Visa Requirements for Canadians Traveling to Brazil
Brazil is one of the most incredible and captivating countries in the world and well worth the effort to get there. I say effort because not only does it require a lengthy flight but the visa requirements are quite stringent as well.
At Vancouver Downtown Notary, we assist many Brazil bound explorers with their travel documentation, and these are the important things to know.
Passport
For a Canadian, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time it is submitted to the Brazilian consulate. Your passport must be signed in the designated area and have two entire blank passport pages to accommodate the Brazilian visa.
Visa Application Form
The Brazilian visa application form can be filled out online at https://scedv.serpro.gov.br. You should print it out, complete the form, and sign the one-page “visa request form receipt”.
Photo
You must provide 1 2×2 photo, taken against a white background. The photo can be no older than 6 months. Only professionally taken photos are accepted, so do not take them yourself or scan them. The photo needs to be glued to the application form, so do not use staples. Also, it is important not to cut the photo in order to make it fit in the box provided on the form. A regular 2×2 photo should fit fine.
Signed Letter
Your visa application must contain a signed letter explaining:
- The purpose of your trip;
- Your itinerary including when you will be arriving AND leaving Brazil; and
- Who in Brazil has invited you (if applicable).
One letter per family is all that is required.
Evidence of Funds
An interesting quirk of applying for a Brazilian visa is that you must provide evidence that you have enough money to cover your expenses while traveling the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay.
These are the documents you are required to provide:
- An official, signed letter by your employer stating your full name and position within the company, and;
- A copy of recent bank statements that includes your name and account activity for the past 3 months of account activity, and;
- A copy of your most recent notice of tax assessment from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
If you are self-employed
You must provide a notarized Affidavit as well as a copy of bank statements showing your most recent 3 months of account activity. The statements must show your full name. You must also provide a copy of your most recent notice of tax assessment from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
At Vancouver Downtown Notary, we can help you with this Affidavit and notarize it for you. Call 778-819-8553 to make an appointment.
If you are unemployed
You must provide a letter explaining why you are unemployed and provide a copy of bank statements showing your full name and most recent 3 months of account activity or a copy of your most recent notice of tax assessment from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
If you are retired
You must provide bank statements showing your full name and most recent 3 months of account activity and a copy of your most recent notice of tax assessment from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
If you are a student and/or minor
You must provide an official letter from the educational institution in which you are currently enrolled. The letter must include your full name and state that you are currently enrolled there, and
A copy of your bank statements showing your most recent 3 months of account activity. The statements that must include your full name or those of your parents/legal guardians.
If you have any further questions about the visa process, call Vancouver Downtown Notary at 778-819-8553 or email [email protected].
