Law 12.968, May 6, 2014 – Amendment to the Foreign Individual Regulation to create an alternative and quicker proceeding for the granting of tourist visas, to allow the waiver of the requirement of tourist visas and temporary visas for foreign individuals in business trips or in the condition of artist or sportsperson, to the foreign individual who is from a country that grants identical treatment to Brazilian individuals.

On May 6, 2014, Law No. 12.968 entered into force. The main purpose of such Law is to reduce bureaucracy and difficulties faced by foreign individuals who wish to visit Brazil.

Still awaiting regulation by the Executive Branch of the Government, Law No. 12.968 amended the Foreign Individual Regulation (Law No. 6.815, August 19, 1980), to create the possibility of application and issuance of tourist visas by electronic means, so that the filing of information and presentation of documents might be done via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Portal.

Under the terms of the legislative intent of the law in question and once it has been regulated, the authorities will have eight (8) consecutive days to decide whether the tourist may enter Brazil. In case it is determined that the visa shall be granted, the tourist will receive an authorization up to seven (7) days before boarding. Such authorization will be converted to a visa, after payment of the relevant fees in Brazilian territory and documentary proof of the information provided via electronic system.

This new regulation will also allow the waiver of the requirement of tourist visas and temporary visas for foreign individuals in business trips or in the condition of artist or sportsperson, provided that the foreign individual's country of origin grants identical treatment to Brazilian individuals.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.