period

• The period within which the first entry into Brazil must occur, counted from the visa issuance date.
• Usually valid for up to 1 year.
• For certain nationalities, validity may extend to 3, 5, or 10 years on a reciprocity basis.

Duration of Stay

• The maximum period an individual may remain in Brazil, counted from the date of entry.
• Up to 90 days.
• For some nationalities, the maximum stay may be limited to 30 or 60 days.

Extension of Stay

• The authorized stay may be extended for an additional period equal to the initial stay granted (30, 60, or 90 days, as applicable), unless otherwise specified.
• Extensions are not automatic and must be requested from the Brazilian Federal Police before the expiration of the initial stay period.

c) Required Documents

Applicants must submit digital copies of the documents listed below through the online visa application portal and present the original documents at the Embassy appointment.

1. Passport

Valid passport with at least six (6) months' validity remaining and at least two blank visa pages. Damaged passports will not be accepted. Previous passports should be presented if available.

2. Visa Application Receipt

Two printed copies of the visa application receipt page (barcode page) generated from the online form:  https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br

The receipt must be signed by the applicant (or by a parent/legal guardian if the applicant is a minor).

3. Proof of Payment

Proof of payment of the consular fee of GHS 1,200 (one thousand two hundred Ghanaian cedis) for VIVIS/visitor's visa)  deposited into the Embassy's Ecobank account:
Account number: 1441000555081
The deposit receipt must clearly indicate the applicant's full name.

4. Presentation Letter

A signed and notarized letter stating:

• Purpose of travel
• Total estimated cost of the trip
• Source of funding
• Intended dates of stay and travel itinerary
• Current employment and income

5. Photograph

One recent passport-sized photograph taken against a white background.

6. Proof of Financial Means

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Brazil, including:

• Bank statements for the last three (3) months (stamped and notarized by the bank manager) ; and
• A bank letter confirming the current account balance (stamped and notarized by the bank manager) .

If expenses are covered by a sponsor, the sponsor must provide equivalent proof of financial means.

7. Proof of Employment

Letter from employer (notarized) confirming:

• Position
• Date of employment
• Monthly income

Alongside three (3) most recent pay slips.

8. Business Owners

• Official proof of business ownership (notarized) ; and
• Most recent personal and/or corporate tax returns.

9. Invitation Letter (if applicable)

Invitation issued in Brazil with authenticated or notarized signature.

For conferences or events, the invitation must include a detailed program.

10. Proof of Legal Residence in Ghana

11. Criminal Record Certificate

12. Additional Documents (in case of business trip)

• Letter from employer (company letterhead) stating purpose of trip, Brazilian contact, duration of employment, and responsibility for the applicant, bearing an authenticated or notarized signature.
• Letter from the Brazilian host company confirming purpose and contact details, bearing an authenticated or notarized signature.
• For trade fairs/conferences: invitation from organizers and employer support letter, bearing an authenticated or notarized signature.

Applications should only be initiated once all required documentation has been gathered:

https://ec-acra.itamaraty.gov.br/