Tag: Brazil

This Is How Hard It Will Be For Americans To Visit Brazil From October
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Having remained open for tourism throughout the health crisis and often portrayed as one of the most welcoming countries in South America, Brazil left American travelers dismayed at the decision to reimpose visa requirements that had been lifted in 2019.

From October, U.S. citizens, as well as Canadians — will no longer enjoy visa-free access to Brazil, like their European and British counterparts.

Unless they hold a pre-issued visa, which must be shown at the airport counter, they will not be allowed boarding.

This is hardly news to those who had visited Brazil prior to 2019, but it may come as a shock to first-time visitors, especially considering how hard it will be to apply for a visitor visa:

Why Is Brazil Making It Harder For Americans To Visit?

While it’s common for developing nations subject to visa restrictions by the U.S. to drop visa requirements for U.S. citizens, or at least make them less cumbersome, usually in a bid to boost tourism, it is not guaranteed that they will.

In these cases, e-Visas or VOAs (Visas On Arrival) are commonly introduced as a solution to the reciprocity issue.

After all, citizens of only 40 countries out of 195, primarily in Europe and high-income Asian countries, can enter the United States visa-free.

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Traveling to Turkiye, Vietnam, Indonesia, and numerous other popular tourist destinations, Americans must either apply for an online travel permit or pay a fee and apply for a visa directly at the airport of arrival.

This is only a minor nuisance for most, as e-Visas and VOAs are quite easy to obtain.

They are not traditional visas and are less bureaucratic, and do not affect the freedom of movement of U.S. citizens.

They can apply for the permit from the comfort of their homes by filling out an online form or simply landing at their destination.

Being non-visa exempt, however, is a whole other ball game.

Recently, Brazil has announced it will reinstate its reciprocation policy by reintroducing visa requirements on nationals of foreign countries that do not grant Brazilians visa-free entry.

Currently, Brazilians can travel to 171 nations visa-free, or 90.48% of the world, making it a fairly friendly nation and the Brazilian passport one of the top 20 most powerful.

Regrettably, the United States is not of those states that have signed a visa-waiver agreement with South America’s largest economy.

This means that, as soon as October 1, 2023, Americans will be barred entry unless holding a valid tourist or long-term residency visa.

How Hard Will The Brazilian Visa Be To Obtain?

Brazil’s reciprocity measure is also quite literal: the harder a third country makes it for Brazilians to visit, the harder Brazilian authorities will make it for passport holders of that country to visit Brazil, and the United States is known to have some of the strictest visa procedures.

As detailed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign nationals who do require a visa must, first and foremost, check which kind of visa best serves the purpose of their visit.

A Brazilian Visitor Visa (or VIVIS) would apply to a majority of American applicants:

It enables its holder to stay in the national territory for a period of 90 days, allowing for sightseeing, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings and conferences, and other leisure or business-related activities.

When applying for other visa categories, such as the recently-launched Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa (BrDNV), or a work permit, Americans may be eligible to remain in the country for a longer period while working remotely and/or accessing the job market.

After identifying the correct type of visa that applies to them, U.S. citizens must then collect the relevant documentation.

Based on requirements imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian nationals and still applying reciprocity, these may include:
- Proof of paid accommodation*
- Proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay
- Proof of onward or return ticket
*Or an invitation letter written by a Brazilian national or resident who will be hosting the applicant in their home. This letter may require official registration.

Next, travelers must fill in the online application form, which can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s official website.

During completion, all the documents that had been gathered in the previous step must be attached to the form itself.

Once the form has been submitted, it is necessary to print and sign the Visa Request Form Receipt, or RER, as it may be required by Brazilian Consular authorities.

Lastly, Americans are expected to fill out a ‘booking request form’, and wait until they are summoned by the nearest Consulate.

For the last step, they can either post all the original documents to the Brazilian Consulate upon paying the fee – this includes your current American passport – or attend a visa appointment, when the visa can either be issued or denied.

Prior to 2019, visa denials were extremely rare and often resulted from a lack of documentation or incomplete applications.

The Consular Section informs that it takes up to 15 working days to process visa requests, but these wait times may be impacted by a surge in demand.

How Much Will The Visa Cost?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also published their latest visa fees, and Americans can expect to pay up to USD $160 for a tourist visa, in response to the United States’ own USD $160 visa fee applying to non-visa exempt applicants, assuming pre-2019 fees will be reapplied.

These changes are due to come into effect on October 1, and Americans who will be traveling to Brazil following the implementation date are urged to plan accordingly.

The new measure applies only to citizens of:
- The United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
All Europeans, including non-EU Europeans, such as Serbian and Turks, the British, and New Zealand nationals can continue traveling to Brazil freely as their countries have signed visa-waiver agreements enabling Brazilians to travel hassle-free.

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April 16, 2023
This Is The Most Beautiful Destination In Brazil – And It’s Not Rio
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We get it, the panoramic view of Rio from atop Corcovado is breathtaking and surely not to be missed, and you’ll definitely want to spend an entire afternoon lounging by the famous Ipanema Beach sipping on some coconut, but trust us when we say the city doesn’t even come close to being the best for tourists in Brazil… much less its most beautiful destination.

When you think Brazil, we’re sure the first image that comes to mind is that of a soapstone Christ standing tall with his arms open wide as he mercifully watches over a vibrant metropolis below, rising out of a tropical jungle with majestic green peaks and the azure Atlantic Ocean for a backdrop. Yep, that’s Rio for you.

While it is certainly a world-class destination, it is not representative of Brazil as a whole, or its surprising diversity:

A Beautifully Preserved Colonial Treasure In The Brazilian Northeast

Salvador is the intriguing capital of the northeastern state of Bahia and one of the oldest cities not only in Brazil, but in the Americas. Although indigenous peoples were native inhabitants of the area prior to the arrival of Europeans, Salvador was first established as a fortified settlement in 1549.

Back then, the Portuguese, among the first Europeans to make landfall in the region, built a gigantic fort named São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos (or Holy Savior of the Bay of All Saints). Overlooking an important bay, it quickly became an important port in the era of Transatlantic crossings and the slave trade.

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In the 16th century, as a Portuguese colony, Salvador was comprised of both upper and lower cities, modeled after Europe’s own. On the higher part, administrative and religious buildings were erected; down in the busy port area, onlookers would be welcomed to the shouts of energetic merchants selling all sorts of items, from cured meats to rarer local condiments.

Interestingly, this well-defined cityscape hasn’t changed much in the 21st century: the former upper city corresponds roughly to the modern-day Pelourinho, Salvador’s and most easily recognized landmark and arguably Brazil’s prettiest district. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and you’ll soon understand why:

Is Salvador The Most Colorful And Vibrant City In Brazil?

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho feels like stepping back in time. It feels like it has barely changed since the Portuguese founders laid the first stone, an impressive feat for a Brazilian city, considering the country’s rapid, unsustainable urbanization often happens in detriment to the upkeep of heritage sites and colonial-era buildings.

To draw a comparison, one of Rio’s most impressive palaces and a legacy of the Belle Époque was unceremoniously demolished as a military-controlled Brazil sought to ‘modernize’ itself in the seventies. Although Rio is almost as old as Salvador, only a handful of pre-20th-century monuments are still standing.

Luckily, Salvador’s Historical Center was spared most of the destruction: Portuguese urbanism is an indelible mark in Pelourinho, full of colorful facades and richly-decorated churches. The grand architecture and amazing History are not Salvador’s only strengths, though: it is often called the African capital of Brazil.

Unlike the Southeast or South of the country, where the vast majority of residents are mostly or exclusively of European descent, be it Portuguese, Italian, or German, or the multi-ethnic hub of Sao Paulo, the Northeast historically served as a safe haven for formerly-enslaved Africans in the wake of the abolition of slavery.

In other words, black and multi-racial Brazilians form a majority of the populace, in stark contrast with the predominantly-white Southern cities of Florianopolis or Curitiba. With their ancestral traits imported from their continent of origin, they have contributed enormously to the creation of a distinct Afro-Brazilian, Northeastern identity.

