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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: December 6, 2006 14:03
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Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:44
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| Brazil |
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1. INTRODUCTION
Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
See our Current Issues page for information on disruption to flight schedules and airport services in Brazil.
São Paulo state has faced incidents of gang-related violence, with targets including police stations, buses and businesses. As was the case in May and July 2006, such waves of attacks can cause interruptions in public transportation and cellular telephone networks, business closures, and general inconvenience to the public. Future incidents are possible. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, especially at night, when travelling within the city, or to and from the airport. They should also avoid areas where demonstrations or violent disturbances could occur, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Stricter air-traffic control regulations have been implemented following the crash in the Mato Grosso state air space on September 29, 2006. Consequently, Canadians should expect possible flight delays, particularly at the Confins and Pampulha airports in Belo Horizonte, at Tom Jobim international airport (Galeão) and Santos Dumont airport in Rio de Janeiro. Delays should also be expected for flights to Brasília and Curitiba (Paraná state).
One of Brazil’s major airlines, Varig, has experienced financial difficulties and has had to cancel a number of domestic and international flights. It is important to note that Varig is one of Air Canada's Star Alliance partners, and a number of flights from São Paulo to other Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, have been affected. Travellers who have already purchased airline tickets for Varig flights should contact their tour operator or the airline directly for further advice.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Serious crime, often involving violence, is high in a number of urban centres, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Recife, and Salvador. Robberies involving tourists, some violent, have occurred in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and along the southern coastal beaches, even during the day. If possible, avoid beaches with poor visibility from the sidewalk and keep to beach areas where lifeguards are present. In Rio de Janeiro, areas outside of the south side (Zona Sur) should be avoided. Be vigilant in areas surrounding the Rodoviaria (bus station).
Foreigners have become the victims of violence, including sexual assault. Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators. The use of firearms is common. Visitors are cautioned to avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark, and to ensure living accommodation is totally secure. Any visit to a “favela” (shantytown) should be in the company of a reputable tour guide only. In November 2005, drug dealers invaded a city bus in the favela da Rocinha and set it on fire with passengers still inside. Four passengers died, and many more were injured.
Street crime, including pickpocketing, mugging, and purse snatching, is common. Tourists are a favourite target. Travellers should be vigilant when visiting outdoor markets. Beware of strategies to distract your attention. Do not walk alone on beaches or in central areas of major cities after dark. Use well-lit, well-frequented streets. Carry only small amounts of money and do not show signs of affluence. Valuables and important documents should be stored in a hotel safe; however, robberies have occurred from hotel room safes. Carry some form of identification. A photocopy of the identification page of your passport and visa documentation is sufficient.
”Express kidnappings” and carjackings occur throughout the country, particularly in larger cities. Victims are usually picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from bank machines (ATMs). Injuries occur when victims resist. Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship, hospitality, or assistance.
Women should take extra caution and avoid solitary travel. Unaccompanied female travellers should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting invitations to go for a drink by a friendly stranger. There have been reported cases of the use of sedative drugs, robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform and help Canadian women travel safely.
You should exercise caution when travelling near the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay as criminal activities such as trafficking of illicit goods occur in this region.
Travel in the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands should be undertaken with trained guides. These areas are largely uninhabited and dangerous.
Demonstrations, protests, marches, strikes or civil actions, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. You should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.
Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadian citizens resident in or visiting Brazil should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.
Exercise caution when swimming offshore. Strong currents and sharks are present, mainly in Recife. Follow local advice before swimming. Do not bring personal belongings, including travel documents and purses, to the beach.
Piracy occurs in Brazilian coastal waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions. A Weekly Piracy Report may be found on the Web site of the International Chamber of Commerce.
Report all criminal incidents to the nearest police station. In Brasília and São Paulo, emergency numbers are: police: 190, ambulance: 192, and fire department: 193. São Paulo police can also be reached at (55-11) 3082-0160. In Rio de Janeiro, tourist police are at 3399-7170. The tourist police address is Leblon, Rua Humberto de Campos, 315.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Brazil has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Road travel is hazardous and should be avoided after dark. Exercise caution and common sense. When driving, pay particular attention to your surroundings while waiting at traffic lights and keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times. To obtain further information on road safety, contact the Federal Highway Police (country and area codes: 55-61/ tel.: 3447-2838). In Rio de Janeiro and in São Paulo, it is common to let motorists treat red lights as stop signs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to protect against holdups at intersections. Pedestrians and motorists proceeding through green lights during these hours are advised to exercise added caution.
Avoid stopping on the highway linking Manaus and Boa Vista, when going through the Yanomami Indian reserve. In the event of an accident, motorists should contact the military police at (55 92) 3642-6708.
Roadside assistance is generally offered by local garage owners. On the main highway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, roadside assistance is ensured by the "Angels of the Pavement" group. Throughout the country, call 193 in case of emergency.
Use taxis, as theft on buses and trams is common. On arrival at the international airports in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, visitors should use only registered airport taxis. Tickets are purchased from various taxi offices in the airport arrival halls. In town, use taxis from taxi ranks. Few taxi drivers speak English, and overcharging is common. At night, it is safer to order a taxi by telephone.
