Travel and Visa information
Visa to Brazil
Brazil follows a position of international reciprocity with respect to entry Visa. An agreement for visa exemption exists with several countries, whose citizens do not need a visa to enter and stay in Brazil up to 60 or 90 days.
Countries and territories whose citizens DO NOT require visas in order to enter Brazil as tourists (as of March 30, 2010 and subject to changes that may have been implemented subsequently by the Brazilian Government since then).
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, OSM Malta, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal*, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican, Venezuela
CITIZENS OF ALL OTHER COUNTRIES NOT LISTED ABOVE DO REQUIRE VISAS IN ORDER TO ENTER BRAZIL AS TOURISTS OR BUSINESS
EXAMPLE: CITIZENS OF THE USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, CHINA, INDIA, MEXICO, RUSSIA DO REQUIRE VISA TO ENTER BRAZIL
US CITIZENS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IT MIGHT TAKE MORE THAN ONE MONTH TO GET THE VISA IN THEIR CASE. For other citizens, it should usually take a couple of weeks or less.
However, it is always recommended to confirm the validity of these information with the travel agencies and the Brazilian diplomatic representations in the different countries. A full official list of the Brazilian Embassies, Consulates, Vice-Consulates, Delegations, Missions and Offices around the world can be found at http://www.mre.gov.br
A tourist visa provides coverage for attending scientific conferences, seminars, or meetings. Note that tourist visa holders are not allowed to engage in any paid activity in Brazil, but they can get per-diem allowances.
Typically, passport of any nationality must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the day of entry into the country for which VISA has been applied for.
You should contact the nearest Brazilian consulate in your area of jurisdiction and follow the procedure that typically involves filling out an on-line form, providing a passport type photo, paying a fee and mailing all these together with your passport to the consulate.
For those that specifically need a support letter to apply for a Tourist VISA (VITUR) in order to come to the Conference a letter template (which can be personalized) is provided in the link below:
Support letter for Tourist VISA application
Health Requirements
There are no compulsory health requirements for entry into Brazil but, if you intend to travel around Brazil before or after the Conference, precautions are advised for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Polio and Malaria, especially if your plans are to go to the Amazon or the Pantanal.
We suggest that you contact your local physician for current advice and recommendations. You are advised to have full medical insurance coverage. Please note that if you are entering Brazil via Peru, Ecuador or Colombia, you will be required to provide an up to date yellow fever vaccination certificate for immigration purposes.
It is strongly recommended that participants take out insurance to cover loss incurred in case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects. The organizers of the IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference 2011 will not be responsible for any medical costs incurred by participants. The Organizing Committee will not accept liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Conference or during any tours.
Insurance
Responsibility for personal accidents, loss or damages to private properties of participants and exhibitors is not accepted. Participants and exhibitors are advised to make their own arrangements if they consider it necessary.
Changes in Program
For scientific and/or technical reasons, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to make change in the Conference program.
Electrical supply
Electricity supplied in Arraial d’Ajuda and Porto Seguro is 220 Volts - 60Hz. However in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo it is 110 Volts. Plugs in Brazil vary but the most common ones are Type C - 2 parallel prongs - "French" type; Type A - 2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type or Plug B - Similar to A but with an earth connector. Visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances and, more importantly, charge their laptops.
Internet connection
Free high-speed wireless internet connection will be available for all delegates at the Conference venue (Convention center of the EcoResort Arraial d’Ajuda). Some computers hooked up to the internet for general use of the delegates will also be available at the Conference. Internet connection is available at all Hotels indicated. Usually it is wireless in the hotel lobby and wired or wireless, when available, in the hotel rooms, depending on the category of the Hotel. Please check directly with the Hotel where you are staying what kind of internet facilities are available.
Weather
The average annual temperature in Arraial d’Ajuda is 22-24°C. Relative humidity is around 80% throughout the year. Porto Seguro weather is influenced by the warm humid winds from the sea and by cold winds from the Patagonian side which bring in frontal rainfall. The average rainfall in the region is about 1,500 mm. The driest seasons are August-September and January-February, while between March and May is when it rains the most. Rains, however, are typically quick tropical rainfalls either in the early morning or late afternoons and the hot sun shines again. The conference will take place during our tropical winter. You will definitely not bring anything but summer clothes and shoes a hat and plenty of sunscreen. If you are coming through São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro you may want to bring a light jacket.
Money
The Brazilian currency is called Real. The seven Real bills come in denominations of R$100, R$50, R$20, R$10, R$5, R$2 and R$1. The six Real coins are in denominations of R$1 and 50, 25, 10, five and one cents.
ATM
ATMs (known in Brazil as Caixa Eletronico) are widely available in all airports and in several spots in Porto Seguro and Arraial d’Ajuda. Most will accept cards tied into the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. As a precaution, though, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. The daily limit for cash withdrawal is R$ 1,000,00 (approximately 550 US$) and after 10:00 PM the limit is only R$ 100,00, so plan ahead. Remember that every time you withdraw cash there will be a transaction surcharge. Check with your own bank to see how much this is. If an ATM rejects your card, don’t despair. Try a few more before assuming the problem lies with your card.
Changing Money
Our advice is that you change some money as soon as you arrive in Brazil through the main airports. You can change your money in banks or at a Cambio booth (foreign currency exchange). Always make sure you have your passport, or some form of photo ID. Alternatively and probably a better deal as far as surcharges, you can withdraw cash in Real at any ATM.
Credit Cards
All hotels accept credit cards, as do most restaurants and large shops. You can also use them to obtain cash advances at some banks. Some of the cheaper guesthouses, or small bars accept nothing but cash, but this is becoming a very rare exception, especially in a touristic place such as Porto Seguro and Arraial d’Ajuda. So in general you will be fine by carrying a major card such as Visa, MasterCard. Amex is also recognized although it is less common than Visa or MasterCard. If your card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM, telephone toll-free to block its use. For VISA call 0800-891-3680 and for MasterCard call 0800-891-3294