Whether it’s the spice-infuced cuisine you won’t find in Rio or anywhere else, unique religious customs – essentially a blend of African and European influences – and ethnic garments, the Bahiana capital is a different, unexpected flavor of Brazil tourists will not be expecting, which is precisely what makes it such a fascinating, and fun destination to exlore.

Northeastern Brazilian Cuisine Is Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Tried Before

If you’re a foodie, then Salvador should definitely be on your bucket list. Our favorite Northeastern Brazilian dishes include:
- Caruru, a mesh of okra, prawns, onion, and roasted nuts drenched in palm oil
- Arrumadinho, a sun-dried beef dish accompanied by beans, black-eyed peas and toasted cassava (locally known as farofa)
- Aracaje, a rice ball similar to the Italian arancini, except it’s deep-fried in the locally-sourced dende oil and stuffed with tropical spices and prawn
- Moqueca Baiana, a coconut milk-based stew consisting of melt-in-your-mouth white fish, prawns, lime juice, and a wide assortment of veggies
- Bolo de Rolo, a guava cake similar in texture to a Swiss roll, normally sprinkled with shredded coconut
- Vatapa, described as a concoction of bread, prawn, coconut milk (three recurring ingredients), and ground nuts, mashed into an oily purée
- Quindim, a variation of the custard cake distinguished for its ground coconut bottom layer
The Land Of Never-Ending Summer

Beach lovers, we see you at the back: the Brazilian Northeast is home to the country’s most stunning coastline, having rightfully earned the title of ‘Brazilian Caribbean’. As those of you who have been to the city of Rio, not the wider state, will know, the sea – albeit gorgeous – is not exactly the shiniest blue.

In Bahia, turquoise waters glisten in the sun, and the temperature rarely drops below 73 degrees year-round, reaching highs of 100 in summer (between December and early April). Sitting on the Atlantic coast, Salvador has direct access to numerous under-visited beaches, where Copacabana’s overpriced coconuts and surging crowds are not a concern.

Some of the best swimming spots within close proximity to Salvador are:
- Farol da Barra, where tourists will also find a 19th-century lighthouse
- Buracao, lined with beachfront villas, restaurants, and bars
- Itapua, in close proximity to a traditional fishing village
- Praia do Forte, a quaint beach with crystal clear waters a bit further out
- Sauipe, a resort-lined sandy crescent named the most scenic in Brazil
If you’re flying to Brazil in the near future, make sure you read up on the latest political developments and follow the travel advice to remain safe and avoid disruption when vacationing in the country.

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January 18, 2023
4 Reasons Why Brazil Is One Of The Least Tourist-Friendly Destinations In Latin America
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Brazil may be home to a beautiful coastline and some of the world’s most iconic sights, but the cold, hard truth is that it remains one of the least tourist-friendly destinations in Latin America, and in this article, we will give you four reasons why you may find it more challenging to travel Brazil than neighboring countries.

I get it: catching a glimpse of Christ the Redeemer standing watch mercifully over the bustling metropolis that is Rio, sunbathing in Ipanema as you sip some coconut water to the soothing sound of crashing waves, or exploring the colorful streets of Salvador, the regional capital of an under-visited Northeast, all sound appealing enough.

Sadly, it only takes a couple of hours being in the country for visitors to realize there is a lot your usual travel brochure does not cover:

You May Have Your Purchases Limited For Not Being Brazilian

Perhaps one of the most unbelievable entries on this list, and something not that many Americans are aware of, unless you hold a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Fisica), which is the Brazilian equivalent to a Social Security Number, it will be extremely difficult, and at times impossible, to buy anything online – this includes tickets for cultural attractions, purchasing data, and intercity transportation.

Let’s take SIM cards, for instance: although e-SIMs have become massively popular in recent months, and roaming fees are not as expensive as they once were, you will certainly get the best value for your money buying a local Brazilian SIM. While there are several companies to choose from, perhaps shockingly, it is extremely difficult to find one that offers a tourist data package.

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It gets worse: in some places, can only buy SIM cards in Brazil upon presentation of a CPF, supposedly for security reasons, which is an inconvenient requirement seeing that, for obvious reasons, non-Brazilian tourists do not have one. You read that right: a passport will not cut it. Alternatively, visitors can buy a pre-paid SIM from unofficial vendors or kiosks, though online activation of the SIM will normally still require a CPF.

