I will be in Brazil for one year doing some volunteer work. I was hoping to get a "voluntary work visa," but there is a lot of paperwork and processing time required, and I'm worried I won't be able to get the visa in time before I leave. I am considering going on a tourist visa--they look like they're easy enough to renew for up to 6 months, but I am unsure how difficult it will be after that. Have any Americans been able to renew tourist visas for longer than 6 months? If not, has anyone been able to change from a tourist visa to a long-term visa while in Brazil?
1
esterosdelibera
Previous post:
* Foreigners are permitted to be in Brazil a maximum of 180 days in a 365 day period. Once you have been in the country 180 days ( and the count starts from your first date of entry, regardless of whether you leave the country and return later or not ), you must stay out for another 180 days. Do not forget that after 90 days you must go to the Policia Federal to get an extension for the next 90 days ( for a total of 180 days ). The effectiveness of these rules is subject to how well the person at the Brazilian passport control looks at your passport / visa / entry and exit stamps. Sometimes they do not even glance at it, and sometimes they do. If you are planning on repeated, long-term visits to Brazil, you had better stay within the rules to avoid problems.
Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.
2
esterosdelibera
The following is a previous post:
* The fine is US$ 4.00 per day, and is up to a maximum of 100 days. If you overstay your visa, when you are leaving the airport they may notice your overstay and fine you. By doing this they will put a big stamp in your book, etc.. However, you are not obligated to pay that fine on the spot.... just tell them that you do not have enough money with you. If you get away, and leave the country, you will be required to pay that fine if you return with the same passport. If you change passports, there is no way of them knowing, as it is not entered into a computer system or anything. Trust me, as I have been fined the maximum fee of US$ 400.00 on two separate occasions. I was able to appeal one successfully but the second time I was forced to pay.
Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner