Preparations for the Visit of Foreign Researchers

Visa

To legally reside in Brazil during the period of study or research, and to be registered in USP systems, it is necessary to obtain the correct type of visa.

• Foreign students must obtain a Student Visa (Temporary Visa IV).
• Researchers (including post-doctorates) and faculty members working with scholarships or aid from national or international agencies must obtain a Research, Teaching, or Academic Extension Visa (Temporary Visa I).
• Researchers (including post-doctorates) and faculty members receiving compensation from public or private organizations must obtain a Paid Work Visa (Temporary Visa V).

We suggest that interested individuals contact the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence for assistance in the visa application process. Information about the required documentation and the consular service addresses should be checked on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Attention: It is not possible to change the type of visa after arriving in Brazil or border countries. To change the type of visa, it will be necessary to return to the country of origin.

The Visitor Visa (Tourism) can be used by foreign students and researchers traveling to Brazil to participate in conferences, seminars, and Science and Technology meetings, as long as they do not engage in paid activities (except for per diems, allowances, fees, stipends, and travel expenses). This visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days. It is not possible to enroll as a student with a Visitor Visa.

The granting of visas for scientists and researchers is regulated by Normative Resolution No. 13 (2017). For more information about visas, consult the MRE website.

 

Health Insurance

Foreign visitors, including students, can only use the Unified Health System (SUS) in emergency situations. Therefore, USP requires students and all other visitors to obtain health insurance (travel insurance) prior to arriving in Brazil, covering the entire stay.

Attention: Students will only be enrolled if they present valid health insurance.

 

Accommodation

USP does not provide accommodation for foreign visitors. The CCNI/IAG can be consulted for guidance on finding accommodation.

For undergraduate and graduate students, AUCANI/USP maintains a list of external housing options near the campus. Contracts are the responsibility of the visitors and the property owners.

 

Driver's License

Drivers over the age of 18 and legally in Brazil can drive within Brazilian territory for up to 180 days, provided they hold a valid driver’s license issued in countries that are signatories of the Vienna Convention or an International Driver's Permit.

After 180 days of entry into Brazil, the driver must request the issuance of a Brazilian national driver's license (CNH), presenting the foreign driver’s license within its validity period. Make sure your driver’s license is valid before leaving your home country.

For foreigners from countries that are not signatories of the Vienna Convention, it is necessary to register the foreign driver’s license (with a practical test) or go through the process of obtaining a first-time license.

 

Banking System

The currency used in Brazil is the real (BRL), with the symbol R$. Brazilian establishments do not accept payments in other currencies, but debit and credit card payments are commonly available. Other options for short stays in Brazil include prepaid travel cards.

Large international banks allow the use of selected ATMs in Brazil for withdrawals. Check with your banking institution for availability and location of these terminals. Also, be aware of the fees charged for this service.

Foreigners can open accounts in Brazilian banks, provided they are residing in Brazil and have a National Migratory Registry Card (CRNM, the former RNE) and a Personal Taxpayer Registry (CPF). Brazilian research funding agencies make payments for scholarships directly into national bank accounts. Bank branches operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.