Brazil Travel Advice - All the information you need to plan a vacation to Brazil.

TSA to start enforcing rule on matching passenger data – USATODAY.com

Tatiana — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:26:36 +0000

Starting next month, federal regulators will start cracking down on a new rule that requires air passengers to submit personal identification data when booking for flights and show a recognized government ID at the airport that matches the information.

The rule was introduced last year, but the Transportation Security Administration imposed a year-long grace period that ends at the end of the month.

On its blog, TSA says it will not approve airlines to issue a boarding pass if the required information – your name, date of birth and gender as it appears on your government ID – was not provided by customers at the time of booking.

The requirement is part of a TSA program – called Secure Flight – that aims to match the names on the government’s no-fly watch lists. TSA assumed the task from airlines following a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, the blog says.

TSA says it needs passenger data to carry out the task. And passengers will not be able to print boarding passes at home if they fail to provide the information while booking.
Passengers who have an existing reservation for travel after Nov. 1 but did not provide complete data should contact their airlines or agents prior to arriving at the airport.

TSA recommends that passengers enter their name as it appears on their government ID. They should stay consistent in using the name on their ID and the information they provide at the time of booking, it says.

“Small differences in the name on the boarding pass and ID, like middle initials, should not impact your travel,” it says.

TSA to start enforcing rule on matching passenger data – USATODAY.com.

Tours Gone Wild recommended restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Gilberto — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:15:29 +0000

Tours Gone Wild is one of the premier travel companies in taking people to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Here are some of their restaurant recommendations for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

BUDGET/QUICK BITE:
• Aipo-Aipim Food by the Kilo. There are quite a few of these restaurants all over Copacabana. Located at “Avenida Nossa Senhora Copacabana 920” There is also an Aipo Aipim at 391 and 599 NS Copacabana . A great cut of meat to try is the “Picanha” from the grill.
• CORNER JUICE/STANDS If you want to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the beach hit up one of the numerous sandwich stands/corner juice bars. Try the “ACAI” (pronounced “ASA EEE” )with granola – a very original Brazilian hangover rememdy (looks like a purple smoothie)
• Bob’s: The Brazilian version of McDonald’s. If you can’t seem to resist a little taste from back home, you can ask to be taken to the many locations. There is one close to the Othon along Avenida Atlantica.
• Garota de Ipanema: another great choice! Located at Rua Vinicius de Moraes in Ipanema. This is a great choice after hanging out at the beach all day. (there is also a Garota de Copacabana with similar food in Copa on Ave. Atlantica)
• Galitos – Located in Copacabana off Atlanica or @ 62 Rua Farme de Amoedo, Galitos offers very delicious individual chickens w/ a variety of side toppings. The place is small and is an outside café and is very popular after a long day at the beach. Order the “Galito”!!!
BEST OF RIO:
• Marius (BEST SEAFOOD IN RIO!!) – Av. Atlântica 290, Leme, Tel: 2542-2393
• Cipriani (UPSCALE RESTAURANT @ COPACABANA PALACE HOTEL) Av. Atlântica 1.072, Copacabana 2548-7070: Copacabana Palace Hotel
• Porcão – Porcao is an “all you can eat” churrascaria. This is a typical Brazilian type of meal where they bring endless cuts of different kinds of meat to your table. If you have not tried a churracaria you are missing out!!! Porcao has several locations. The one in Ipanema is good but if you want a great view go to “Porcao Rios” where you can see the sugarloaf. (ask your front desk for a taxi to take you their or call TGW to help you w/ a reservation).
• Zuka – a newer and trendy addition to Rio’s cuisine. The reaturant features everything from classis Brazilian cuisine to Thai and French nuvou. Reservations are a must!! – Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon (3205-7154)

Rio 2016 logo to be unveiled New Year’s Eve on Copacabana beach

Carlos — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:34:33 +0000

This is awesome news. If you want to be part of the ceremony and travel to Rio de Janeiro for New Years, click here: New Years Rio de Janeiro.

September 3 – Rio de Janeiro will reveal its logo for the 2016 Olympics at a special ceremony to be staged on Copacabana beach on New Year’s Eve, they have announced.

The logo has been chosen and has been sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for them to give their approval.

It will then remain a closely-guarded secret until December 31.

“We have concluded a historic process of the Rio 2016 Games,” said Carlos Nuzman, the President of Rio 2016.

“The Judging Commission worked with professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication.

“I am sure the brand will be accepted by all and will carry an aura of success.”

Eight agencies got to the final phase of the selecting process where a panel of 12, led by Nuzman (pictured centre) picked the winner.

The agencies Brainbox Design, Dupla Design, Future Brand, Gad Design, Soter Design, Studio Lúmen, Tátil Design and Vinte Zero Um each received a compensation of R$10,000 (£3,758/$5,773) and a participation certificate as recognition for taking part in contributing to the process.

The winning agency will receive an additional R$40,000 (£14,952/$23,094) for the creation of the brand and will sign a six month contract, with the possibility of it being extended to provide design services for Rio 2016.

“It was an incredible process,” said Leonardo Gryner, the chief executive of Rio 2016.

“We had total trust in the creative capacity of the Brazilian design and reached a result that will be a reason of pride to all of us.”

The winning design will guide the Games visual communication in the next six years, will become an object of desire for thousands of people around the world, Brazilian officials hope

“We got to the end of a rich and transparent process being certain we left a legacy for the Brazilian design,” said Beth Lula, the brands manager of Rio 2016.

“The brand carries the passion and transformation that are the essence of the Rio 2016 Games.”

insidethegames.biz -Rio 2016 logo to be unveiled New Year’s Eve on Copacabana beach.

Latin America Issue – 36 Hours in Rio de Janeiro – NYTimes.com

Carlos — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:56:31 +0000

Latin America Issue – 36 Hours in Rio de Janeiro – NYTimes.com.

WITH the World Cup coming in 2014, followed by the Olympic Games two years later, Rio de Janeiro is thinking outside the beach. The historic port area is undergoing an extreme makeover, and museums by such vanguard architects as Santiago Calatrava and Diller Scofidio + Renfro are in the works. A long-anticipated bullet train to São Paulo seems to be finally happening, while the city is making strides (albeit fitful ones) tackling the problems of its notorious favelas. Indeed, there will always be sunshine, thongs and Carnaval, but these days, Rio has a whole lot more to strut about.

Friday

3 p.m.
1) CONCRETE CURVES

Long before the future arrived, Oscar Niemeyer was building it. Rio’s most famous architect (age 102 and counting) is best known for his work designing the capital of Brasília, but visitors need only go to São Conrado, about a 20-minute drive from the city center, to see Casa das Canoas (Estrada das Canoas 2.310, São Conrado; 55-21-3322-3581). Now home to the Niemeyer Foundation, this is the house the architect built for himself in 1953. Its curvaceous roof and jutting rock formations can be ogled only on Tuesdays through Fridays, from 1 to 5 p.m.

8 p.m.
2) SEAFOOD BY THE SEA

Continue the ogling over dinner at the Philippe Starck-designed Hotel Fasano (Avenida Vieira Souto 80; 55-21-3202-4000; fasano.com.br), right on Ipanema beach. Its seafood restaurant, Fasano Al Mare, serves dishes like crispy tuna with white beans, cream and red onions (78 reais, about $46 at 1.70 Brazilian reais to the dollar), while its breezy interior sheds a flattering light on the glamour pusses within. Afterward, head to the hotel’s London-themed bar, Baretto-Londra, for a nightcap.

11 p.m.
3) LAPA CRAWL

Have a second wind? This city parties late, so join the students, bohemians, yuppies and just-plain locals reveling in the streets of Lapa. This historic, charmingly shabby neighborhood in central Rio goes late into the night with plentiful street food — and cheap drinks. Duck into popular samba clubs like Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio 20; 55-21-3147-9005; rioscenarium.com.br) and the intimate Carioca da Gema (Rua Mem de Sá 79; 55-21-2221-0043; barcariocadagema.com.br). Or just bar hop your way to tomorrow.

