Do you need a visa for the country if you only have a layover?

The cheapest flights from the USA to Chile route through Sao Paulo in Brazil, for which US citizens require a visa to visit. I don't plan to leave the airport during the layover.

If you can transfer flights without leaving the airside zone of the airport - you don't need a visa; otherwise you will need a transit visa.

I doubt it if you do not leave the airport.

DEPENDS which part of the Airport your next flight DEPARTS
Departure gates might be out of the Immigration/Customs Transit area set aside for SOME of the connecting flights.

You appear to need to change terminals.

A visa is not required for direct airside transit through Brazil. Traveler must be in possession of a valid passport and onward ticket, and must remain in the airport's transit area.
YOU NEED TO DETERMINE if your particular departure is outside of the Transit Area.

It would help to say what Airlines you are using.

If for some reason the first airline can't transfer your bags to your next flight then you would need to go through immigration, that comes before baggage reclaim, then collect baggage, go through customs.

The answer from Rona Lachet is correct and you need to call the airline and talk to a human to find out if you will have to enter Brazil in order to get to the gate for your onward flight.

However, you can get an e-visa for Brazil and you should consider doing that. The fee is about $44. It will let you enter Brazil if you end up needing to do so, such as to get to a hotel if your onward flight is cancelled and you have to wait until the next day to complete your trip.

You have to apply at least a week in advance.

Generally - no. As long as you stay in the International area of the airport and do not need to pass thru immigration, you are good to go without a visa

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