How to Enter the US: Visas, Documents, and Current Requirements

Entering the United States legally and smoothly requires more than booking a flight. The country remains one of the top destinations for tourism, study, business, and permanent immigration, and the visa step continues to be the most decisive point of the entire journey. Understanding which documents to present, which visa category to apply for, and how to prepare for the consular interview makes all the difference between a seamless trip and a denial that could delay plans by years.

This guide brings together, in plain language, the essential information for those planning a trip to the US. From the basic rule that Brazilians need a visa to the specifics of each category, the content has been updated to reflect the 2026 landscape, with current fees, timelines, and requirements.

Who needs a US visa

Brazilian citizens traveling to the United States with a Brazilian passport are generally required to obtain a visa before boarding. Unlike tourists from Europe, Japan, or the United Kingdom, Brazil is not yet part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making a consular visa mandatory for most travel purposes, including short-term tourism.

The exception applies when the traveler holds dual citizenship with a country participating in the VWP. In those cases, it is possible to enter through the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system — an electronic authorization requested online, valid for stays of up to 90 days, which waives the traditional visa requirement. Only the passport of the eligible country may be used for this procedure.

Basic documents required for entry

Regardless of visa category, certain documents are required at the time of boarding and inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency that oversees entry at US airports. Gather these in advance:

• Brazilian passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay;
• Valid US visa stamped on one of the passport pages;
• Previous passport, if the valid visa was issued in an older document;
• Proof of the purpose of travel, such as hotel reservations, an acceptance letter from an educational institution, or a business invitation;
• Proof of ties to Brazil, such as an employment contract, university enrollment, or business registration.

Proof of Covid-19 vaccination, previously required during certain phases of the pandemic, is no longer mandatory as of May 11, 2023, when the public health emergency was formally declared over in the US. Likewise, PCR or antigen tests are no longer required for entry.

Main visa types

US visas are divided into two broad categories: nonimmigrant visas, for temporary stays, and immigrant visas, for those seeking permanent residence. For most Brazilian travelers, temporary categories meet the purpose of the trip.

Tourism and business visas

• B-1: for business travel, such as meetings, conferences, short-term training, and commercial negotiations. Does not permit paid employment by a US company.
• B-2: for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, and recreational activities.
• B-1/B-2: the combined form, most common among Brazilians, typically issued with a ten-year validity and multiple entries.

Student and exchange visas

• F-1: for students admitted to long-term academic programs at accredited universities, colleges, and English language schools.
• M-1: for vocational and technical courses.
• J-1: used for cultural exchange programs, such as au pair, work and travel, internships, and academic research.

Other common categories

• C-1: transit through US territory en route to a third country.
• H, L, O, and P: temporary work visa families; require a prior petition approved by the employer with USCIS.
• K-1: fiancé(e) of a US citizen.

For student visas, presenting the I-20 form issued by the educational institution is mandatory. For the J-1, the equivalent document is the DS-2019, provided by the sponsoring organization.

How to apply for a US visa

The application process follows standardized steps established by the US Department of State and administered in Brazil through the visa applicant service center. In general, the process is as follows:

1. Fill out the DS-160 electronic form on the official Department of State portal, attaching a photo that meets the technical specifications;
2. Pay the consular fee, which is US$185 for B, F, J, M, and C visa categories, and higher amounts for petition-based work visas;
3. Schedule two appointments through the consulate system: biometric data collection at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the interview itself at one of the US diplomatic missions in the country;
4. Attend the interview with supporting documents proving the purpose of the trip and ties to Brazil.

In certain cases, it is possible to renew a visa without an in-person interview through the interview waiver program, provided the traveler meets the applicable criteria — such as having a previous visa in the same category that is still valid or recently expired.

Documents for the interview

Consular officers review each application quickly and consider not only the documents, but also the consistency of the answers. It is recommended to bring:

• Current passport and previous passports;
• DS-160 confirmation page with barcode;
• Interview appointment confirmation;
• Proof of consular fee payment;
• Income tax returns for recent years;
• Bank statements and proof of income;
• Employment record, corporate documents, or university enrollment confirmation;
• Travel-specific documents, such as the I-20, DS-2019, or invitation letter.

Tips to improve your approval chances

While there is no guaranteed formula, certain practices tend to favor the applicant. Completing the DS-160 with accurate and consistent information — avoiding contradictions with travel history — is the starting point. Demonstrating solid ties to Brazil, such as stable employment, real estate, family, and community connections, helps establish intent to return.

Another decisive factor is having financial resources commensurate with the proposed trip. An applicant claiming to plan a thirty-day stay in California must present savings, income, and assets that match that plan. During the interview, concise and natural responses — rather than rehearsed speeches — tend to be more effective. It is also advisable to arrive early, dress modestly, and bring only what is necessary.

When to seek professional guidance

For simple tourism trips, applicants can navigate the process on their own. However, in more complex situations — prior denials, overstay history, criminal records, immigration travel, work or investor visas — it may be prudent to seek specialized legal advice in US immigration law before filing the application. Qualified professionals help assess risks, organize documentation, and anticipate sensitive points in the consular review.

Planning ahead, complying with current regulations, and being transparent at every step remain the most reliable principles for anyone seeking to enter the United States without surprises. Since immigration policies can change frequently, it is always advisable to check fees, forms, and requirements directly through the official channels of the Department of State and the embassy before starting any process.

Victoria Harper

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