Brazil FAQ's
Do I need a visa?
Yes. Travelers with a US or Canadian passport DO REQUIRE a visa to visit any part of Brazil. Visit (www.embassy.org/embassies/br.html) for entry requirements if your passport is from another country.
Yes. Travelers with a US or Canadian passport DO REQUIRE a visa to visit any part of Brazil. Visit (www.embassy.org/embassies/br.html) 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 (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) for a list of the consulates and thier jurisdictions. 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.
You must send, or present in person, the required documentation to the Brazilian Consulate of your jurisdiction. Visit (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) for a list of the consulates and thier jurisdictions. 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 $100 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. Please visit (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) for current requirements and fees.
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 $100 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. Please visit (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) for current requirements and fees.
Where do I get an application form?
Download the visa application form at (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) or from the consulate of your jurisdiction website. If using a visa agency or online services (www.globalpassport.com or www.instantpassport.com), they may require you to fill out their own application to use their services.
Download the visa application form at (www.braziltourism.org/visas.html) or from the consulate of your jurisdiction website. If using a visa agency or online services (www.globalpassport.com or www.instantpassport.com), they may require you to fill out their own application to use their services.
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). However, processing times vary between consulates, and it is best you check with the consulate where you will be applying for their current processing times.
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). However, processing times vary between consulates, and it is best you check with the consulate where you will be applying for their current processing times.
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 (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html).
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 (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html).
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 the website (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.
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 the website (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.
When can I expect more details on my trip?
You will receive two mailings: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically 2-4 months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent 8-14 days before you leave.
You will receive two mailings: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically 2-4 months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent 8-14 days before you leave.
When is my balance due?
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure. An invoice will be sent with your pre-departure packet.
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure. An invoice will be sent with your pre-departure packet.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be provided with your Final Documents.
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be provided with your Final Documents.
Who books the local flights within Brazil?
You can book the flights in conjunction with your international itinerary. Southwind will provide you with an air schedule to best match your trip. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs. Most local airlines use 727/737 jets.
You can book the flights in conjunction with your international itinerary. Southwind will provide you with an air schedule to best match your trip. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs. Most local airlines use 727/737 jets.
How much money should I bring?
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary.
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. Visit (www.oanda.com/converter/classic) for current exchange rates.
Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars, traveler's checks are also OK. Visit (www.oanda.com/converter/classic) for current exchange rates.
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. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM's or exchanging money.
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. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM's or exchanging money.
Is Brazil safe?
We consider Brazil a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Brazil, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or on the trails. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
We consider Brazil a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Brazil, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or on the trails. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
What about thievery?
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.
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 (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.html) for current temperatures & forecasts.
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 (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.html) for current temperatures & forecasts.
How do I train for my trip?
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. View more details on Trip Ratings.
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. View more details on Trip Ratings.
What about an emergency while traveling?
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency for a traveler in more than 15 years of operations. Our guides are trained in first-aid. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle, horse or helicopter may take an injured or ill person to the nearest medical facility. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities (Rio, Manaus, Salvador, etc.). .
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency for a traveler in more than 15 years of operations. Our guides are trained in first-aid. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle, horse or helicopter may take an injured or ill person to the nearest medical facility. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities (Rio, Manaus, Salvador, etc.). .
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.
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.
