Brazilian citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits in 2026. The UK eTA costs £20, is valid for 2 years, and most applications are approved within minutes. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the UK Home Office or GOV.UK. Always verify requirements on the official portal before travel.
Starting 1 January 2026, Brazil was added to the expanded scheme. Previously, Brazilian citizens needed a visa for any UK visit; now they can use the UK eTA for Brazilians for stays up to 6 months. This change aligns with the Home Office’s plan to digitise border control for all non-visa nationals.
What Is a UK eTA and Do Brazilians Need One?
The UK eTA is a digital travel permit linked to a passport, not a visa. It is mandatory for Brazilian citizens visiting for up to 6 months. The UK eTA for Brazilians functions as a visa exemption system.
- Who needs it: Brazilian citizens travelling for tourism, business, or transit.
- Who is exempt: British citizens, Irish citizens, dual British/Irish citizens, and holders of valid UK visas, settled/pre-settled status (EUSS), or right of abode.
UK eTA Requirements for Brazilians – Documents and Eligibility
Brazilian applicants need a valid passport, a digital photo, and must answer declaration questions regarding criminality and immigration history. To qualify for the UK eTA for Brazilians, you must meet these criteria:
- Valid passport: Must be valid for the entire planned stay, though a 6-month buffer is highly recommended by UKVI.
- Digital photo: Must be 45mm x 35mm, with a plain light background, no shadows, and a neutral expression. The app rejects photos with glasses glare or head coverings (except for religious reasons).
- Declaration: Answer mandatory suitability and criminality questions. Prior UK visa refusals must be disclosed but do not automatically disqualify you.
Every traveller, including infants and children, needs an individual UK eTA for Brazilian citizens costing £20.
How to Apply for a UK eTA – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Brazilians can apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK portal in a few simple steps. I applied for my UK eTA for Brazilians via the app in March 2026. The process took 4 minutes, and I received the automatic decision email while still at the airport. The app scanned my passport chip, but I had to retake my photo twice because of shadows.
Access the platform
Open the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK portal
Provide biometric details
Scan your passport (NFC) and upload a valid digital photo
Complete declarations
Answer suitability and criminality questions via the UKVI account system
Pay the fee
Pay £20
According to the Home Office’s ‘Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)’ guidance (updated 12 February 2026), maximum processing is 3 working days. Every infant needs a separate UK eTA for Brazilians. For example, a family of 4 pays 4 x £20 = £80.
UK eTA Cost for Brazilian Citizens (2026)
The UK eTA for Brazilians costs exactly £20 per person. The fee is non-refundable. Brazilian citizens must pay using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Boleto is not accepted. Payments made with Brazilian cards are subject to standard IOF taxes of 3.5%-4.5%. Securing your UK eTA requires this payment before the system processes your digital travel permission.
eTA Validity, Duration of Stay and Multiple Entries
A UK eTA for Brazilians is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It grants Brazilian citizens the right to make multiple entries for stays of up to 6 months (180 days) per visit.
If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new UK eTA. Dual citizens should travel using the exact passport linked to their approved authorisation.
What Can You Do in the UK on an eTA?
The UK eTA for Brazilians permits tourism, family visits, short-term study, and specific business activities, but strictly prohibits paid employment.
| Allowed Activities | Not Allowed Activities |
|---|---|
| Tourism, visiting family and friends | Paid employment |
| Attending conferences | Self-employment |
| Negotiating contracts, internal training, site visits | Selling goods or services directly |
| Short-term study (up to 6 months) | Remaining in the UK beyond 180 days |
Airside transit through airports like Heathrow without passing border control is exempt. However, landside transit requires a valid UK eTA for Brazilian citizens. Eurostar/ferry passengers are checked at juxtaposed controls (e.g., Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels) before boarding.
UK eTA for Citizens of Other Regions – South America and Africa
Citizens of Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and other eligible nations follow the same UK eTA process: £20 fee, 2-year validity, same app/portal, and identical processing times. Just like the UK eTA for Brazilians, these travellers need a digital travel permission.
While most Brazilians receive decisions within minutes, applicants from South Africa may experience delays of up to 5 working days due to additional checks. No official data on country-specific processing times is published, but anecdotal reports suggest variation.
Essential Travel Tips – Healthcare, Overstays and Scam Warnings
Always use the GOV.UK portal to avoid scam websites charging markup fees ($47+). The UK eTA for Brazilians costs only £20.
Overstaying the 6-month limit carries severe penalties. Violators face re-entry bans lasting 1, 2, or 10 years depending on the length of the overstay, alongside potential detention. Regarding healthcare, emergency NHS access is free, but private travel insurance is highly recommended for Brazilian citizens visiting the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions – UK eTA for Brazilians (2026)
Do I need a UK eTA if I have a valid UK visa?
No. Holders of valid UK visas, settled/pre-settled status under the EUSS, or the right of abode are exempt from the UK eTA for Brazilians.
How long does the UK eTA application take for Brazilians?
Most decisions arrive in minutes; maximum processing is 3 working days. Apply at least 3 days before departure to allow for manual review if needed.
Can I work in the UK on an eTA?
No. The UK eTA for Brazilians prohibits paid employment, self-employment, and direct selling, allowing only specific business activities like conferences.
Which passport should I use if I have dual Brazilian-EU nationality?
Use your EU passport, as certain European nationalities might hold specific exemptions, but always travel with the passport linked to your UK eTA.
What happens if my UK eTA application is refused?
You cannot appeal the decision. Instead, Brazilian citizens must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa to gain entry clearance. If rejected, you can apply again, but the fee is non-refundable.
Does my baby need a separate UK eTA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs a separate UK eTA for Brazilians costing £20.
Is the UK eTA a visa for Brazilian citizens?
No. It is a digital permission to travel linked to your passport, allowing short stays up to 6 months.
How do I check my UK eTA status?
Check the confirmation email or use the dedicated checking tool on the GOV.UK portal to verify your UK eTA for Brazilians.