Canadian visitors can drive in Brazil up to 180 days if they have a valid Canadian driver's license. It is recommended to have an official Portuguese translation of the Canadian driver's licence since it might help Canadian visitors when dealing with local transit authorities. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not necessary.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy seasons extend from January to July in the north, January to May in the northeast, September to January in the southeast (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), and September to January in the south. Heavy rains in the south and southeast usually occur in January. Flash floods and landslides can occur. During these seasons, travel conditions on mountain roads and highways leading to beaches can be dangerous due to flooding or landslides. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Avoid areas of known drug trafficking. Travellers should not, under any circumstances, carry any items for others, especially baggage and parcels. Travellers visiting non-tourist locations, must exercise great vigilance and not carry a camera or binoculars.
It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity (original ID and copy of passport and visa, if not carrying originals) at all times. Brazilians with dual nationality will be considered Brazilian while in Brazil.
Brazil is actively seeking to prevent child sex tourism, and a number of tourists have been convicted of offences relating to the corruption of minors. The legal age of consent in Brazil is 18. As in Canada, there is no allowance for a child who "looks" mature. Prison sentences range from 2 to 10 years. Please see our publication entitled What No Child Should Endure and the Child Sex Tourism Fact Sheet for further information on the risks of committing this form of sexual abuse abroad.
A nationwide anti-smoking law bans smoking in some public areas, including bars, restaurants, hospitals, theatres, buses, and planes. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Infringement of this law could result in fines.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Brazil - BRASILIA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Setor de Embaixadas Sul, Avenida das Nações, Quadra 803, Lote 16, 70410-900 Brasília, D.F., Brazil
Postal Address: P.O. Box 341, Brasilia, D.F., 70359-970, Brazil
Tel.: 55 (61) 3424-5400
Fax: 55 (61) 3424-5490
E-mail: brsla@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.brasilia.gc.ca
Consular services are also available from any of the following Consulates of Canada:
Brazil - BELO HORIZONTE, Consulate of Canada
Address: Rua Rio Grande do Norte, 1164 - conj. 502, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-131, Brazil
Postal Address: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Tel.: 55 (31) 3261-1017
Fax: 55 (31) 3261-1017
Brazil - RIO DE JANEIRO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Avenida Atlântica 1130, 5th Floor, Copacabana, 22021-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Postal Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: 55 (21) 2543-3004
Fax: 55 (21) 2275-2195
E-mail: rio@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.riodejaneiro.gc.ca
Brazil - SÃO PAULO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Centro Empresarial Nações Unidas - Torre Norte, Avenida das Nações Unidas, 12901, 16th Floor, São Paulo, Brazil
Postal Address: P.O. Box CEP 04578-000, São Paulo, Brazil
Tel.: 55 (11) 5509-4321
Fax: 55 (11) 5509-4260
E-mail: spalo@international.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Brasília or the Consulate General of Canada in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 0 800 891-6614 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Brazil is 0800-890-0014, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Brazilian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 25, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for all Canadians, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where Canadians were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Canadians are required to have a valid visa prior to their arrival in Brazil and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.
Special regulations apply for dual nationals. All Brazilian citizens must enter and leave the country with their Brazilian passport. The issuance authority is the Policia Federal: (55 61) 3245-9518. Canadians applying for a Brazilian entry visa should note that the names on the birth certificate, Canadian passport, and visa application must be identical. No initials (this also applies to the names of the parents) or missing names will be accepted by the Brazilian Federal Police. Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required Proof of yellow fever immunization is strongly recommended by Brazilian officials for travellers coming from infected areas.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.Minor children travelling to Brazil alone or with only one parent should possess a certified letter of consent for travel. The letter must be translated into Portuguese and certified by the Embassy or a Consulate of Brazil in Canada (see above). Minors with dual nationality must exit Brazil using their Brazilian passport.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
There is a law that assures that a union between two people from the same sex can be recognized as a civil union, whereby property and pension rights are assured. Such a union can be registered at the Civil Public Notary.
An airport tax of US$37 is charged for travellers departing to any international destination. You must present your (green) arrival card in order to depart. The airport tax for domestic flights is US$9.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the real (BRL). Canadian dollars are not widely accepted in Brazil. Some exchange bureaus will accept Canadian dollars, but rates are not as favourable as for U.S. dollars. Finding an exchange bureau can be difficult on weekends. Carry small bills, as change is often unavailable for small transactions. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club) and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in major hotels, although many locations will not accept more than one or two of those listed above. Credit card fraud is a problem. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Brazil (capital: Brasília) is located in central South America, bordered by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. There is a wide range of tourist facilities in major cities, but fewer in remote areas. The official language is Portuguese.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, can be a threat, especially in the northern parts of Brazil. Off-road travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Dengue is also present in various states. Program teams and community health agents are actively combatting the disease.
Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Certain medication may not be available. Private hospitals and clinics in the city are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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