Saturday

10 a.m.
4) WATERFRONT BARGAINS

Time for some rummaging. Saturday mornings mean the flea market at Praça 15 de Novembro, along the waterfront in Rio’s historic heart of Centro. Browse the standard offerings of old china, vinyl records and secondhand clothing — but also the crafts, colonial-style knickknacks and other local curiosities you won’t find elsewhere. Don’t forget to haggle.

Noon
5) FROM THE HEIGHTS

Take the antique tram called the bonde uphill to the cobbled, winding streets of leafy Santa Teresa. Known for its crumbling mansions, some converted into museums and bed-and-breakfasts, this artsy, once-neglected enclave has come back to life. Consider the newish Hotel Santa Teresa (Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660; 55-21-3380-0200;, a former coffee plantation turned luxury retreat. Wander the artisanal shops and restaurants on the main drag of Rua Almirante Alexandrino. Have lunch there, or continue uphill to the thatched-roof pavilions of Aprazível (Rua Aprazível 62; 55-21-2508-9174; aprazivel.com.br) for the spectacular views and bacalhau do pai (71 reais), a cod pastry dish filling enough for two.

3 p.m.
6) ART CENTRO

History meets contemporary art in Centro. Just across from the flea market, the 18th-century Paço Imperial (Praça 15 de Novembro 48; 55-21-2215-2622; pacoimperial.com.br) mounts excellent exhibitions like the recent one on Gordon Matta-Clark. Not far away is the former bank headquarters that’s now the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (Rua Primeiro de Março 66; 55-21-3808-2020; bb.com.br/cultura), where you might find, say, a Rebecca Horn retrospective. The area is also home to a growing number of galleries. Don’t miss A Gentil Carioca (Rua Gonçalves Ledo 17; 55-21-2222-1651; agentilcarioca.com.br), an experimental space run by three artists including the Brazilian art star Ernesto Neto.

5:30 p.m.
7) A DIFFERENT VIEW

Forget those postcard-perfect views from Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado. This summer, as part of an effort to better integrate the favelas with the city, Rio unveiled a gleaming elevator tower that rises more than 20 stories to connect upscale Ipanema with the favela of Cantagalo above. At the corner of Rua Teixeira de Melo and Rua Barão da Torre, just off Praça General Osório, this progressive piece of architecture has an observation deck with views across Ipanema and Copacabana. Guards may stop you from taking a second set of elevators to the favela proper. But at least you’ve gotten as close as you’re likely to get on your own.

9:30 p.m.
GOURMET ALLEY

The peacocks of Rio flock to the Leblon area for dinner, specifically Rua Dias Ferreira. On a one-block stretch, you can choose from the always-busy Sushi Leblon (No. 256; 55-21-2512-7830; sushileblon.com), with its sometimes exotic sushi offerings (think quail egg and truffles, 11 to 22 reais), and Quadrucci (No. 233; 55-21-2512-4551; quadrucci.com.br), with its Italian takes like shrimp risotto with mango, mascarpone and arugula (47 reais). For other nouvelle concoctions, head for Zuka (No. 233b; 55-21-3205-7154; zuka.com.br) and try the white fish and pepper ceviche (27 reais) and rack of lamb with passion-fruit mashed potatoes (79 reais).

Midnight
9) SHABBY OR CHIC?

As Rio revamps its port, the docklands district of Gamboa is turning into a night-life hub that aims to compete with Lapa. (Still, the area can be a bit sketchy, so know where you’re going.) With a lively, down-to-earth crowd in a rustic 19th-century building, Trapiche Gamboa (Rua Sacadura Cabral 155; 55-21-2516-0868; trapichegamboa.com.br) is one of the city’s most popular samba spots. Or for a gay mega-party, cross the street to the Week (Rua Sacadura Cabral 154; 55-21-2253-1020; theweek.com.br), a São Paulo import for the muscle-boy and D.J.-groupie crowd. Alternatively, take a taxi to the Urca area and Zozô (Avenida Pasteur 520, Praia Vermelha; 55-21-2295-5659; zozorio.com.br). Dramatically situated by the beach, adjacent to the Sugar Loaf cable car station, this restaurant turns into a weekend after-dinner lounge and dance club where a posh crowd of 30-something Brazilians do what they do best: look good.

