How to Extend Your Brazil Tourist Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Why I’m Extending My Visa in Brazil
I have now been in Brazil for about 2.5 months and after sitting with it for a little while, I realized I’m not ready to leave yet and I want to stay longer.
I’ve really been loving the energy and the cost of living in Salvador. It’s something about waking up to the ocean while paying almost $600 less than what I was paying for my luxury apartment in Memphis, TN… like that alone will have you rethinking everything lol.
Brazil has been an experience for me, and I genuinely feel like there’s still more here for me to explore and experience.
So, I decided to request a visa extension.
As a tourist from the USA, our visa (which we have to apply for before coming) is valid for 90 days within a 12-month period. However, you can request an extension for another 90 days, which is exactly what I’m doing.
I’m not sure if I want to commit to the full 1-year digital nomad visa just yet, especially since I have a flight credit to Guatemala that expires in November, and I can only use it if I depart from Colombia… so yeah lol, we’re just taking this one step at a time.
The Visa Extension Process (Step-by-Step)
I’m not even going to lie… the process was a little confusing at first, but once you understand what’s going on, it’s actually pretty simple.
First, you want to go to this link and complete the form:
https://servicos.pf.gov.br/gru2/gru?nac=1&rec=9
I highly recommend translating the page into your language so you fully understand what you’re filling out.
You’ll need to enter:
Your full name
Your CPF (if you have one)
Your local address/complete zip-code in Brazil (You only need the full zip code because it auto-fills the rest)
Your nationality
Form purpose/reason
Your parents’ full names (only your mother’s name is required, but I added both)
Then, for the reason, you’ll lock the microscope & select:
“Pedido de prorrogação do prazo de entrada” (140090 – 94)
Once you select that, your fee will automatically populate.
Paying the Visa Extension Fee
This part is important.
If you don’t have a Brazilian PIX account or a Brazilian credit card, you’ll need to pay cash in person at a Loteria Caixa.
After you fill out the form, go to the next page and click the button that says “Baixar GRU” (Download GRU).
Save that document… you’re going to need it for payment.
Then, take about R$110.44 in cash and go to a Loteria to pay the fee. They’ll give you a receipt, and that receipt is very important for the next step.
Final Step: Federal Police Office
After you’ve paid, you’ll need to go to the local Federal Police of Brazil office.
Bring:
Your passport
Your printed visa
Your Loteria payment receipt
If you’re in Salvador like me, you’ll go to the airport. The office there is first come, first serve, so no appointment is needed.
If you’re in another city, you may need to schedule an appointment using this link:
https://servicos.pf.gov.br/agenda-web/formulario/23
My Experience at the Salvador Airport
When you get to the airport in Salvador, go to the second floor and walk down the hallway directly across from the elevator.
You’ll see the office on your right-hand side. The door might be closed, but don’t let that confuse you… just knock and wait for someone to come out.
Let them know you’re there to extend your visa, and they’ll ask for your documents.
I was there for about an hour, and they extended my visa on the spot for another 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the process is simple once you understand the steps, but it can feel confusing at first if you’re doing it alone and trying to figure it out in another language.
Also, keep in mind that wait times can vary depending on the city, so I highly recommend starting this process at least two weeks before your visa expires if you can.
For me, this was an easy decision. I’m not done with Brazil yet… and honestly, I’m allowing myself to fully enjoy where I am instead of rushing to the next place.
And if you’re here and feeling the same way… just know you have options.