How to find out if a transit visa is required for your connection.

Find out if the transit visa It is mandatory for your international connection; it avoids being denied boarding at the airport of origin and prevents serious disruptions during trips abroad.

Planning international flights with layovers requires extra attention to the immigration rules of each intermediate country, as the requirements vary according to the passenger's nationality and the itinerary booked.

Analyzing regulatory requirements before purchasing your airline tickets ensures peace of mind, avoids unforeseen operational costs, and protects your financial investment in business or leisure travel in 2026.

How do I check transit requirements for international connections?

Consulting the Timatic database, maintained by the International Air Transport Association, is the safest way to verify the requirements for each leg of your itinerary.

Airlines and travel agents use this unified global system to validate passenger documentation before authorizing baggage check-in at the check-in counter.

Accessing the official consular platforms of the countries where connections will occur allows you to confirm specific rules regarding stay in the international area, baggage claim, and airport transfers at your destination.

Connection Destination	General Requirement for Brazilians	Immigration Needs	Alternative Electronic Authorization
United States	Required on any connection.	Yes (Passing through immigration is mandatory)	Not applicable to Brazilians.
Canada	Required for connections	Yes (Except for eTA eligibility)	eTA (For holders of US visas)
Schengen Area (Europe)	Free for connections without leaving the international area.	No (Remaining on the air side)	ETIAS (For entry into European territory)
United Kingdom	It depends on the itinerary and waiting time.	Variable (Airport Exchange Analysis)	Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

What factors influence the need for this travel authorization?

Changing airports during a layover necessarily requires passing through local immigration control, making entry authorization essential to continue the journey to the final destination.

Purchasing separate airline tickets issued by companies that do not have interline agreements requires collecting luggage from the baggage carousel and checking it in again, forcing official entry into the intermediate country.

Remaining in the international area of the airport without going through passport control exempts travelers in several countries, provided that the waiting time does not exceed the permitted regulatory limit.

Updated official information regarding diplomatic requirements and assistance for travelers abroad is available on the portal of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring completely reliable institutional guidelines.

The presence of a transit visa A valid passport ensures compliance with all applicable customs regulations during global connections operated by major partner airlines.

Why do the United States and Canada require visas even for short layovers?

U.S. and Canadian security authorities do not have a concept of international transit without immigration controls at airports located within their national territorial and air borders.

Every connecting passenger must complete all immigration procedures, collect their luggage, go through customs, and check their baggage again before proceeding to the boarding gate.

Find out more: Discover Christchurch in New Zealand, in addition to Auckland.

This strict requirement applies even to short layovers of just a few hours where the traveler does not intend to leave the central physical facilities of the international airport during the layover.

Planning itineraries that involve flying over or making stops in these countries requires the advance issuance of the appropriate documentation to avoid the immediate cancellation of your airline ticket before departure.

When does electronic authorization replace the issuance of a traditional visa?

Joining electronic travel authorization programs simplifies the bureaucratic process for eligible citizens who intend to make quick connections in certain countries in the Americas and Europe.

Canada offers the eTA electronic travel authorization to Brazilians who hold a valid US visa or who have had a Canadian visa approved in the last ten years, in a completely streamlined manner.

Find out more: International travel checklist (passport, visas, vaccinations and others)

The eTA system reduces costs and speeds up travel approval, allowing passengers to apply for the document directly online within minutes of traveling abroad.

Detailed guidelines and regulations for civil aviation passengers can be found on the website of National Civil Aviation Agency, reinforcing the rights and responsibilities of customers.

How can I avoid problems during boarding due to incorrect documentation?

Carefully reviewing all the stopovers listed on your airline ticket prevents unpleasant surprises caused by unscheduled technical stops or operational changes made by the airline itself.

Presenting the required documentation at the check-in counter guarantees the issuance of boarding passes for all segments of the flight and the direct check-in of your luggage.

Read more: What to pack for an international trip during the World Cup without any surprises.

Confirming regulatory requirements in advance protects your travel plans, saves valuable time, and ensures a perfectly smooth and safe international travel experience.

Start checking the necessary documents today to travel with complete safety, comfort, and full compliance with the immigration requirements of your international destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I leave the airport during a long layover using only a transit visa?

It depends on the country's rules; some nations allow departure from the international area with this permit, while others require a full tourist visa to cross immigration.

What happens if I don't have the required visa at the time of boarding?

The airline will prevent you from boarding at the airport of origin, as companies face severe fines for transporting passengers without proper immigration documentation.

Do I need this authorization for connections within the Schengen Area if I'm not leaving the airport?

In general, Brazilians do not need this permission for international connections in Europe, as long as they remain in the airport's transit area and have a single ticket.