Are you planning to visit Brazil and stay with a friend, boyfriend, or family member instead of a hotel? Then you might need a Carta Convite – the official Brazilian invitation letter.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what a Carta Convite is, when it’s required, what it must include, how to get one, and how much it costs.
📌 What Is a Carta Convite?
A Carta Convite is a formal invitation letter written by a Brazilian resident to invite a foreign visitor to stay at their private residence. It’s used as an alternative to a hotel reservation when entering Brazil, especially at immigration checkpoints.
The letter confirms that the guest has a place to stay and includes details about the host, the purpose of the trip, and the expected duration of the visit. In some cases, it may also mention financial responsibility for the guest.
🛬 When Do You Need a Carta Convite?
You need a Carta Convite if:
- You will stay at a private residence (not a hotel or hostel).
- You are visiting a friend, partner, or family member in Brazil.
- You want to avoid issues at immigration when asked for accommodation proof.
NOTE: If you’re staying in a hotel, simply show your booking confirmation. No Carta Convite is required in this case.
📝 How to Get a Carta Convite – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Contact a Brazilian Host
Your host must be a legal resident in Brazil and the owner of the property where you’ll be staying. Subtenants or roommates may not be accepted by immigration.
Step 2: Provide Your Information to the Host
Send the following to your host:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Dates of arrival and departure
- Purpose of your visit
Step 3: Write the Invitation Letter
The host will write the Carta Convite. It should include:
- A welcoming message
- Visitor’s full details
- Host’s full details, address, and ID number (CPF)
- Travel dates
- Accommodation confirmation (e.g., “The guest will stay at my home located at [address] from [start date] to [end date].”)
- Signature of the host
Step 4: Notarize the Letter
To make the letter valid for immigration purposes, it must be notarized at a Brazilian cartório (notary office).
This step proves that the letter is legitimate. The host must present a valid ID and sign the letter in person. The notarized copy can then be scanned and sent to you.
💰 Estimated cost: Around R$200 (≈ 35–40 USD), including notary fees and international shipping if needed.
Step 5: Bring the Carta Convite When You Travel
Print the letter or have a digital copy ready to show immigration officers at the airport.
TIP: Immigration may call the host to verify. Ask your host to keep their phone nearby on the day of your arrival.
📄 Carta Convite Sample (Template)
You can use the following structure:
CARTA CONVITE
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Host’s Full Name], Brazilian citizen, holder of CPF [XXX.XXX.XXX-XX], residing at [Full Address], invite [Visitor’s Full Name], passport number [XXX], born on [Date of Birth], to stay at my residence from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date] for tourism purposes. I confirm that I will provide accommodation and assistance during their stay in Brazil.
Date: [City], [DD/MM/YYYY]
Signature: ____________________________
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a Carta Convite required for a tourist visa?
In most cases, no. But immigration officers may ask for proof of stay. A Carta Convite helps if you don’t have hotel reservations.
Can my host write the letter in English?
No. The letter should be written in Portuguese, Brazil’s official language. A translated version can be included for convenience, but it’s not a substitute.
What if I stay with my boyfriend/girlfriend?
The Carta Convite is still required. It must be signed and notarized by your partner if they own the property.
Can I email a scanned copy of the Carta Convite to immigration?
No need. Just carry a printed or digital version with you. Immigration officers will ask at the airport if necessary.
What happens if my host is unavailable when immigration calls?
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting a Carta Convite for Brazil is simple — but extremely important if you’re staying at a private residence. Follow the steps carefully, have your documents ready, and communicate clearly with your host.
By taking this precaution, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays or entry denial at immigration.
Need help with your trip to Brazil? Check out our guide on How to Get a CPF in Brazil — another essential document for your stay!