Boris, I was told you need a visa to enter Brazil from the US. Is that true? I was also told you need to have hotel reservations to show there customs, not just "well I rented this condo " type of thing. Also do you know if Brazil has any restrictions on how long you need to have your passport before you go there? Some of my friends will just be getting there passport a couple weeks before the trip. The goverment is taking such a long time doing them after 9/11.
Thanks Brian

Hi Brian,

yes, you need a visa to enter Brazil. Here are a few links that can help you with the requirements and the actual process.

http://www.neosoft.com/~cgbrahou/vitur.htm
http://www.brasilemb.org/consular/tourist.htm

Beware that some consulate would issue a 3 month visa instead of a five year visa for the same price. Talk to the clerk beforehand and request a five year visa.


You can also obtain a hotel reservation by booking a hotel in Brazil (do not ever give them your credit card information). You don't have to stay in the hotel and in case Immigration Officers request a
reservation, you'll have one. Beware that you have to put the address information of the hotel on the immigration form

There is no restriction on how long you need to have the passport before you can apply for the visa. The only restriction I am aware of is that the passport has to expire more then six months from the date of the application.

Good Luck!

Boris

Just a couple of things to add to Boris' comments from somebody who has been through the visa process 3 times...

1)If you are going to a consulate to apply for the visa, be aware that they close for both American and Brazilian holidays (the best of both worlds, I guess).

2)Visa services will tack on additional charges, but if you are in a hurry, they're probably well worth the money.

3)If going to a consulate in person, bring exact change!

4)Make sure your visa application is completely filled out. Double and triple check it. If items are missing, it will delay the processing of your visa.

5)Allow at least a week from the time you turn in your passport to the time you receive your visa.

6)Make copies of your airline tickets.

7)I've never been questioned about where I'm staying by either the consulate or the immigration officials in Brazil. I think as long as you have an
address, you're OK--and remember to have an address handy for your entry forms into Brazil (the ones you'll receive on board your aircraft).

8)Finally, don't let all this bureaucratic nonsense give you a bad impression before you get to Rio. Once you get your visa, you won't have to go through this process for another 5 years--and I guarantee you'll want to go back!

Kevin

HELLO BORIS,

I NOTICE IN YOUR REPLY TO ANOTHER PERSON NOT TO GIVE OUT CREDIT CARD INFO. TO A HOTEL WHEN MAKING A RESERVATION. I HAVE BEEN STAYING AT THE ARPOADOR
INN WHICH I AM VERY HAPPY WITH AND THEY ALWAYS REQUIRE CREDIT CARD INFO WHEN I MAKE MY RESERVATION.

I ASSUME MOST HOTELS WILL NOT HOLD A ROOM WITHOUT YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO. DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER METHOD OF ENSURING A ROOM?

LAWRENCE

Hi Lawrence,

It's been a while since I've stayed in a hotel in Rio. Considering that I have a Business visa and own some properties in Brazil, I never had to stand up and be counted during the hotel reservation round up at the immigration control. I've heard some stories, but have never meet anyone who was turned back due to the lack of the reservation. Nevertheless, I did during first two or three trips get reservations with hotel Astoria in Copa (no credit card info required). I will check with them to see if they still offer the
service and get back to you (it's been almost three years). ONe thing that I've learned here about CC use is do not use multiple cards and never ever give out CC information if you absolutly don't have to.

Regards,

Boris

Rio ranks 7th in conference destination

The State of Rio de Janeiro ranked 7th as a destination for international conferences, according to a recent survey disclosed by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) , based
in Germany. And the state should move up to 6th place soon, according to the ICCA. In 2002, approximately US$150 million will be made here related to international meetings and conferences. According to other figures disclosed by the ICCA, business travelers in average spend US$230.00/day here, and conferences held in Rio usually attract 30%
more travelers than in other destinations in Brazil. São Paulo, for example, is only the 53rd ranked destination for international conferences, according to the ICCA. Before the terrorist attacks in
the United States last year, 40% of all business travelers coming to Rio were Americans, but that percentage has shrunk significantly since then. Now, Latin-American executives and Brazilians account for
40% and Americans represent only 20%.


Source: Gazeta Mercantil