To get to Brazil, it is important to know that if you are a U.S. citizen, and have a U.S. passport, you NEED to get a tourist visa.
You mean, I can't just show up?!
Unlike some other "nearby" countries, to enter Brazil, you need a tourist visa before you enjoy anything the country has to offer. So, it is not as simple a just purchasing a plane ticket and flying, like it is for Mexico, Belize, or Portugal, it requires a bit more work. But "vale a pena!" (it's worth the hassle!)
Generally, the steps are as follows:
Admittedly, number 3 is greatly oversimplified! Remember, these things take time, and money, so you need to plan for that, as well. Number 1 and number 3 could take many weeks, depending on the U.S. Department of State (U.S. Passport), and the Brazilian Consulate of your jurisdiction. But if you already have a passport, you can be glad that is one less step you need to worry about! There are 10 Brazilian Consulates and regions for the U.S., so click here to be taken to an official site of the Brazilian Consulate, to see a map and list for which one you would use.
Overwhelmed? Surprised that you can't just hop on the plane? I know I was! Well, fortunately there is a video by one of the branches of the Brazilian Consulate, that can give you specific steps and reminders. But if this is not your consulate, you need to go to your consulate's site, as the process does vary, slightly, and it is imperative that you follow their steps!
…Okay, so that wasn't exactly a "how to arrive", but it is a key factor that warrants attention before you start making plans! As for "how to arrive", well… If you will be visiting from one of the countries that border Brazil, like if you are trekking across South America, I suppose there is a bus company you could use. But, generally the preferred method of arrival, directly into Brazil, is by airplane. So just hop on a travel search engine, and find your best deal!
Unlike some other "nearby" countries, to enter Brazil, you need a tourist visa before you enjoy anything the country has to offer. So, it is not as simple a just purchasing a plane ticket and flying, like it is for Mexico, Belize, or Portugal, it requires a bit more work. But "vale a pena!" (it's worth the hassle!)
Generally, the steps are as follows:
- Have or attain a passport. If you haven't done this, yet, read this, it contains a link with steps how!
- Purchase your plane ticket to your city of choice, in Brazil, and keep record of your itinerary and purchase receipt.
- Collect your passport, passport-sized photos, and submit your travel itinerary with the rest of your visa application to the consulate of your jurisdiction.
Admittedly, number 3 is greatly oversimplified! Remember, these things take time, and money, so you need to plan for that, as well. Number 1 and number 3 could take many weeks, depending on the U.S. Department of State (U.S. Passport), and the Brazilian Consulate of your jurisdiction. But if you already have a passport, you can be glad that is one less step you need to worry about! There are 10 Brazilian Consulates and regions for the U.S., so click here to be taken to an official site of the Brazilian Consulate, to see a map and list for which one you would use.
Overwhelmed? Surprised that you can't just hop on the plane? I know I was! Well, fortunately there is a video by one of the branches of the Brazilian Consulate, that can give you specific steps and reminders. But if this is not your consulate, you need to go to your consulate's site, as the process does vary, slightly, and it is imperative that you follow their steps!
…Okay, so that wasn't exactly a "how to arrive", but it is a key factor that warrants attention before you start making plans! As for "how to arrive", well… If you will be visiting from one of the countries that border Brazil, like if you are trekking across South America, I suppose there is a bus company you could use. But, generally the preferred method of arrival, directly into Brazil, is by airplane. So just hop on a travel search engine, and find your best deal!