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Jets to Brazil easier in 2010
Planning on beating the crowds to Brazil before the 2016 Olympics? If you've put a shred of research into visiting the beautiful South American country, you probably now know two things: a) its far and b) visas are expensive. With over $100 in visa fees, a trip to the consulate and a long flight to the southern hemisphere involved, many American travelers are often deterred from visiting the country of Brazil, opting for the less expensive Argentina or more accessible Central America instead.
But several changes this year could help alleviate some pressure. To begin with, ten new flights from the US to Brazil will start operating, spurring demand, capacity and hopefully lower prices.
Brazil is also taking the positive step in reducing some restrictions on tourist visas. Soon, applicants wont need to travel within 90 days of acquiring their visas, and after it's purchased, the document is good for ten whole years. This means that one can go the first time to scout out rental vacations this winter, again to crash for the Olympics in 201
Sure, the $150 visa fee is still a pain in the ass, but at least the investment stays sound for 10 years.
Need some inspiration? Check out Gadling's 24 hour in Rio guides for a snapshot of beautiful coastal city. Hint: it's amazing.
Filed under: South America, Brazil
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ricky Mar 9th 2010 2:50PM
But I though Jets to Brazil broke up in 2003.
Ken Mar 9th 2010 3:14PM
Aren't the Summer Olympics in Brazil in 2016?
Regina Mar 9th 2010 10:40PM
I sure hope the tickets will become less expensive. It is worth mentioning that the only reason the visas to Brazil are so expensive is because the Americans require the same from the Brazilians traveling to the U.S. So it is only fair.
dave51 Mar 10th 2010 7:55AM
I am currently trying to get a visa for my girlfriend form the philippines. So far it has cost me much more than that. There should be a better way. But , unfortunutly, the government here has made it almost impossible to get a loved one here.
Carol Zwolinski Mar 10th 2010 9:48AM
$l50 visa fee-I'm going to Brazil 3/14/2010 and I went through ZVS visa agency and the fee for 2 visas was a whopping $530. There are taxes, delivery and insurance to do it through the mail but there was no visa agency within 6 hrs driving time. I also found amazing flight prices on Onetravel.com. Just type in Cheap flights to Rio on Yahoo. The same flight on USair was over $l700 one way and we bought it for $600. (Were going on a cruise and therefore only needed one way travel).
bruce Mar 10th 2010 8:48AM
Beware of the taxi FROM the airport,...I was tired, the company that was supposed to pick me up didn't show up for the flight,. after 30 minutes , I caught a cab,.. cost me $80 for a 15 minute ride ( remember the exchange rate is wierd),..
Elliott Mar 10th 2010 10:44AM
With visa laws like that, I don't think they want any tourists! That visa law sounds like an old Communist Block country, and the $150 "fee" is an obvious shake-down. With laws like that, why would I want to travel there? No thanks!
Carioca Mar 10th 2010 11:56AM
after you get robbed on your first, you won't want to go back. after you get murdered on your second visit, the ten year visa won't matter.
Ed Mar 10th 2010 12:15PM
Brazil has a reciprocity policy when it comes to visas. If the USA chrages them 150 for a visa to visit the US. They charge us 150 to visit Brazil.
Fair is fair and it is the USA that is setting the price.
Diego Mar 10th 2010 1:31PM
This is really sad. Some of the comments here are really pathetic. Human garbage dump? Obviously you don't get out much. You watch the news and believe everything they say.
I've been to Brazil numerous times and can personally vouch for the fact that Brazil is a beautiful country with wonderful people, delicious foods, an amazing culture and they absolutely adore Americans.
The visa is about reciprocity. But it's still stupid on the part of their government. Why do anything to discourage tourism? Not very bright in my opinion.
Kevin Mar 10th 2010 1:16PM
The visa fees are well worth it. Brazil is awsome. Been there 3 times. Rio is not nearly as dangerous as people make it out to be. You just have to use common sense which many people don't have a whole lot of. The exchange rate isn't what it used to be since the US economy is in the toilet and Brazil's is actually doing well. I highly recommend a trip to an island called Isla Grande and stay at a resort called Asalem and when in Rio you have to have dinner at Apravizel.
faporto Mar 10th 2010 2:06PM
I am a brazilian citizen and also a legal resident of the US.
The reason why Brazil charges so much for their visas is because the USA charges just as much and has many other restrictions stopping brazilians from coming to the US.
About a decade ago the US closed many US consulates in Brazil, which makes everything now to be processed in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Nine out of ten times the US consulate requires an interview with the person applying for the visa, so this person goes through the extra expense of going to Rio or Sao Paulo for the interview, just to have their visa denied by the consulate.
Well, after all the process, there goes the money for the visa plus the money for the stupid interview.
If you are really interested in visiting Brazil, is well worth it.