BRAZIL VISA

• The visa fee for Japan nationals is $45.
• The visa fee for Canadian and Nigerian nationals is $85.
• The visa fee for Australian nationals is $55.
• The visa fee for South Korean, Mexico nationals is $50.
• The visa fee for All other nationals is $40. Additional $25 communication charge (for transmission of visa application to Brazil is required), if you are citizen of the following countries and do not have a green card: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Central African Republic, China, Comoros Island, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kampuchea, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Korea, Palestinian Auth., Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Swaziland.

Federative Republic of Brazil

Introduction

The Federative Republic of Brazil is well known for its translucent beaches, captivating soccer teams, mesmerizing fashion, and a rich indigenous history. Brazil has the largest population in Latin America and ranks fifth in the world. The majority of people live in the metropolis south-central area which plays host to massive industrial factories, sprawling resorts, and booming ports of call. The Brazilian population is segmented into six major groups which include a sampling of all the races from around the world. An overwhelmingly majority of Brazilians speak Portuguese which can be attributed to their previous conquers, the Portuguese in the early 1500’s. In fact, Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in Latin America. English is the second recognized language. Brazil has a stable economy, which relies heavily on agriculture exports, tourism, and domestic growth, and consumption/exportation of oil. In recent years, Brazil has become a major power broker on the world stage and has taken responsibility for advocating many changes in Latin America with respect to global foreign policy.

Cuisine

Brazil’s cuisine varies as much as the different regions encompassing the country. The cuisine largely depends on the natural crops available and what ethnic group laid rights to the area. One will find rich dishes which include a bevy of root vegetables such as cassava, yams, and potatoes. Exotic fruits such as mangos, guava, passion fruit, and coconut will find their way onto your plate. Rice, beans, and meat are a generally principle of most dishes, but will be accompanied by any of the above mentioned. You may be familiar with chorizo which is a rich, smoky sausage. Many Brazilians will slow roast this sausage over a spit and add yams, with a dash of cilantro and a side of beans to make a hearty meal. Within the interior of the country it is not uncommon to find rich red wines, lasagna, pizza, and other pasta based dishes. No matter where one is in Brazil, you can be assured there will be a plethora of food options to satisfy ones palate.

Currency

Brazilian currency is based on the real with a sign of R$ and a world ISO code of BRL. The real is subdivided into 100 centavos which can be comparable to the US version of the penny. The real is a relative new currency, only introduced to the global market in 1994. The plural of a real is called a reais which are generally paper bank notes. Centavos are coins and they each have intricate markings demonstrating the rich artistic appeal of Brazil. The current global exchange rate is 1 Brazilian real= 0.53 US dollar. This equates to an equation of about 1 dollar for 2 reals. Money can be exchanged at the airport, banks, and most tourist attractions. Please note the rate is variable and changes with the global market.

Entering Brazil

With the pending World Cup and Olympics, Brazil has opted to issue a 10 year multiple, entry visa which will allow most travelers to enter Brazil as many times as wanted over the next decade. Travelers must have valid visas and passports prior to entering Brazil. Visas can be obtained in the states and processing times vary depending on where you are located in the States. Upon entering Brazil, you will be asked to present your valid visa and you will receive a stamp marked for entry. You will also be asked to complete an immigration form upon arrival which also will be stamped. It is necessary to retain these forms as those visitors who have lost their forms will have to get a police clearance from the Federal Police in order to leave the country and may be subject to a fine. Depending on your recent travels you may be asked to present documentation of yellow fever. Please contact Travel Visa Pro to discuss your particular situation.

Travel Warnings

Labor and political strikes are frequent occurrences in urban areas and may disrupt everyday public transportation lines. There is a heavy presence of criminal enterprise near the tri-border region. Such organizations are involved in various types of trafficking, kidnapping, armed robbery, and assaults. It is best to exercise discretion when entering or crossing any regions in this area. Travelling along the Columbian border and deep into the Amazon should be heeded with caution. It is only recommended if you have an experienced guide who is familiar with the various land disputes and versed in the tribal languages.

Brazil plays host to some of the best beaches in the world. Many beaches have very strong and dangerous riptides, it is vital to pay attention to all posted signs and life guard personnel. Shark postings are prevalent and it is best not to venture out into the ocean when such a posting is listed. Blackouts are a common occurrence in large cities; however, most major infrastructures are equipped with a backup generator. It is highly recommended travelers pack a flash light in case a blackout occurs. Mudslides and flash flooding are readily occurrences. Please adhere to all weather forecasts and municipal advisories before traveling to low lying areas.

Shanty towns or “favelas” are areas of high crime. It is best to avoid such areas at all cost as violent crime, kidnappings, and drug violence are a daily occurrence. Do to precedent of danger and the downing of various helicopters, helicopter travel is limited to within the city limits of Rio de Janeiro. If you have concerns, please register with smart traveler and updates will be streamed to your smart phone. It is best to exercise vigilance and forthright when travelling throughout the vast regions of Brazil.