Brazil Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days per visit under a bilateral exemption agreement.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Brazil without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No prior application required. Present your Austrian passport at the port of entry. Immigration at GRU (Sao Paulo Guarulhos) or GIG (Rio de Janeiro Galeao) is usually straightforward but can be slow during peak hours. Keep proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. The stay is 90 days, which can be extended by briefly crossing into a neighboring country.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Brazil: What You Need to Know
Brazil is the largest country in South America and a continent in itself: from the Amazon rainforest to Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro's beaches, the cultural capital of Salvador, and the futuristic planned city of Brasilia. Austria and Brazil have a historic connection: Dom Pedro I, the founder of independent Brazil, was an Austrian Habsburg prince, and a community of Austrian settlers established the town of Treze Tilias in Santa Catarina state in the 1930s. Austrian passport holders receive 90 days visa-free, renewable by crossing a border.
How to Get There
From Vienna (VIE), fly to Sao Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) with connections via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal (6 hours to Lisbon + 10 hours onward), Frankfurt with Lufthansa, or Amsterdam with KLM and LATAM. TAP via Lisbon is typically the most convenient European routing.
Money & Banking
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted in cities. PIX instant payment system is ubiquitous in Brazil but requires a Brazilian account. Cash is useful for markets and smaller towns. Brazil ranges from affordable (street food, regional cities) to expensive (high-end Rio, imported goods). Tipping 10% (the gorjeta) is standard at restaurants.
Practical Tips
Brazil is vast; domestic flights between Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Manaus, and Foz do Iguacu are necessary. Iguazu Falls (on the Brazil-Argentina border) is a must-visit; you can visit both sides with your Austrian passport. Carnival in Rio (February/March) must be booked a year in advance. Safety varies greatly by neighborhood; research areas before wandering. Portuguese (not Spanish) is spoken in Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Brazil?
No. Austrian passport holders can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days under a bilateral exemption agreement.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Brazil?
Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to the Amazon (Amazonas state, Para, Rondonia, Mato Grosso). Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from Brazil. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic in Austria before departure.
What language do Brazilians speak?
Portuguese, not Spanish. Brazilian Portuguese differs somewhat from European Portuguese in accent and vocabulary but is mutually intelligible. English proficiency is limited outside tourist areas in major cities. Spanish is sometimes understood but not preferred.
How do I get from Vienna to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo?
Fly from Vienna (VIE) via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal (the most direct routing), or via Frankfurt (Lufthansa + LATAM), Amsterdam (KLM + LATAM), or Madrid (Iberia). TAP via Lisbon is usually 16-17 hours total.
Is Brazil safe for tourists?
Safety varies greatly. Sao Paulo, Rio, and Salvador have very vibrant tourist scenes but also significant crime rates, particularly pickpocketing, bag snatching, and in some areas, robbery. Use Uber rather than hailing taxis, avoid displaying phones and jewelry in public, and research safe neighborhoods before arriving. The tourist infrastructure in major cities is well-developed for managing these risks.
Do Austrians need Zika or malaria precautions for Brazil?
Zika risk exists throughout Brazil, particularly in the Amazon and northeastern states. Malaria exists in the Amazon basin; take prophylaxis if visiting that region. Consult a travel medicine clinic in Austria for advice specific to your itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
December to March is summer in Rio, with Carnival in February/March. This is the busiest and hottest period. May to September is the cooler "winter" (still warm, 20-25C) and less crowded. Carnival requires booking accommodation and tickets over a year in advance.