Entry Requirements & Customs

Entry Requirements

For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" Web page of the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov.

Visas -- Nationals of the United States, Canada, and Australia require a visa to visit Brazil. British nationals (and holders of an E.U. passport) and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa, but do need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket. A number of visa types are available; cost, processing time, and documentation requirements vary. American citizens pay US$100 for a standard single-entry tourist visa that is valid for 90 days (add another US$10 for handling fees, passport photos, and courier costs if you don't live near a consulate). Count on at least 2 weeks of processing time. For Canadians a similar visa costs C$72 and takes about the same processing time. Visas for Australians cost A$90, plus local handling fees, and again take about 2 weeks to process.

Upon arrival in Brazil, visitors will receive a 90-day entry stamp in their passport and a stamped entry card. Hang on to the card for dear life, as losing it will result in a possible fine and a certain major hassle when you leave. If necessary, the visa can be renewed once for another 90 days. Visa renewals are obtained through the local Policia Federal. This is best done in large cities where the staff has experience with tourists.

Shortly after the United States began fingerprinting Brazilian visitors, Brazil in a tit-for-tat bit of retaliation implemented its own fingerprint program for U.S. visitors. In its first few months the system caused numerous long delays; nowadays the fingerprint requirement is fulfilled with a quick and efficient digital reading of a single thumb digit.

For more information regarding visas and to obtain application details, contact the Brazilian consulate in New York (tel. 917/777-7777; www.brazilny.org); Los Angeles (tel. 323/651-2664; www.brazilian.consulate.org); or Miami (tel. 305/285-6200; www.brazilmiami.org). Links will connect you to the consulate closest to you. Canadians can apply through Toronto's Brazilian consulate (tel. 416/922-2503; www.consbrastoronto.org). In the U.K., more information is available at www.brazil.org.uk. Australians can log on to www.brazil.org.au, and in New Zealand inquiries can be made in Wellington at 04/473-3516 or check www.brazil.org.nz.

Don't Leave Home without a Picture ID -- Bring an alternative picture ID, like a driver's license or student ID. You are required to carry ID in Brazil, and it's sometimes requested when entering office buildings or even tourist sites. Your passport is safer in the hotel safe and not required except for official transactions.

Customs

What You Can Bring In -- As a visitor you are unlikely to be scrutinized very closely by Brazilian Customs; however, there are random checks, and your luggage may be thoroughly inspected. Visitors are allowed to bring in whatever they need for personal use on their trip, including electronics such as a camera and laptop. If you are bringing in new electronic items you may be asked to register the item to ensure that you will take it with you when you leave. Gifts purchased abroad worth more than US$500 must be declared and are subject to duties for the value over US$500. Merchandise for sale or samples should also be declared upon arrival.