Sunday

11 a.m.
10) BRUNCH SET

Long night? Haul yourself over to Escola do Pão (Rua General Garzon 10; 55-21-2294-0027; escoladopao.com.br), run by a mother-and-daughter team that has turned this former home — once belonging to the Brazilian writer José Lins do Rego — into a French-style bistro, bakery, cooking school and labor of love. Settle into its cozy interior of cast-iron columns and tropical flourishes. Then start nibbling on the cavalcade of fresh fruit drinks, cheese gratins, finger sandwiches, light-as-air eggs and impeccable breads that make up its 62-real prix-fixe brunch.

12:30 p.m.
11) LAGOON TO GARDEN

Time for some air. Stroll along the lagoa (lagoon) — Escola do Pão sits right on its shore — or take the short walk to the Jardim Botânico (Rua Jardim Botânico 1008; 55-21-3874-1808; www.jbrj.gov.br; 5 reais). This impressive botanical garden, founded in 1808 by Dom João VI of Portugal, retains its imperial stateliness with rows of royal palms, ponds, monuments and orchid-filled greenhouses. Not a bad way to wind down.

IF YOU GO

Several airlines including TAM, United and Continental fly direct from Kennedy airport to Rio. A recent Web search showed round-trip tickets starting at around $1,057 for travel this month.

Opened in 2007, the 89-room Hotel Fasano (Avenida Vieira Souto 80; 55-21-3202-4000;) is Philippe Starck’s splashy contribution to Ipanema’s waterfront, with hardwood floors and Brazilian modernist furniture. There’s a rooftop infinity pool and a new spa. Doubles start at 1,200 reais ($710 at 1.70 Brazilian reais to the dollar).

The Ipanema Plaza (Rua Farme de Amoedo 34; 55-21-3687-2000; ) is a favorite of the fashion crowd and is close to the gay section of the beach. The 140 spacious rooms start at 435 reais.

Copacabana isn’t what it used to be. But for a good value, try the new 135-room Arena Copacabana (Avenida Atlantica 2064; 55-21- 3034-1501, which opened last year with spare yet comfortable modern rooms right on the beach.

AA Starting direct flights from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro

Carlos — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:46:07 +0000

American Airlines to launch new service to Rio de Janeiro

Posted on: Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:09:35 EDT

Sep 09, 2010 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) –American Airlines has announced that it will begin three days a week service between Dallas/Fort Worth, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, effective December 16, 2010.

The seasonal service will run through April 4, 2011, and then resume for the summer season between June 9, 2011, and August 22, 2011. The service will resume for the 2012 season on November 22, 2011.

American Airlines will operate the new service with a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, which comprises of 28 business class seats and 191 economy class seats. The airline will operate the new service from Dallas/Fort Worth and Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flights will be operated from Rio de Janeiro to Dallas/Fort Worth on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Peter Dolara, senior vice president of Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America at American Airlines, said: “These new flights offer a wonderful opportunity for people from Texas, the Southwest, West Coast and Midwest to fly via our largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Brazil’s most popular cultural and tourism destination, Rio de Janeiro.

“We believe seasonal service via DFW is a perfect complement to our upcoming new daily flight from John F Kennedy International Airport in New York that begins November 18, 2010, and our existing daily flight from Miami International Airport. We also will begin four days a week nonstop service between Miami and Brasilia starting November 18, 2010.”

RIO CARNIVAL DATES UNTIL 2030

Carlos — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:52:05 +0000

WHEN IS CARNIVAL? -Great question! It varies every year and depends on the Christian calendar for Easter. Usually it is in February but can run as early and late January or into March such as Rio Carnival 2011.

