Brazilian Visa

On April 10, 2025, the Government of Brazil is expected to reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. nationals visiting Brazil, with an option for an e-visa for qualified applicants. The 10-year visa fee is $80.90.  For questions about the e-visa application procedures, visit the Brazilian government-authorized website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/. For other nationalities, you can find more information here.

Please make sure to visit the website of the Brazilian consulate in your country for more updated information. If you have any questions or need a welcome letter, please feel free to reach out to Nani or Paul.

Flights

São Paulo is the main travel hub in Latin America so there are plenty of direct flights from the US, Europe and the Middle East, and of course other countries in LatAm. São Paulo is primarily served by three airports: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Congonhas Airport (CGH) and Viracopos Airport (VCP).

GRU is the main gateway for international flights and is located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of downtown São Paulo. CGH, situated closer to the city center, mainly handles domestic flights. VCP is located in Campinas, about 100 kilometers northwest of São Paulo, and serves as an alternative option for international and domestic flights. For reference, GRU is the equivalent of JFK in NY and Dulles in DC, CGH is our La Guardia/Reagan and VCP is the equivalent of Newark for NY and Baltimore for DC.

From the US, major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and LATAM Airlines offer direct flights to São Paulo. These flights depart from various US airports, including LAX, MIA, IAD, JFK, NWR and DFW. Depending on the departure city and airline, flight durations typically range from 7 to 11 hours. Upon arrival in São Paulo, travelers can easily access the city center via shuttles booked by your hotel (preferred) or Uber (we recommend using only Uber Black throughout your stay in Brazil).

For those coming from abroad, we recommend that you arrive in São Paulo no later than early afternoon of Thursday, August 28th as we will have a welcome event that day for you. If you arrive in São Paulo before Thursday, even better! There’s so much to do in the city and we can see you even before the official celebrations start… not to mention that you would be more rested for the big day on Saturday!

Safety

Brazil is a fantastic destination, but like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take some basic precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

• It’s a good idea to avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches when walking outside. In São Paulo, you can wear jewelry if you're taking an Uber, but in Rio, it’s better to leave it at home.

• Try not to carry large sums of money with you.

• When out and about, it’s best to avoid using your mobile phone on the street, even when waiting for an Uber. Also, keep cameras tucked away when not in use.

• Leave your passport and other valuables in a secure place, like your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea not to carry your passport everywhere, if possible, and avoid leaving valuables visible in your hotel room or car.

• When getting into an Uber, take a moment to confirm the license plate and check that the driver’s photo matches the app. For added peace of mind, consider using Uber Black.

• Some areas are safer to walk in than others, so it’s always a good idea to check with your hotel to make sure your route is safe for walking.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Brazil has to offer while staying safe.