Brazilian Visa Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Last verified: February 2026

Brazilian visa and passport photos use a 35×45 mm format — standard European dimensions. The background must be white. Important: US citizens do not need a visa to visit Brazil for stays up to 90 days (reinstated from January 2024). This guide covers who still needs one, and what the photo specs are.

Quick facts


Passport size	35×45 mm
Visa size	35×45 mm
Background	Plain white
Head height	30–36 mm (chin to crown)
Photos required	2 (paper applications)
Recency	Within 6 months
Glasses	Allowed with conditions
Source	portalconsular.mre.gov.br

Do you need a Brazilian visa?

US citizens: No — Brazil reinstated visa-free entry for US citizens in January 2024. US citizens can visit Brazil for up to 90 days (extendable to 180 days per year) without a visa.

EU citizens: Most EU nationals do not need a visa for Brazil (up to 90 days).

Other nationalities: Check the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Many countries require visas, particularly from parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Photo specifications

Size and dimensions

Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Head height: 30–36 mm from chin to crown
Face coverage: 70–80% of the photo height
Both ears visible where possible
Shoulders visible in the lower frame

Background

Plain white. Uniform, shadow-free, no patterns or textures.

Expression and appearance

Expression: neutral, mouth closed. No smiling or open mouth.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera
Head position: straight, no tilt or rotation
Glasses: allowed if eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. However, glasses are increasingly not recommended as Brazilian consulates have been rejecting more photos with glasses. Remove to be safe.
Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons. Full face visible.
Clothing: everyday attire. No uniforms. Avoid white clothing against white background.

Quality

Full colour only
Sharp, in focus
Printed on professional photo paper for physical submissions
Even lighting, no shadows
No digital retouching or filters

Brazilian e-Visa — digital photo

Brazil offers e-Visa for eligible nationalities through the VITEM system. Digital photo requirements:

Format: JPEG
File size: typically 10 KB to 1 MB
Background: plain white
Resolution: minimum 300 DPI equivalent
Same face and expression requirements

Brazilian passport photos vs visa photos

The specifications are identical: 35×45 mm, white background. Brazilians applying for a Brazilian passport at consulates abroad use the same format.

Key difference: Brazilian passports are biometric and required for international travel. Passport applications at Brazilian consulates abroad require 2 printed photos plus an appointment.

Brazilian consulates in the US:

Embassy in Washington DC
Consulate General in New York
Consulate General in Los Angeles
Consulate General in Miami
Consulate General in Houston
Consulate General in Chicago
Consulate General in Boston
Consulate General in San Francisco
Consulate General in Atlanta

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Brazil?

No. Brazil reinstated visa-free entry for US citizens in January 2024. Stays up to 90 days are permitted, extendable to 180 days per year.

What size is a Brazilian visa photo?

35×45 mm — same as most European countries. Plain white background, head 30–36 mm.

Is a Brazilian visa photo the same as a US passport photo?

No. Brazil uses 35×45 mm. The US uses 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). Specify 35×45 mm when getting photos for Brazilian applications.

Can I wear glasses in a Brazilian visa photo?

Technically allowed with conditions, but Brazilian consulates increasingly reject photos with glasses. Remove glasses for the safest result.

How many photos do I need for a Brazilian visa application?

Two identical printed photos for paper applications. Check your specific visa category and consulate for exact requirements.