Visa for religious activities in Brazil

Brazil offers a religious activities visa for those who wish to come to the country for religious purposes. In this text, we explain the required documents, as well as the period of stay, and outline the main steps to obtain the visa. Check it out!

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Who is the religious activities visa in Brazil for?

The religious activities visa in Brazil is intended for foreigners who wish to enter the country to participate in religious activities, such as missionaries, priests, pastors, or members of religious organizations. This visa allows individuals to legally carry out their religious activities in Brazil for a specified period.

How long can I stay in the country with this visa?

The period of stay for the religious activities visa in Brazil is 2 years.

Can I renew my visa?

Yes, you can renew your religious activities visa in Brazil. Generally, these types of visas have an initial duration of up to 2 years, but they can be renewed provided that the requirements and procedures established by the Brazilian immigration authorities are met.

Renewal applications must be submitted before the current visa expires, and it is important to comply with Brazilian laws and regulations during your stay in the country.

What documents are required from the religious institution?

The documents required from the religious institution for the religious activities visa are:

• Articles of incorporation or by laws of the applicant religious institution based in Brazil;
• Proof of legal representation powers of its leader; and
• Commitment from the entity in Brazil to support and ensure the departure from Brazilian territory of the religious worker in question.

What documents are required from the religious?

The documents required from the religious worker for a religious activities visa are:

• Passport, valid for six months or more;
• 1 recent 5×7 or passport-type photograph, front view and white background;
• Web form “Visa Application” duly completed and signed (link above); Applications without the submission of the Form Submission Receipt (RER) will not be accepted;
• Declaration of ordination and/or academic transcript, proving religious training. In the case of a member of consecrated life, proof of this status;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Criminal record (certificate of no criminal record);
• If applicable, marriage certificate and/or birth certificate of dependents, or document proving dependency; and
  Declaration, if applicable, that the applicant will only carry out activities in an indigenous area, with the express authorization of FUNAI;
• Consular fees;
• Minors traveling unaccompanied, or in the company of one parent: authorization from both parents is required for the issuance of the visa, with signatures duly notarized by a Public Notary AND the minor’s birth certificate showing parentage.
• Visa authorization.

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Brazil with this visa?

Yes. You must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have traveled in the ninety (90) days preceding your trip to Brazil to:

• Angola;
• Bolivia;
• Benin;
• Burkina Faso;
• Cameroon;
• Colombia;
• Democratic Republic of Congo;
• Ecuador;
• French Guiana;
• Gabon;
• Ghana;
• Gambia;
• Republic of Guinea;
• Liberia;
• Nigeria;
• Peru;
• Sierra Leone;
• Sudan;
• Venezuela.

What are the requirements for obtaining a religious activities visa in Brazil?

To obtain a visa for religious activities in Brazil, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a member of a religious organization;
• Possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Brazil;
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay in Brazil, such as bank statements, income tax return, or scholarship;
• Present a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of your country of origin or the country where the applicant has resided in the last five years;
• Possess a health insurance policy that covers medical expenses during your stay in Brazil;
• Complete and sign the visa application form available on the Brazilian consular representation’s website;
• Pay the corresponding visa fee.

What is the cost of a religious activities visa?

The cost of a religious activities visa is R$ 100.00 (Brazilian Reais). However, as visa fees are based on local currencies and the gold exchange rate, please check the exact amount in advance.

How to apply for the visa?

The process for applying for a religious activities visa in Brazil (VITEM VII) may vary depending on the country where the applicant is located.

In general, the application process includes the following steps:

• Check the specific requirements: Before starting the application process for a religious activities visa in Brazil, you must check the specific requirements of the Brazilian consular authority responsible for granting the visa. This information can be found on the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country of origin;
• Fill out the application form: The next step is to fill out the religious activities visa application form for Brazil, available on the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate. The form must be filled out with accurate and up-to-date information;
• Gather the necessary documents: Obtain a recent photograph that meets the required specifications, check the validity of your passport (it must be valid for at least six months), and gather the other required documents, such as proof of financial means, letter from the religious institution in Brazil, criminal background check certificate, proof of residence, and health insurance. If applicable;
• Schedule the interview: Depending on the country you are in, it may be necessary to schedule an interview at the Brazilian embassy or consulate. During the interview, you may be asked about your travel intentions and your financial capacity to support yourself in the country during your stay;
• Pay the visa fee: After gathering the necessary documentation and scheduling the interview, the next step is to pay the visa fee. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the country and the visa category requested;
• Track the application status: After the interview and payment of the visa fee, you can track the status of your application through the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate.

How long does it take to process a religious activities visa application after I submit it?

The processing time for a religious activities visa is generally 20 business days.

However, this timeframe is not guaranteed, only an estimate. For example, if the Brazilian government requires additional documents or finds that one of your requirements is not properly documented, you may end up having to wait longer.

That’s why it’s so important to have specialized assistance to reduce the risk of errors and omissions and thus speed up your application, among other advantages.

Upon arriving in Brazil, what should I do?

Upon arriving in Brazil with a religious activities visa, you should follow these steps:

• Immigration: After disembarking at the Brazilian airport, go to immigration control. Present your passport with the religious activities visa to the immigration officers. They will verify your documents and stamp your passport, allowing your entry into the country;
• Baggage Declaration: After passing through immigration, go to the baggage claim area. Collect your luggage and, if necessary, fill out the goods declaration for customs control purposes if you are bringing valuable goods;
• Customs: Upon leaving the baggage claim area, you may pass through customs, where you may be selected for a baggage check. Follow the instructions of the customs officers and declare any valuable items or goods that exceed the permitted quotas;
• Registration with the Federal Police: After arriving at your final destination in Brazil, with the religious activities visa, remember that within 90 days you must register with the Federal Police.

The Religious Activities Visa

In conclusion, you have seen the process for obtaining a religious activities visa in Brazil, including the necessary documents, the period of stay, and the main steps for applying for the visa. The religious activities visa is intended for foreigners who wish to participate in religious activities in the country, allowing them to legally practice their religious activities for a period of 2 years.

Furthermore, upon arriving in Brazil with a religious activities visa, you must go through immigration control, declare your baggage, go through customs, and, within 90 days, register with the Federal Police.

If you would like legal assistance from our team, please send us a message on WhatsApp.