Beginning in April 2025, travelers heading to Brazil from the U.S., Australia, and Canada must obtain a visa before entering the country. The Brazilian government announced the Visitor Visa on its website, informing tourists that the visa will allow them to stay in the country for 90 days for leisure and business.
Although a visa isn’t anything to fret about, some travelers seem caught off guard by one of Brazil’s new requirements. To obtain a visa, travelers must show proof of income or have a sponsor to ensure they can financially support themselves in the country. The new visas are valid for 10 years. In addition to other documents, travelers must show proof of income.
Acceptable documentation includes three months of bank statements or six paycheck stubs. These documents must show that the applicant has an average of $2,000 in their accounts before the visa is granted.
While these are new travel regulations for Brazil, the South American country isn’t the first to require proof of income for visa applicants. Foreign nations want to ensure tourists can support themselves when visiting their countries. Here are a few more places that require proof of income before granting visas to travelers.
Europe
The Schengen visa allows travelers to enter multiple countries within the designated Schengen area. This area includes 27 European countries and travelers can stay in the countries for up to 90 days. To acquire the Schengen visa, travelers must show proof of income to ensure they can support themselves while in the country. However, the minimum balance required in your bank account may vary depending on which European country you’re traveling to, the duration of the trip, and other factors. Like Brazil’s visa, those trying to obtain the Schengen visa can also show proof of a financial sponsor if they don’t have proof of income.
Japan
Japan also requires travelers who want a visa to show proof of financial solvency. Travelers must show three months of bank statements and their last income tax return. These documents must prove you can cover your expenses while in the country. Japan allows travelers to use guarantors or sponsors to obtain a visa as well, like most countries. The guarantor would have to submit a Letter of Guarantee and an Income Certificate before the visa can be obtained.
United States
Believe it or not, the United States does require proof of financial solvency before foreign travelers can get a visa. According to the U.S. Department of State website, travelers who qualify for a visa may be required to prove they can support themselves while visiting the states. Travelers would bring evidence that they can pay for their trip to the U.S. with them to their visa interview in the country they are traveling from. There is no minimum amount that needs to be in your bank account to get a U.S. visa. Government officials simply want to make sure tourists can support themselves financially while in the country.
Mexico
Although you don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico, you will need one if you plan on staying in the country longer than 180 days. The Mexican Temporary Residency Visa allows travelers to gain temporary residency for longer stays in the country. To obtain the visa, you must show six months’ worth of bank statements proving you have a monthly income starting at $2,530. Travelers can also show bank statements proving they have a minimum of investments and savings instead of income statements. The minimum amount does vary depending on the consulate.