What gets stuck, and what fixes it
| What gets stuck | What gov.br says | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| SMS codes | gov.br says SMS can only be sent to Brazilian numbers. | Keep a Brazilian number on the account, use your registered email or contact gov.br support. A VPN doesn't fix this. |
| Two-step verification | The access code is generated in the gov.br app on your phone. | Bring the phone with the gov.br app already set up. A VPN doesn't fix this. |
| First sign-in to the app | The device must be linked, by facial recognition, bank login or digital certificate, depending on the account level. | Link your phone before you travel. A VPN doesn't fix this. |
| A service that won't open abroad | We found no official text about blocking by country. | If a site won't open because you're abroad, a connection with a Brazilian IP may help. |
Account levels, according to gov.br
- Bronze: data validated with the Federal Revenue or INSS, or in-person service.
- Silver: facial recognition in the gov.br app against the driver's licence database, or sign-in through an accredited bank's internet banking.
- Gold: facial recognition against the Electoral Court (TSE) database, the QR code on the national ID card, or a digital certificate.
Before you travel
- Install the gov.br app and link the phone you'll use outside Brazil.
- Upgrade your account to silver or gold while you still have easy access to your bank, driver's licence or digital certificate.
- Turn on two-step verification in the gov.br app.
- Keep the account's email up to date: SMS only reaches Brazilian numbers.
Sources
Official pages (in Portuguese) checked on 13 September 2026.
- gov.br — requirements to access services — SMS only to Brazilian numbers.
- gov.br — two-step verification — Access code generated in the gov.br app.
- gov.br — account levels — How to reach bronze, silver and gold.
- gov.br — device linking — Device linking required on the first sign-in to the app.