Brazil has a large global network of diplomatic missions and maintains diplomatic relations with over 150 countries as of 2019. This position has made Brazil offer different types of visas for foreigners entering the country for diplomatic, official, or courtesy purposes. The Brazil diplomatic visa is specifically designed for diplomats, government officials, and employees of international organizations who are on an official mission to Brazil and hold diplomatic status. This visa allows them to enter and stay in the country for the duration of their mission.
Similarly, the Brazil official visa is for those who are on official missions to Brazil, either permanent or temporary, but without diplomatic status. The holders of this visa are allowed to stay in the country for the duration of their mission, and like the diplomatic visa, the visa issuance requires approval by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eligibility Criteria for a Brazilian Diplomatic Visa
Applicants will qualify for a Brazil diplomatic Visa if they belong to any group of persons listed below:
- Foreign authorities and officials who travel to Brazil on an official mission, of a transitory or permanent nature, representing a foreign State recognized by the Brazilian Government, as well as their dependents;
- Foreign authorities and employees who travel to Brazil on an official mission, of a transitory or permanent nature, representing an International Organization recognized by the Brazilian Government, as well as their dependents
- Foreigners who travel to Brazil, under official seal, as a student, intern, employee or representative of institutions of recognized economic, cultural or scientific relevance, of international scope, included in this definition, for example: scientific-cultural missions provided for in the International Agreement, technical assistance missions carried out within the scope of agreements that expressly contemplate the granting of VISOF to technicians, experts and cooperators, cooperation missions with Brazilian government agencies, military students to attend courses at the Academies of the Brazilian Armed Forces, representations of international organizations, recognized by the Brazilian Government.
Requirement for a Brazil Diplomatic Visa:
Diplomats and civil servants of foreign governments qualify for a diplomatic Visa if they can present the following documents as they apply:
- Passport: The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Brazil. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages.
- Photo: One recent colour photograph with a white background must be provided. The photo must be 3.5×4.5 cm in size.
- National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy: If the applicant’s country of residence and citizenship are different, a residence permit card must be submitted.
- Pre-approval by the Ministry of Foreign Relations: Applicants must receive pre-approval from the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Brazil before their visa application can be processed. This can be done in one of two ways:
- A Diplomatic Note/Note Verbale from the Diplomatic Mission or International Organization in Brazil requests the visa to the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Brazil, via the Division of Immigration – DIMor.
- The Brazilian Government Agency responsible for the invitation requests the visa to the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Brazil via “Ofício” to the Division of Immigration – DIM.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a Brazilian visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Additionally, it is recommended to check the latest updates and requirements on the official website of the Brazilian consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence.
How to Apply for a Brazil Diplomatic Visa
Foreigners applying for a Brazilian diplomatic visa must follow the Steps below
- Pre-Approval: This is given to applicants whose home Government had submitted their required application detailing the Brazilian Authority of the applicant status. In the case of an International Organization application, the required NGO will have to mention the applicant to the Brazilian Authority
- Present the required document: Once pre-approval has been obtained, the applicant must gather all required documents, which typically include a valid passport, recent photo, and national identity card/residence permit/visa copy (if applicable).
- Complete the Application Form: Applicants must complete the visa application form online or in person at the Brazilian consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Applicants must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, information about processing fees is usually available at the Brazilian embassies and consulate of the applicant’s country
- Submit the Application: After completing the application form and paying the visa fee, the applicant must submit their application along with all required documents to the Brazilian consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
- Wait for Processing: Once the application has been submitted, the processing time for a Diplomatic Visit Visa may take several weeks. It is recommended that applicants apply for the visa well in advance of their planned travel dates.
- Collect the Visa: If the visa application is approved, the applicant must collect their visa from the Brazilian consulate or embassy.
Possible Reasons Why Some Brazilian Diplomatic Visas are Rejected
Some applicants for Brazilian Visa suffer some setbacks because :
- Sometimes applicant fails to ensure that all required documents are complete and up-to-date.
- Do not Apply for the visa well in advance before their planned travel dates.
- Fails to provide clear and accurate information in the application. If possible, obtain pre-approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a diplomatic note/note verbale from the diplomatic mission or international organization in Brazil.
- Fails to see assistance from a reliable visa application center or immigration lawyer in the case of difficulty.