Brazil: Visit visas (VIVIS) no longer applicable for certain nationals
An entry visa stamp is no longer required for Australian, Canadian, Japanese and U.S. nationals prior to travel, if:
- Their visit is less than 90 days
- The purpose of their travel is VIVIS (tourism, business, transit and artistic or sports activities.)
Impact
On June 17, 2019, the decree Nº 9.731 became applicable exempting entry visas for citizens of listed countries and entry to Brazil under VIVIS.
The maximum duration of stay is 180 days within 12 months. An extension at the Federal Police may be applied after the initial 90 days.
Looking ahead
Engaging in remunerated activities under a visit visa status in Brazil is not permitted. However, legislation allows the foreign national to exchange their migratory status to temporary residence – this allows for work-related activities to be performed.
According to the decree, business activities include participation in meetings, exhibitions and corporate events, journalistic coverage or filming production, prospecting for business opportunities, signing contracts, auditing or consulting, and acting as an aircraft or vessel crew member for up to 90 days.
Nationals traveling to Brazil for business purposes must have a hotel booking, return flight ticket and sufficient funds. Additional documents may be required that detail the nature of the trip/visit.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Public Gazette (in Portuguese.)
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration.
Indonesia: Changes to the residence process
Biometric collection to obtain Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) and Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Permits (MERP) is no longer available on arrival at Soekarno Hatta airport, Jakarta. Foreign workers will need to submit an application and attend a biometric appointment at their local immigration office. 
There is a new process for issuance of ITAS permits and MERP, which is as follows:
- The immigration officer will issue the ITAS at the airport with an instruction, “subject must apply for a Limited Stay Permit at the local immigration office within 30 days”.
- The foreign worker must submit their passport to the local immigration office within 30 days of arrival. Processing takes 8-10 working days, during which time the foreign worker may not travel outside of Indonesia.
- The foreign worker is required to attend a biometric appointment that must be completed within 4-5 days of passport submission.
Impact
ITAS and MERP allows foreign workers to exit and re-enter Indonesia; this new requirement can delay the issuance of these permits.
Dependents are not affected as they are already required to obtain ITAS and MERP at the local immigration office.
Looking ahead
The work permit will be invalidated if the foreign worker leaves Indonesia without obtaining their ITAS and MERP. If so, the immigration process will have to be restarted.
Employers are advised to ensure that there are no foreign travel plans for employees new to Indonesia until the new process has been completed.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Peregrine Immigration Management.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
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