Brazil has recently become a new magnet for Russian families planning to give birth abroad. According to DW, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and stricter immigration rules in Argentina, the flow of Russians traveling to Brazil to give birth has grown noticeably. The reason is simple: a child born on Brazilian soil receives Brazilian citizenship — and with it, visa-free access to dozens of countries, plus opportunities for study and life in Latin America.
What exactly changed
Argentina, long a popular destination for "birth tourism," has tightened its entry and document requirements. This pushed some families to look for an alternative — and they chose Brazil, where birthright citizenship (jus soli) remains one of the most liberal in the region.
The story of Yulia and Dmitri (names changed) is typical: the couple arrived in Brazil shortly before the birth so their child could obtain local citizenship. Such cases are becoming increasingly common.
Who it affects and what Brazilian citizenship offers
- Birthright citizenship — a child born in Brazil automatically becomes a citizen, regardless of the parents' nationality.
- Visa-free access — a Brazilian passport grants visa-free entry to most Latin American countries, as well as a number of European and Asian states.
- Family reunification — parents can apply for residency in Brazil based on their relationship to a citizen.
It's important to understand: birth alone doesn't resolve all immigration issues for parents. Document processing, legalizing stay, and obtaining residency require time and legal support.
The payment side of the trip
A birth trip to Brazil involves not just tickets and accommodation, but a whole set of payments that are hard to make with a Russian card directly. Here's what to watch out for:
- Accommodation and hotel bookings. Many hotels and short-term rental services request pre-authorization — a hold on the card to guarantee the booking. Russian cards often don't work outside Russia, so you need a foreign bank card or a virtual card with sufficient balance.
- Medical deposits. Clinics and maternity hospitals often require prepayment or a deposit before service begins. Payment is accepted by card or bank transfer.
- Visa fees and consular services. If a visa is required, the fee is paid at the consulate or through the official portal — usually by card. Check the current payment methods on the Brazilian consulate's website.
- Taxis and transfers. Uber and 99 are popular in Brazil — both require a linked card. Without a working card, you'll have to pay cash, which isn't always convenient or safe.
- eSIM and connectivity. Navigation, taxi calls, and communication with the clinic require a local number or eSIM. Virtual operators accept foreign cards.
Virtual cards that can be topped up with crypto or transfers often become a practical solution for such trips: they let you pay for bookings, deposits, and services where Russian cards don't work.
What to check before you travel
- Current entry rules for Russian citizens — on the official website of the Brazilian consulate or migration service.
- Document processing times for the child and parents — they vary by region and situation.
- Having a working foreign card for accommodation, medical, and transport payments.
- Insurance covering pregnancy and childbirth — many standard policies exclude such cases.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Entry and citizenship rules may change — verify current information with official sources.
Brazil remains one of the few destinations with liberal birthright citizenship laws. But the practical side — from bookings to clinic payments — requires a well-thought-out payment infrastructure in advance. The earlier you sort out your card and access to international payments, the smoother your trip will go.
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