Brazil for Americans: visa, cost of living and safety

Getting in on a US passport

Since April 10, 2025 US citizens must get a Brazilian e-visa online (through the official VFS Global portal) before flying; there is no visa-free entry anymore. Each stay is up to 90 days, and the Federal Police can extend it to 180 days in a 12-month period.

Staying longer

The digital nomad visa asks for foreign remote-work income of at least US$1,500 a month or US$18,000 in funds, plus health insurance, for one year renewable once. The retirement visa (VITEM XIV) asks for a pension of US$2,000 a month transferred to Brazil.

What a month costs

Lean: about $1,150 a month. Comfortable: about $1,470 a month. One person, rent included.

Rio de Janeiro, from Numbeo (Sept 2026): single-person costs of about $648 a month before rent, plus a 1-bed outside the centre (~$503) for the low figure or in the centre (~$823) for the comfortable one.

Where to base yourself

Rio de Janeiro

Beach city where Numbeo puts a central 1-bed around $820; the State Dept singles out drink-drugging and robbery here, so choose your neighborhood carefully.

São Paulo

Brazil's main airport (GRU) has the LATAM nonstop from LAX, and Numbeo rents are lower than Rio's (central 1-bed ~$650).

Florianópolis

Island city in the south with beaches and Numbeo rents around $480–$655 for a 1-bed, but you will need a connecting flight to get there.

Heads up

The State Department warns that criminals target foreigners through dating apps and bars, drug their drinks and rob them, especially in Rio, and that express kidnappings (forcing victims to empty accounts at ATMs or by Pix transfer) still happen. Carry one card, keep your phone's banking apps locked down, and never accept drinks from strangers.

Emergency numbers

Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Tourist police: None nationally; call 190. Rio de Janeiro only: DEAT tourist police station, Leblon, (21) 2332-2429
Anti-trafficking: Disque 100 (Disque Direitos Humanos) – free, 24/7, anonymous reports accepted; also WhatsApp +55 61 99611-0100
US Embassy: +55 61 3312-7000 (after-hours emergencies: +55 61 3312-7400)

Level 2 – Exercise increased caution (reissued August 31, 2026). Do not travel to favelas/informal housing areas, areas near international land borders, or Brasília's satellite cities.

Practical

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
Plugs: C, N
Nonstop flight from the US: Yes
Typical door-to-door from LAX: about 12 hours

18+ only. If you see anyone who looks underage, or anyone being forced to work, call the anti-trafficking number above or the police. Rules change: check the embassy and immigration sites before you book.