It’s a dead end, and that’s only one example.

Searching Google, you should come across numerous reports of visitors to Brazil who had trouble not only accessing data but even booking flights thanks to their status as non-Brazilians, and, subsequently, individuals without a CPF. There is a way for foreigners to get their own Brazilian Social Security Number, but it is so complicated it resembles a visa application process, and it takes time:
- Passport in hand, proceed to a CPF registration center: Banco do Brasil, Caixa Economica Federal, or Correios;
- Request a CPF application form*;
- Provide proof of residence in Brazil (energy or water bills will suffice).**
*Application forms are also available online

**When staying at a friend’s house or with a host family, you should ask them to write a declaration confirming you reside in the address. This needs to be notarized at a Registry Office (Cartorio)

It costs BRL 7,00 to apply.

You can certainly enjoy a stress-free, short-term vacation in Brazil if data roaming isn’t a big concern/ you’re an Airalo user, and you’re not planning on ordering items online/booking inter-municipal tickets in advance, but if you’re a digital nomad staying longer than a couple of weeks, you’re best advised to apply for a CPF.

I have seen foreign visitors routinely using their Brazilian friends’/ acquaintances’ CPF numbers as well, though they may pose a problem if ID verification is required upon boarding a bus or entering a venue.

Brazil Is In The Top Ten For Highest Crime Rates Globally

Being born in Brazil myself, and having lived several non-consecutive years in the country, I have always maintained an increased level of situational awareness due to the widespread violence and impossibly high crime rates. That being said, even keeping a low profile and exercising caution might not entirely protect you from harm in large urban centers.

Most visits to Brazil are trouble-free, irrespective of high crime levels, as attested by the U.K. Government, but there is no denying safety is a pressing concern for tourists and locals alike. As any Brazilian who’s grown up in this environment will immediately warn you, flashing any valuable items – jewelry, phones, tablets – is most definitely a no, daytime or nighttime, as is drawing attention to yourself by speaking English, or any foreign language, in city centers.

This is particularly true in places like Rio, which have long struggled to keep crime levels in check, mostly to no avail as a result of the city’s own complex social fabric and the systemic issues that pervade Brazil’s judiciary. I was only ever mugged in Brazil once as a teenager, and ironically, the traumatizing experience transpired in Rio.

More precisely, in Copacabana, a developed beachfront area lined with five-star hotels where the carioca elite is normally seen about. For me, this is a testament to how ‘normal’ safety rules applying to other countries, such as Mexico, cannot necessarily be replicated in Brazil. Whether you’re being reasonable by sticking to well-lit pedestrianized streets and tourist zones or not, you could still be affected.

I have lost count of the number of times I was urged by Brazilian friends to leave my phone at home going out at night, or at the very least, bring a secondary one with me ‘in case’ I am approached violently, so I would have something to give up; or then again, always calling an Uber from inside the building, as opposed to standing by the sidewalk, where you’re in a vulnerable position.

It just feels like being in a constant survival mode, 24/7, except when you’re home or safe inside your hotel.

Currently, Brazil has the ninth highest crime rate globally, with 67.49 incidents recorded per 100,000 inhabitants. It surpasses all of its closest competitors in the region, most notably Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, which are not traditionally deemed ‘unsafe’, though it still fares a lot better than Venezuela, where rates reach a staggering 83.76.

Ninguém Fala Inglês. Ninguém Mesmo.

Brazil’s unpreparedness for international tourism means local staff and service providers outside Rio, Sao Paulo, and other metropolitan hubs are not usually trained to host international guests. A mere 1% of Brazilians are able to speak English fluently, and this normally poses a problem for tourists in need of assistance.

Internet in Brazil isn’t exactly the fastest or most reliable, so it may be, at times, that Google will not be available as a translation tool. In any such scenario, knowing a useful phrase or two in the local language is crucial. According to previous visitors who have shared their experiences on the online forum Travel Stack Exchange, ‘people understand very little other than Portuguese‘.

