The White House announced on Tuesday that Flávio Bolsonaro and his family have been granted visas to enter the United States. This development was reported by ABC correspondent David Alandete, who obtained the information from an official spokesperson.
"The State Department will issue visas to Flávio Bolsonaro and his family, allowing them entry into the United States," the spokesperson confirmed. This information was further corroborated by a senior State Department official speaking to CNN, although they requested anonymity due to privacy regulations related to visas.
The statement did not disclose details regarding the timing of their entry, the type of visas they will receive, or the duration of their stay in the U.S.
Political Tensions Amid Visa Approval
This confirmation arises at a time of significant judicial and political tension for the Brazilian senator. On Monday, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to surrender both his regular and diplomatic passports within 24 hours and prohibited him from leaving Brazil. This order is linked to an investigation into alleged money laundering and currency evasion associated with attorney Willer Tomaz and the betting industry.
A judicial document cited by The New York Times reveals that Tomaz is accused of laundering over $1 billion. When Bolsonaro failed to comply with the deadline, Brazil's Federal Police voided his passports and issued a migration alert.
Unconfirmed Reports of U.S. Entry
Despite these legal constraints, Reuters, citing three anonymous sources, reported that Bolsonaro might already be in the United States. Brazilian Federal Police records did not show his departure through official immigration channels.
Reports from Brazilian and Argentine media suggest that Bolsonaro traveled overland to Puerto Iguazú before boarding a private Gulfstream G400 jet to Opa-locka, near Miami, accompanied by his wife and two daughters.
Political Dynamics and U.S. Involvement
Washington's decision is closely tied to the political relationship between Flávio and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The senator visited the White House in May 2026, meeting with Trump during his presidential campaign. Trump had previously commented that the U.S. was "watching" the Brazilian presidential elections closely.
Flávio Bolsonaro lost the presidential runoff to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who secured 51.79% of the vote compared to Bolsonaro's 48.21%. Initially refusing to concede, Bolsonaro announced plans to challenge the election results, though his party ultimately acknowledged Lula's victory on Tuesday.
Flávio is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September 2025 for leading a coup attempt after losing the 2022 elections. From prison, Jair appointed Flávio as the Liberal Party's presidential candidate.
Brazilian media suggest that Flávio Bolsonaro intends to seek political asylum from Trump's administration. However, Washington has not publicly confirmed whether such a request has been made or granted. Receiving a visa does not automatically equate to being granted political asylum.
Understanding U.S. Immigration and Visa Policies
What type of visa might Flávio Bolsonaro receive?
The exact type of visa granted has not been disclosed, but it allows entry into the United States for Flávio Bolsonaro and his family.
Can a U.S. visa be equated with political asylum?
No, obtaining a visa does not automatically grant political asylum. Asylum requires a separate application and approval process.
What legal challenges is Flávio Bolsonaro facing in Brazil?
Flávio Bolsonaro is under investigation for alleged money laundering and currency evasion, which has led to restrictions on his travel by Brazilian authorities.