Below is a list of Rio Carnival dates for the next 20 years….

Rio Carnival Dates For 2009: February 21st through February 24th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2010: February 13th through February 16th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2011: March 5th through March 8th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2012: February 18th through February 21st
Rio Carnival Dates For 2013: February 9th through February 12th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2014: February 3rd through February 6th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2015: February 16th through February 19th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2016: February 8th through February 11th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2017: February 27th through March 2nd
Rio Carnival Dates For 2018: February 12th through February 15th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2019: March 4th through March 7th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2020: February 24th through February 27th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2021: February 15th through February 18th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2022: February 28th through March 2nd
Rio Carnival Dates For 2023: February 20th through February 23rd
Rio Carnival Dates For 2024: February 12th through February 15th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2025: March 3rd through March 6th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2026: February 16th through February 19th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2027: February 8th through February 11th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2028: February 28th, 29th, March 1, March 2nd
Rio Carnival Dates For 2029: February 12th through February 15th
Rio Carnival Dates For 2030: 4th March through March 7th

BRAZIL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (VISAS/PASSPORTS) TOP FAQ’S

Gilberto — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:39:58 +0000

BRAZIL VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – FAQ’S
There is much confusion out there in the blogosphere regarding visas and entry requirements for Brazil. Below is some useful information regarding Visas, passports and other issues about entering Brazil.
1) DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO BRAZIL? YES. Everyone needs a passport to travel to Brazil regardless of country. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Brazil and have at least one blank page available for the visa stamp. click HERE to get a US Passport

2) DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO BRAZIL? It depends on what country you hold citizenship from. In short, if the country that you hold a passport requires a Visa for Brazilians to enter your country, then the same applies for you entering Brazil. (If you are an American, Canadian or Australian citizen you DO REQUIRE A VISA IN ADDITION TO A PASSPORT IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO BRAZIL.)

3) WHAT COUNTRIES DO NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR BRAZIL? Below is an abbreviated list of countries that are currently EXEMPT from Visas. ( The list was updated September 2010 and is subject to change). Argentina .Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia ,Costa Rica, Croatia,Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, ItalyLithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad, Tunis, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela.

4) DO I NEED SHOTS OR ANYTHING ELSE TO TRAVEL? You may require a yellow fever certificate to travel to Brazil but only if you have been to the following countries within 90 days before entering Brazil. Any country in Sub Saharan Africa,Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname Currently you do NOT require shots to travel to Brazil unless you are travelling to extremely remote parts of the Amazon.

5) HOW DO I GET A VISA? You can get a Visa in person at our closest consulate of Brazil to where you live or through a third party company that specializes in processing visas if you do not want to go through the hassle of going to your nearest consulate or if your nearest consulate is too far away.

6) IS IT SAFE TO SEND YOUR PASSPORT A BRAZIL VISA PROCESSING COMPANY? Yes it is but make sure the company is legitimate and send your paperwork securely via FEDEX, UPS, courier or similar.

7) DO I HAVE TO SEND MY ACTUAL PASSPORT WHEN SENDING FOR MY VISA? Yes. A visa is a stamp on your actual passport so you must send in your passport.

8 ) CAN I GET A BRAZIL VISA UPON ARRIVAL? Unfortunately no. Brazil doesn’t offer
“visas on arrival” as do many countries around the world. You have to get one before departure. It can take up to a few weeks to process your visa depending on the turnaround time from your specific consulate so DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. You cannot board a flight to Brazil without a VISA so make sure you have proper documentation!!

