Passport and Visa Info

Participants are required to hold a valid US passport. If you do not have a passport, apply early. This process usually takes about 4-6 weeks. A passport application can be picked up at any post office or downloaded here. Prospective students should start the passport application as soon as possible.

To enter Brazil, you need a visa as well as six months' validity remaining on your signed passport and with at least one blank visa page available. Visa applications must be delivered in person, by appointment only, to the Consulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles (website). The visa fee must be paid with U.S. Postal Service Money Order only, made out to the Brazilian Consulate (bring the money order to the Consulate with your other documents on the day of your appointment). The consular agent will tell you the date and time your passport will be returned and will hand you a receipt. On the specified date, anyone can pick up the passport(s) on your behalf, provided that he or she have the original receipt.

You will be applying for a Tourist Visa which is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to Brazil for a short stay for tourism, family visit or other personal affairs. As part of applying for this visa, you must have purchased your roundtrip airline ticket - a copy of which will be used as part of your visa application. For more information about applying for a Tourist Visa visit the Consulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles website.

For Brazil Country Specific information including Entry/Exit Requirements, visit the State Department website. If you have a passport from a country other than the United States, you will need to contact the consulate of the country of your destination to ask about your specific Visa requirements.

We also recommend that you sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before embarking on your study abroad program to receive the latest travel updates and information.

Health Precautions

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. Please note that the CDC recommends that travelers to Brazil ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Consult with your personal physician or the University health center at least 4- 6 weeks prior to travelling to assist you in determining your specific immunization needs.