Matt Colson, an expat who was reportedly living in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte in 2016, confirmed himself ‘tourist staff will not be able to understand anything beyond the most basic phrases‘. Believe it or not, consolidated tourism hubs like Rio are no exception: ‘even in Ipanema, one of the most popular parts of Rio for international tourists, English is not spoken‘, remarked forum member ‘Tim’.

Brazil Needs Better, Faster, Smarter Public Transportation. Urgently.

Unlike other destinations in Latin America that have been investing heavily in infrastructure in hopes of bettering themselves and improving the tourist experience – notably, Mexico’s laudable Tren Maya project – Brazil is still lagging behind as a continent-sized behemoth where the flow of goods, services, and people takes place almost exclusively via road.

Naturally, traffic can be wild, with three people dying in car collisions per hour, and traffic jams influenced by a lack of transportation planning and dual carriageways. In the likely event that your bus will get stuck behind a heavy lorry – or a whole queue of them – you should anticipate hours wasted in excruciatingly long bus journeys. Flights remain an option for major destinations along the coast, but other off-path gems like Ouro Preto can only be reached via land.

Brazil does not have a railway system or an equivalent to Germany’s autobahns, even between the economic powerhouse trio of Rio, Sao Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Cross-country travel is mostly reduced to buses, with a poor to average service, owing their inexistent infrastructure and sub-optimal schedules to long-standing transportation monopolies. In other words, planning a multi-destination trip is cumbersome, to say the very least.

Fortunately, privately-owned platforms like Buser are transforming the travel landscape within Brazil, offering the country’s first-ever luxury coaches operating between state capitals. I have traveled myself on the lie-flat, Sao Paulo – Belo Horizonte luxury express twice, and I am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised with the experience:
- You get your own TV screen;
- Free drinks;
- Snacks;
- You sleep comfortably through the night, knowing you’ll wake up in the next city in the wee hours.
The only downside to it all? You will need a CPF to book your ticket. Sorry.

@vinigoesglobal I. Am. Obsessed. 🇧🇷 #brazil #travel #tourist #gringo ♬ Tainted Love – Soft Cell

Is Brazil Worth Visiting?

We should bear in mind we’re talking about a vast country encompassing different customs, ethnic groups, and cultural influences. Brazil is certainly not a homogeneous bunch, and some states are less tourist-friendly than others – smaller towns, in particular, are not as plagued by violence as state capitals, much like anywhere else – but it’s evident there are issues that need to be addressed.

Do I wish tourism officials improved the quality of services provided and did away with all the pointless, excessively bureaucratic hurdles (e.g. mandatory CPF for e-commerce)? Yes, that would help. Do I feel like local authorities have historically failed, and continued to fail, in keeping cities safe, in stark contrast with the Mexican Government’s latest acts? Absolutely.

Will I ever let my guard down and walk the streets of Rio completely carefree as if I was back home in Europe? Probably not 90% of the time, when I’m not staying in a gated community or find myself strolling alone in rundown downtown areas. As the U.S. Government clearly states, ‘violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night‘.

Moreover, U.S. Government personnel are discouraged from using public and municipal buses in all parts of Brazil ‘due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day’, reinforcing my earlier impressions that Uber, and other private transportation providers, are the safest and easiest way to commute in a Brazilian city.

With that being said, I would not discourage foreigners from visiting Brazil. Despite its ongoing war against crime and the violence surge noted in some states, it is an essential part of your Latin America puzzle map. Incredible regional cuisine, historical sites, stunning nature: it truly has it all.

As long as you’re extra vigilant and follow local guidance, chances are you’ll love it in the end – but I would urge people to calibrate their expectations to the reality on the ground: international tourism, and the well-being of visitors, are truly rather poorly handled.

Being one of the world’s top ten economies with a developing society and democracy, Brazil is surely no crumbling state in the Global South plagued by incessant humanitarian crises and on the brink of collapse. It has the financial means to do better and the potential to become a global leader on the tourism front.

It’s simply a shame it does not seem to have the political will to do so.

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November 30, 2022
Brazil Lifts Ban On Unvaccinated Americans
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Brazil just took a huge step in reinstating pre-Covid normality after spending months in the company of some of the world’s most restrictive countries. More specifically, it finally lifted its ban on unvaccinated visitors, including Americans, allowing in all foreigners once again with some restrictions.

