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2026 visa changes — what's new2026 visa policy changes: what's different this year
🇿🇦South Africa
🇧🇷BrazilZA-BR

South Africa to Brazil visa requirements

No visa needed. South African ordinary passport holders can enter Brazil visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days, following a visa-exemption decree that took effect on 7 March 2026. As of a Brazilian government decree effective 7 March 2026 (published 9 March 2026), South African ordinary passport holders no longer need a visa for short visits to Brazil. The exemption covers tourism, family visits, short business trips and conferences for up to 90 days per entry, with combined stays not exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period. Paid/remunerated work and study are not covered and still require the appropriate visa. At entry, immigration officers may ask for a passport valid at least 6 months with two blank pages, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds. No application, fee or eVisa is required before travel — travelers simply present documents on arrival.
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free (visa exemption)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Multiple; combined stays max 180 days per 12-month period
from issue date
Visa fee
None (R$0)
consular fee only
Processing time
None — no pre-travel application
standard track
Validity
Exemption applies per entry; passport must be valid 6+ months
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm the purpose of your trip
The visa exemption covers tourism, visiting family, short business meetings and conferences. Paid work, performances for pay, and study require a separate visa.
· Tourism/business· No paid work
/02
Check your passport validity
Ensure your South African passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has at least two blank pages for stamps.
· 6+ months validity· 2 blank pages
/03
Book return/onward travel and accommodation
Arrange a return or onward ticket and proof of where you will stay (hotel booking or invitation letter). Immigration may ask to see these.
· Onward ticket· Accommodation proof
/04
Prepare proof of funds
Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — roughly R$248 (about US$45) per day is the commonly cited benchmark, shown via bank statements or cards.
· ~R$248/day· Bank statement
/05
Travel and present documents on arrival
No visa or online form is needed. Present your passport and supporting documents to the Federal Police immigration officer at the Brazilian port of entry.
· No application· Federal Police
/06
Observe the 90/180-day limit
You may stay up to 90 days per entry. Total time in Brazil must not exceed 180 days within any one-year period; overstays can lead to fines.
· 90 days/entry· 180 days/year
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
South Africa -> Brazil · Visa-free (visa exemption)
0 / 10 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSouth African ordinary passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (~R$248/day)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredTravel purpose is tourism, family, business or conference (not paid work)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedYellow fever vaccination certificate (if visiting risk areas)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedPrinted itinerary and contact details in Brazil
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Application link included: Visa policy of Brazil — Wikipedia
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa feeR$0No visa required — exemption applies
eVisa / application feeR$0No pre-travel application exists for this exemption
Entry/tourist taxR$0No general arrival tax for visa-exempt tourists
Total estimateR$0R$0incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Visa exemption decree (March 2026)
Brazil unilaterally waived short-stay visas for South African ordinary passport holders effective 7 March 2026.
High
/02
Short tourist stay within 90 days
Trips of 90 days or less for tourism fall squarely within the exemption.
High
/03
Business visit or conference
Short, unpaid business meetings and conferences are also covered by the waiver.
Medium
/04
Visiting family or friends
Family visits are permitted under the same visa-free rules.
Medium
/05
Paid work or study
Remunerated activity or enrolment in study requires a proper visa and is NOT covered.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
South Africa to Brazil route verified
Confirmed via Wikipedia (Visa policy of Brazil and Visa requirements for South African citizens) and VisaHQ news that Brazil's decree, effective 7 March 2026, grants South African ordinary passport holders visa-free entry for up to 90 days per entry (max 180 days per year).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do South Africans need a visa for Brazil in 2026?
No. Since 7 March 2026, South African ordinary passport holders can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business meetings or conferences.
How long can I stay?+
Is there a fee or online form?+
Can I work in Brazil on this exemption?+
What documents will immigration check?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Africa passport

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