Brazil Visa RequirementsFor Russia passport holders

Russian citizens benefit from a visa-free agreement with Brazil that has been in place since 2010. The bilateral treaty, signed on 7 July 2010, allows holders of ordinary Russian passports to enter Brazil without a visa for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. No advance application or approval is required before travel.

The permitted stay is up to 90 days, with the option to extend for a further 90 days at a Brazilian Federal Police office before the initial 90 days expire, for a maximum total of 180 days in a 12-month period. This is the framework used in Brazilian consular guidance; note that some sources, including the Russian MFA, describe the arrangement as up to 90 days per 180-day period from the date of first entry. In practice, travellers should plan around the 90-day stay and contact the Federal Police for any extension.

The visa waiver agreement between Brazil and Russia remains in force as of 2026, and no entry restrictions on Russian ordinary passport holders have been announced by Brazilian authorities.

There are no direct flights between Russia and Brazil at present. Russian travellers connect via third-country hubs, with the most practical options being:

• Via Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines flies daily from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and other Russian cities, with connections to Sao Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Total journey time approximately 16 to 20 hours. This is generally the most frequent and competitively priced option.
• Via Dubai (DXB): Emirates from Moscow (SVO/DME) connects to Sao Paulo. Flydubai covers additional Russian cities to Dubai. Journey time approximately 18 to 22 hours.
• Via Addis Ababa (ADD): Ethiopian Airlines connects Moscow to Sao Paulo via Addis Ababa. Less frequent but sometimes cheaper.
• Via Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways operates Moscow to Sao Paulo via Doha.

Book well in advance, particularly for December to February (peak summer season in Brazil). Prices from Moscow to Sao Paulo typically start from around USD 1,200 to 1,500 one-way on competitive dates.

Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Brazil or anywhere internationally, following the suspension of both networks in Russia in March 2022.

Mir cards are not accepted in Brazil.

UnionPay cards issued by Russian banks may work at some Brazilian ATMs (particularly Itau), but acceptance is highly inconsistent and can change without notice due to sanctions and individual bank compliance policies. Do not treat UnionPay as a reliable payment method; treat cash as your primary funds.

Cash in USD or EUR is the most dependable option. Currency exchange offices (casas de cambio) are available at airports and city centres. Airport rates are slightly worse than city offices. Withdraw or exchange enough cash before leaving a major city, as options in smaller towns are limited.

Brazil is a large and varied country, and conditions differ significantly between regions. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are the main entry points for Russian travellers, but the country also includes the Amazon, the northeastern beaches (Bahia, Fortaleza), and the wetlands of the Pantanal.

Crime is a genuine concern in major Brazilian cities, particularly in and around favelas, at night, and in crowded tourist areas. Avoid displaying expensive equipment, use ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99) rather than flagging taxis on the street, and stay alert in busy spaces. The situation varies considerably: touristic areas in Florianopolis or the smaller northeastern towns are much calmer than central Rio at night.

Language: Portuguese is spoken, not Spanish. Basic Portuguese phrases go a long way and are appreciated by locals. Russian is not widely understood. English is spoken in tourist areas and upscale hotels.

Health: Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended before visiting the Amazon or Pantanal regions. A valid yellow fever certificate may be required if you are arriving from certain countries. Mosquito repellent is essential outside of major cities.

Socket types: Brazil uses Type N (three round pins, national standard) and the older Type C. A universal adapter covers both.