9) WHAT CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA HAVE CONSULATES OF BRAZIL? The following is a list of Consulates of Brazil in the USA as well as the jurisdiction

UNITED STATES:

1. Boston: (For Residents of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
2. Atlanta: Residents of: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee (call (404) 949-2400)
3. Chicago: Residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
4. Houston: Residents of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
5. Los Angeles: Residents of Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and in the State of California, the counties of Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis, Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
6. Miami: Residents of of Florida, Puerto Rico, & US Virgin Islands.
7. New York City: Residents of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the Bermuda Islands.
8. San Francisco: Residents of Oregon, Washington, Alaska and in the State of California

9. Washington DC

CANADA:
1. Toronto: Residents of Ontario (except National Capital Region), Manitoba and Nunavut
2. Ottawa: Residents of National Capital Region
3. Montreal: Residents of Quebec (except National Capital Region), New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
4. Vancouver: Residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Northwest Territories

10) WHAT ABOUT VISA LOCATIONS FOR EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST OR THE REST OF THE WORLD? If you are in the Middle East you can process your visa in Beirut, Kuwait City, or Abu Dhabi among others. If you are in Europe there is a consulate of Brazil in just about every major European capital. The same corresponds to major world capitals in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Here is a list to Brazilian consulates in the Middle East:

Here is a list to Brazilian consulates in Europe:

Here is a list to Brazilian consulates in Asia:

Here is a list to Brazilian consulates in Australia:

Here is a list to Brazilian consulates in South and Central America:

11) WHEN DO I NEED TO GET MY VISA? It is recommended to get it as soon as your book your trip to Brazil. Until very recently you had to commence travel within 90 days of visa issuance in order for the Brazil visa to be valid, but that restriction has now been lifted and you can get your visa any time prior to travel. Because many people go to Brazil for Carnival and New year’s there is typically a big backlog of visas around this time period and it is recommended to get the visa out of the way early.

12) What are the required documents to get a visa?
Required Documents:
1- Original passport (valid for at least 6 (six) months prior to its expiration date). The passport must have at least 2 (two) blank visa pages.
2- One recent individual passport photo, full- frontal, white background.
3- One visa application form, duly filled-out and signed. (Signature must be original and in “BLUE” ink, no faxed forms).
4- Photocopy of round-trip airline ticket, print-out of itinerary or letter from travel agent/airline, confirming purchase of round-trip ticket, including dates of departure and return from Brazil. ( For airline employees, photocopy of airline ID card)
5- For children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years, certificate of vaccination against polio, stating type and dosage.
6- For applicants under 18 years of age, when traveling without both parents or legal guardian(s), a notarized letter of consent signed by parents or legal guardian(s) authorizing the Consulate General of Brazil to issue a visa for the minor applicant (proof required: birth certificate) .
7- Whenever applicable (i.e., for participants in athletic competitions or performing arts events), copy of letter from sponsor/organizer with detailed information on the event as well as conditions of attendance.
8- For US citizen , a processing fee of US$ 130.00 in US POSTAL Money Order (ONLY) available at any Post Office will be charged in reciprocity to identical fee paid by Brazilian citizens who applied for a VISA for the United State of America.
9- In addition to the processing fee above a handling fee US$ 20.00 per visa in US POSTAL Money Order (ONLY) applies for applicants submitting by mail or by any individual othert than the applicant.
10- For costs of tourist visa to NON-AMERICAN citizens.(See list below- “VISA COSTS”).
11- For children of Brazilian citizens, provide a notarized letter stating that the child has never been registered as Brazilian citizens in any Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, nor has had a Brazilian passport previously. Please, note that Brazilian citizens must travel to Brazil with a Brazilian passport. (Brazilian bearing a American Passport that has renounced the Brazilian citizenship must present proof).
12- For citizens of Commonwealth of the Bahamas, all fees must be paid with American Express Money Orders or Thomas Cook Money Orders only.

What is the cost to obtain a Visa?
Tourist Visa Fees:
* United States citizens will be charged a non-refundable processing fee of US$ 140.00 per visa, in reciprocity to an identical
fee paid by Brazilian citizens who apply for a Visa to the United States;
* Visa fees for Citizens of countries below will be as follows:
Australians, USD$30, Mexicans USD$30, Japanese/Russians $50 all other nationalities $30
All other citizenships US$ 20.00 Payments accepted only in US Postal money order.

13) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A VISA? IT completely depends on the consulate the you send your passport to. It can range from 24 hours to 4 or more weeks. Check with your corresponding consulate for details or ask the visa processing company for details.

14) IS IT EASY TO GET A VISA? If you follow the instructions that are straightforward off the consulate in your jurisdiction’s website it should be a smooth process. Make sure to have all your information complete and EXACTLY as they ask for it. You will most likely NOT get your visa rejected as long as you filled out the forms correctly.

I’m very interested in traveling to the World Cup in Brazil for 2014. Can I book a vacation package now for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil?

Carlos — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:44:23 +0000

In short, the answer is “no.” According to Guillermo Mendes, 20 year Rio de Janeiro travel agent, it is simply too early. “Prices for hotels for the Brazil World Cup will not be published until a year from the start of the event date 2012 or possibly early 2013 at the very earliest.
Any packages the consumer may find online for the 2014 World Cup are purely speculation as many hotels in the host cities have not yet been built or are on the block to be remodeled or simply do not have pricing.” Additionally, Mendes notes, “prices for hotels in general for Brazil are generally published 9 months to 12 months out. This is because of the extreme volatility of current exchange rates between the Brazilian Real and most major currencies like the US Dollar and Euro.”
For now, Mendes recommends, patiently waiting, staying on top of World Cup Brazil 2014 package NEWS , and saving up money as it will certainly not be cheap! ( a general estimate will be about $3500 to $5000 USD for a one week air inclusive package with hotel and world cup 2014 tickets and hotel.)

All-Inclusive Option near Rio de Janeiro: Breezes opens up in Buzios, Brazil

Carlos — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:21:19 +0000

If you are looking for a great new all-inclusive option close to Rio de Janeiro, Superclubs just opened up a Breezes in Buzios. Rio de Janeiro has no all-inclusive resorts, so if you do want to visit the city and still get that All-inclusive vacation, I recommend staying in Rio de Janeiro 2 – 3 nights and then heading to Buzios for another 4 – 5 nights. Below is an article I found on travelweekly.com.

SuperClubs opens Brazilian beach resort

By: Gay Nagle MyersAugust 25, 2010

SuperClubs opened the 329-room Breezes Buzios Resort & Spa on a peninsula two hours north of Rio de Janeiro.

The all-inclusive beachfront resort offers water sports, a spa, bowling, a climbing wall, a skate park, mini-golf, a soccer field, circus trapeze, kids and teens’ clubs, and five restaurants and bars.

Many rooms offer private pools and Jacuzzis overlooking the sea.

Buzios, known for its 20 beaches, was put on the map in the mid-1960s by a visit from Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend.

The property is Breezes’ second in Brazil. The Breezes Costa do Sauipe in northeastern Brazil opened 10 years ago.

Despite Gulf oil spill, Florida tourism is up (Thanks to Brazilians)

Tatiana — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:24:57 +0000

This is excerpt from the Miami Herald last week:
“Visits from Brazilian tourists were up 15 percent in the first six months of the year in Miami, Aedo said. They make up the second-largest group of international visitors — Canadians are first — but come in first in spending.

Brazilian visitors like South Florida for a few reasons, said tour company manager Arturo Perchemlian: “beach, shopping and the clubs.”

He said his company, Miami-based Tours Gone Wild, has seen an increase in Brazilians traveling to Miami in recent years as the currency has strengthened. The company offers shopping tours to outlets like Sawgrass Mills for visitors who want to shop for bargains. “It’s a huge draw,” he said. “It could even just pay for itself if somebody comes for a shopping spree.”

Throughout Florida, tourism from Brazil increased 29 percent in 2009 over the previous year, Seccombe said.

Tourism boosters nationwide are seeking to increase the number of Brazilian tourists by getting the U.S. government to add the country to its visa waiver program.

“The whole country recognizes the power of Brazilian tourism,” Aedo said. “Everyone wants Brazilian tourists.”