Travel & Tourism

Carnaval

A country for everyone

Brazil is unique for its richness of nature, culture, economy and history. This lends the country a Wonderland quality, with countless tourist attractions, and diversity as our main instrument to fulfil this potential. Beaches, forests, mountains, rivers, festivals, diversified cuisine, national parks, and historical towns are scattered among 26 states and the Federal District, where the Capital, Brasília, is located.

This racial mixture has generated a nation of happy, sharing people, a country where all come together under their differences and diversity, in an environment of peaceful coexistence. Brazil is indeed, a country for everyone. In addition, our economic growth allied to the country’s strategic position in the South America makes us a focal point for attracting technical, commercial and social events, which in conjunction with the leisure options, define Brazil as a special country, with such a plethora of travel opportunities on offer.

Tourists

All tourists need passports to enter Brazil, but visas may or may not be mandatory depending upon relation between countries. The Ministry of Foreign Relations authorizes the visas, which may be requested at the Brazilian Representations abroad.

One of the foreigners’ duties is to fulfil the periods of permanence without going beyond them. The way to verify these periods is to check the stamp placed on the passport upon arrival in the country. Therefore, it is important to check if the passport has been stamped. If it is necessary to remain any longer the renewal of the visa must be requested at an office of the Federal Police before the given period is over, at the risk of having to pay a fine upon leaving the country.

Exemption from Visas

Citizens from the following countries do not need visas for remaining in the country for less than 90 days:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Holland, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Malta, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela.

Products

According to the norms of DAC (Civil Aviation Department of the Brazilian Government), the entrance of the following products is forbidden: illicit products, Brazilian cigars or beverages made for selling abroad, and alcoholic beverages carried by minor under the age of 18.

Vaccinations

It is mandatory to present certificates of vaccinations against poliomyelitis for children between the ages of three months and six years. Those who have been in some countries up to three months before travelling to Brazil should present international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever. Vaccinations against yellow fever are recommended for those who visit some Brazilian states. It is important to note that vaccinations against yellow fever take ten days to produce an effect.

Plants and Animals

For plants and animals to enter Brazil it is necessary to present a phyto-sanitary certificate and a certificate of the animals healthiness, respectively. For dogs and cats it is necessary to present a certificate of vaccination against rabies. For any other animal to enter the country, and authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil in necessary and, in the case of exotic animals, a license from the CITES of the country of origin and an authorization from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama).

Legal warnings

Foreigners who commit infractions against national security, the political or social order, and the people’s economy may be expelled. The same applies to cases do commerce, possession or facilitation of the undue use of narcotic substances or substance that cause physical or psychic dependence, or disrespect to any prohibition specifically determined for foreigners by law. In cases of expulsion, the foreigner will not be allowed to return to Brazil. Those who enter the country irregularly (without authorization) may be deported.

In cases of accusation or condemnations for one or more crimes, the foreigner may be extradited to be judged in his or her country. That, if the requesting government bases its request on an international treaty or promises reciprocity to Brazil. Currently, Brazil has extradition agreements with 18 countries:

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, South Korea, Spain, United States, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Useful Links:
Ministry of Tourism
EMBRATUR-Brazilian Tourism Institute
Sustainable Tourism in Brazil
Amazon Fund