Frequently Asked Question
Do I need a visa?
Yes. Travelers who have a US or Canadian passport DO REQUIRE a visa to visit any part of Brazil. Click here for entry requirements if your passport is from another country.
How do I get a visa?
You must send, or present in person, the required documentation to the Brazilian Consulate of your jurisdiction. Visit our General Info page for a list of the consulates and important links. Please note that some consulates do not accept applications by mail. Contact your consulate for specific details on how to obtain a visa as the process may vary.
Visa requirements:
US citizens should provide: a passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay), 2″x2″ recent passport photograph, completed & signed application form, a photocopy of your round-trip airline tickets or itinerary, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if applicable, and appropriate payment. Fees include a $135 processing fee and a $10 handling fee for applications submitted by mail. Payments are non-refundable and must be made with a US Postal Money Order. For Canadian citizens the processing fee is $40.
Where do I get an application form?
Download the visa application form at your consulate website.
When should I get my visa?
You cannot obtain your tourist visa more than 90 days prior to your entry into Brazil. Applications submitted by mail usually require 7 to 10 business days (not including transit times). Processing times do vary between consulates, and it is best you check with the consulate where you will be applying for their current processing times.
What entry documents do I need?
U.S. citizens need a U.S. passport in addition to a visa. While you can obtain it from the Consulate if you have one nearby, it is easier (though more costly) to use a visa service. You will need not only your passport and a completed visa application but also proof of a roundtrip air ticket (such as a letter from your Travel Agent or a photocopy of the air ticket) and one photo. In addition, your passport must be valid for 6 months after your departure from Brazil - if it is not you must first obtain a new visa. Allow a minimum of 3 weeks to obtain the visa, which are now valid for multiple entries during four years from date of issue.
Is my passport valid?
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Brazil. If it expires sooner, you must get a renewal click here for more info.
Do I need any shots?
The only required vaccination for entry to Brazil is Yellow Fever if you have traveled to an infected country within 90 days of your trip to Brazil. The vaccination is recommended if your itinerary will include the Amazon or Pantanal regions. Call the CDC Travelers’ Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Most travelers take Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever & Tetanus. If traveling to the Amazon or Pantanal regions consider Malaria prophylaxis in addition to Yellow fever.
Should I bring cash or traveler’s checks?
Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars, traveler’s checks are also OK. To get the current exchange rate click here.
Are ATM machines available?
Yes. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Rio and Manaus. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Also be aware of large fees you may be charged for using an ATM outside of your bank’s network.
Is Brazil safe?
We consider Brazil a safe destination. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department’s website or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
What about theft?
Petty thievery in Brazil’s cities is not higher than in any large city in the US. Common sense is important. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel for your passport and extra money (carry only as much as you might spend) and leave jewelry and expensive watches at home.
What will the weather be like?
Brazil is a tropical nation with warm temperatures moderated by altitude, sea winds, or polar fronts. Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Recife & Salvador are warm with daytime highs between 85-95°F. The southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre & Curitiba have a climate similar to parts of the US with temperatures falling below freezing frequently during the winter months (June -September). In the Amazon temperatures above 95ºF occur during the warmest months of October & November (average temperature is 72-79ºF), and the hottest part of Brazil is the northeast. Visit Yahoo Weather
for current temperatures & forecasts.
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
The seasons are reversed from the United States, so when you are freezing up here during our winter, it is their summer. In general Brazil is tropical but within that framework the weather changes from north to south and from coast to interior. Only the southern states experience any major seasonal changes and can experience cool weather.
Rio’s summer season (December-March) is extremely humid and can have daily downpours which are welcomed as they cool things down, but the sun is never far away. Temperatures average in the 80’s but the 90’s are not unusual. In Rio’s winter (June-August) temperatures are generally in the 70’s and rain can be persistent.
The Amazon is hot and humid all year long so it boils down to “the rainiest months”. The heaviest rains are December through March, causing the river to rise, the creeks and lakes to flood and the animals to seek dry land. In their “dry season” (June through August) it still rains but not as much or as heavy and the heat is less oppressive.
The Pantanal is best visited May through September because it is the dry season as well as a major nesting and migratory season - the wildlife is more likely to be clustered together around water or nesting areas, and thus easier to see.
Who will be my guide?
We work with the most respected and experienced local guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other specialities. All speak excellent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. On itineraries that visit several regions, you will be with a different local guide in each locale. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.
How long does it take to get to Brazil?
To Rio or Sao Paulo on a non-stop flight:
From Miami 8 Hours
From New York 9 Hours
From Los Angeles 12 hours
How do I get around Brazil once I’m there?
Brazil is as large as the continental USA and is the largest country in South America, so getting around is primarily by air. There is a Visit Brazil Airpass available - it requires staying on the same carrier for all flights, does not allow back-tracking, has a maximum length of 30 days and must be purchased outside of Brazil. Rates vary depending on the version: all of Brazil, just the south or just the northeastern coast, in addition to being dependent upon the number of flight coupons (one per segment) and the time of the year. All flights must be confirmed - no open dates or flights allowed. Once the Air Pass is issued, there are penalties for changes and-or cancellations.
