Responding to growing humanitarian needs across the globe, Brazil has welcomed vulnerable individuals through its Humanitarian Visa program.
Designed to offer safe entry and legal residency to people fleeing war, political unrest, natural disasters, and ideological discrimination, this visa shows Brazil’s commitment to human rights.
What is the Brazilian Humanitarian Visa?
The Brazil Humanitarian Visa allows foreigners affected by humanitarian emergencies to enter and reside in Brazil legally. Unlike a standard Brazil tourist or work visa, this program targets individuals in regions facing extreme hardship, such as armed conflict, widespread violence, or environmental catastrophe.
Notably, Brazil has issued humanitarian visas to:
- Afghan nationals after the 2021 Taliban takeover
- Venezuelans fleeing economic and political turmoil
- Haitians impacted by the 2010 earthquake and subsequent instability
- Ukrainians escaping the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is based on nationality and the applicant’s circumstances. The Brazil government, through official ordinances, identifies which nationalities or regions are eligible based on current humanitarian crises. Generally, applicants must:
- Be a national (or stateless person) from a country or crisis region
- Prove their identity and personal situation
- Apply at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in a third country (not within Brazil)
There are circumstances under which you can seek asylum in Brazil with the Humanitarian Visa. For example, if you traveled to Brazil and the political situation worsened or a natural disaster occurred while you were there.
Applying for a Humanitarian Visa
Brazil Citizenship
The application process varies slightly depending on the applicant’s nationality and location. The Brazil Humanitarian Visa for Afghanistan citizens and other foreign nationals who need a visa to travel to Brazil first requires applying for a temporary visitor visa.
Required documents
To get a temporary visa, you need:
- Valid travel document
- Birth certificate
- Flight ticket to Brazil
- Passport-sized photographs
- Clean criminal record certificate
Application process
Once you’ve secured legal entry into Brazil, you can begin the humanitarian visa process.
- Filling out the Brazil Humanitarian Visa application form, available at formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br
- Provide the necessary documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, and other documents that confirm your identity.
- Explain your need for humanitarian protection by providing relevant evidence (e.g., refugee status, instances of persecution, or danger to personal safety)
- Submit biometrics and attend a visa interview at a Brazilian consular office or Federal Police headquarters in Brazil.
After approval, applicants receive an entry visa and, upon arrival in Brazil, must register with the Federal Police to obtain a residence permit and foreign national’s identity card (RNE-Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro).
Rights and Benefits
Holders of a Brazil Humanitarian Visa are granted rights and protections in Brazil, including:
- Legal residency, which is renewable and convertible to Brazil permanent residency or citizenship.
- Right to employment and study in Brazil
- Access to the Brazilian healthcare system and social services
- Legal protection under Brazil’s refugee laws
Humanitarian visa holders are encouraged to integrate into Brazilian society, including learning Portuguese.
Your trust, our priority
Have confidence in securing a Humanitarian Visa in Brazil with Brazil Visa Solutions. Drawing on the extensive experience of our highly qualified Brazil immigration lawyers, we offer expert guidance help you gain protection in Brazil.
Get it touch with us to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Humanitarian Visa in Brazil
How to fill a Brazil visa application form online?
You can visit formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br to find and fill out the Brazil Humaninatiran Visa application.
How to check Brazil humanitarian visa status?
- Check the Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular service division.
- Select the table for foreign citizens on the homepage.
- Click ‘Check Status.’
- Under ‘Applicant’s Name,’ type your name and date of birth.
- Solve the Captcha and search to view updates.
Can Haitians go to Brazil without a visa?
Haitian citizens must apply for a visa to visit Brazil. However, the Brazil Humanitarian Visa for Haitians allows them to travel to Brazil without a visa if they’re experiencing a humanitarian crisis.
