Visitors Guide to Brazil

Residency, Visas and Passports

All visitors to Brazil are required to present their passports upon entry. Passports will need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry. Visitors may also be asked to show their return or onward tickets, along with proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in the country.

Children visiting Brazil will need to be accompanied by both parents, or they may be required to present a copy of their birth certificate. It is advisable to confirm correct and up to date requirements with an embassy or consulate prior to departure.

EU nationals visiting Brazil for up to 3 months do not need to apply for a visa. Other nationalities may require a short stay touristic visa. These visas are usually valid for up to 3 months and cost approximately £30.

All visitors to Brazil are legally required to carry ID at all times, a photocopy of the passport is considered acceptable. When planning to travel to Brazil and obtain residency, there are various options available, including permanent residency for the purpose of retirement. The solicitor used for arranging a property purchase can assist with making the necessary arrangements.

Getting There

Along with being one of the safest, cleanest and most stunningly beautiful areas of Brazil to visit, Natal is also conveniently accessible to Europe and North America. Three international airports are located in the surrounding areas, offering additional options for flight connections to the region.

The main airport is Natal’s Augusto Severo International Airport, currently undergoing major expansion. Once completed it will be one of the worlds largest and the biggest in South America. Other airports also servicing the region include the international airports of Fortaleza and Recife.

The airport in Natal offers direct flights to various European cities, including London and Dublin, with a flight time of approximately 8 hours. If opting to fly directly to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo, the flight time from Europe is around 11 hours.

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Local Transport

Long distance travel across Brazil’s vast landscape is most conveniently made by air, with each of the main towns and cities located up to 3 hours flight apart. Domestic flights depart regularly as Brazil has one off the world’s most extensive air networks. Convenient air passes can be arranged prior to arriving in Brazil, enabling visitors to save on the costs of internal airfares.

It is possible to travel across Brazil by train, although the rail network is not considered to be as convenient or reliable as the domestic flight options. Travelling long distances by rail in Brazil is often arranged as a scenic travel option, rather than a regular form of transport.

Hiring a car and driving in Brazil enables holidaymakers the freedom to enjoy their visit at their own leisure. Driving is probably more convenient in local regional areas, as the country is so vast it can take around 24 hours to drive between some of the cities. The road networks vary in quality, yet they are constantly improving. There are several international car hire companies in Brazil, available from the airports. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold an international drivers permit.

When travelling in local areas, buses service an extensive number of routes, as they are the most common form of public transport. Natal city also has a bus route connecting with the international airport. Some of the larger towns in Brazil have light rail networks, while Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo also have metro systems.

Taxis are readily available in the towns and cities of Brazil, with fares regulated by the government. It is recommended that visitors only use the official taxis for personal safety, they can also be arranged by many hotels for their clientele. Taxi fares in Brazil are inexpensive and metered, yet the fares often increase on the weekends and outside the regular working hours.

Health and Safety

Brazil is a stunningly beautiful holiday destination receiving millions of visitors on an annual basis. The majority of visits to the country are trouble free, especially in the north-east regions where some of the country’s safest cities are located.

The majority of crime and issue Brazil encounters is located in the poorer areas of the large cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, where other problems such as air pollution are also prevalent. Although as with any destination in the world, visitors to even the safest parts of Brazil should always maintain a level of personal safety and common sense.

Medical facilities in Brazil are of a good standard in the larger towns and cities. As the cost of medical services can be high, it is advisable for visitors to have medical insurance when travelling. The only vaccinations against diseases for travellers in Brazil are advised when planning to visit rural areas such as the Amazon.

The tap water in Brazil can vary from place to place, so to avoid any issues many visitors prefer to drink bottled water. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundantly available in tropical Brazil and are safe to eat. Some visitors prefer to eat only fruits that can be peeled and vegetables that have been cooked, yet it is mainly due to personal preferences.

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