Brazil travel guide for Britons

British citizens do not need a visa for tourism in Brazil. You can stay up to 90 days per visit, and you may extend once for another 90 days by applying to the Federal Police before your time runs out. Your passport must be valid for the whole stay, and immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel and accommodation.

If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you need a visa from the Brazilian consulate before you travel. The rules are the same for all UK passport holders, including children.

You do not need an ETA or visa for tourism. On arrival, present your passport and be ready to show a return ticket and hotel booking. The immigration officer stamps your passport with a stay of up to 90 days.

If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension at a Federal Police office before your 90 days end. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry problems.

For work, study, or long stays, contact the Brazilian consulate in the UK before booking flights. The visa process can take weeks, so start early.

The British Embassy in Brasília and the Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo provide consular help for UK citizens. They can assist with lost passports, arrests, and serious emergencies, but they cannot get you out of jail, pay your bills, or act as a lawyer.

Save the emergency phone number before you travel. The embassy is not a substitute for travel insurance, which you should arrange before departure.

A one-week trip for one person, including return flights from London, mid-range hotels, and daily meals, typically costs £800–£1,200. Flights are the biggest single cost, often £500–£800 return. Budget hotels run £30–£60 per night, and a meal in a local restaurant costs £5–£10.

Internal flights between regions (e.g., Rio to Iguaçu) add £50–£150 per leg. Use the cost of travel in Brazil page for a full breakdown.

Direct flights from London to São Paulo (GRU) take about 11–12 hours. Some airlines fly direct to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) as well. From other UK cities, you usually connect in London, Lisbon, or Madrid.

Brazil is huge, so plan internal flights rather than long bus rides. Use the flight-time planner to compare routes from your home city.

Brazil uses Type N sockets with three round pins, and older Type C two-pin sockets. Voltage is 127 V or 220 V depending on the city, so check your devices. A universal adapter with surge protection is useful.

Most hotels have USB ports, but bring a power bank for long days out.

A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, so extra tipping is optional. Round up for taxis and give a small tip to hotel staff and guides if you are happy with the service. In bars, a tip of R$1–2 per drink is common.

Dial 190 for police, 192 for ambulance, and 193 for fire. The police emergency line has English-speaking operators in major cities. For non-urgent help, contact the British Embassy or consulate.

Save these numbers in your phone and write them on a card you carry.