During the early days of the pandemic, Brazil maintained an open border policy, much like Mexico and the Caribbean nations, although it still required tests of visitors. However, things changed drastically when vaccines became widely available, and the country, where vaccine uptake is incredibly high, shut its doors to those choosing not to get the shot.

Luckily, as of this week, the unvaxxed can start exploring Brazil again by fulfilling one simple requirement:

Unvaxxed Americans Are Welcome Again On One Simple Condition

A new decree published on September 12 changed guidelines for Americans traveling to Brazil. While the process has always been pretty straightforward, with no post-arrival testing or strict quarantine rules applying, South America’s number one nation did start turning away unvaxxed travelers in late 2021 at the peak of the Omicron wave.

Essentially, the group was no longer authorized to board flights to the country, as they once had been, by using a negative Covid test as proof of entry. This outright ban lasted a whole nine months, dating back to December 10 of last year and shunning more than 73 million Americans who have opted for not getting immunized.

Heading into the fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the early days of Brazil’s long, hot summer months, the strict vaccine rule, which placed the country side by side with the Netherlands, Canada and the like, has been done away with. Brazilians authorities have loosened their border curbs and now expect tourists to produce only one of the following documents:
- Proof of vaccination; or
- A negative Covid test undertaken one day prior to boarding.
How Many Doses Are Required To Fit The Vaccination Criteria?

Two doses are enough, or one in Janssen’s case.

Brazil considers Americans to be fully vaccinated when they have fulfilled the initial immunization scheme of any Anvisa-approved vaccines, other brands that have been certified by the World Health Organization, or even by equivalent health organs in specific countries. Anvisa is the equivalent to the States’ own Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

In sum, Brazil accepts all popular vaccination certificates issued worldwide, most notably Pfizer’s, Moderna’s, Janssen’s, Sinovac’s and others. The decree states that, in order to be deemed valid, vaccination proof must contain the recipient’s name, the vaccine brand or information about its manufacturer, as well as the number of doses given and their precise dates.

Both printed and electronic certificates are accepted, but it is worth noting Brazilian border officers will not accept QR-code only certificates without any specifications. If you qualify as a vaccinated traveler and plans on using a digital certificate as proof of entry, make sure it includes all of the relevant information described in the paragraph above.

What Covid Tests Are Accepted As Proof Of Entry?

On the other hand, if a traveler cannot present proof of vaccination, they will no longer be refused boarding, but must present a negative Covid test result, issued by a laboratory, taken at most one day prior to the departure time. The unvaccinated can choose between the more-detailed PCR, or the Rapid Antigen tests.

Other than that, all of the following is true:
- Travelers are not required to complete an entry form
- There is no post-arrival testing for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated
- No quarantine applies to travelers arriving from abroad
- There are no restrictions on inter-state travel within Brazil
- The mandatory use of face masks in planes, public transport, airports and other public settings has been lifted*
*Different Brazilian states, cities and municipalities have their own jurisdiction which may, or may not, countermand the Federal mandate. If you’re unsure whether masks are still required in a particular state or at your final destination, we advised you obtain confirmation from local authorities.

Brazil Is Yet To Fully Reopen Like Argentina, But It’s Getting Seriously Close To It

This isn’t yet a full reopening in the mold of neighboring Argentina or the fellow Portuguese-speaking Portugal, but it serves as evidence Brazil is indeed pursuing a path of wider reopening, unlike other American nations that not only continue banning unvaccinated Americans, but are going as far as tightening rules further.

Besides lifting the controversial ban, the tropical gem has said yes to cruise ships and proved it is on top of the latest travel trends, being the proud home of South America’s first-ever digital nomad village. Of course, we want to see Brazil resume tourism as usual with zero requirements for all, but until that day comes, we will savor every smaller win.

Read More:

4 Incredible Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Brazil

Brazil To Launch New Digital Nomad Visas For Up To 2 Years

New Zealand Drops Vaccine Requirement For Travelers, Ditches Mask Mandates

This Colonial City Has Been Voted The Most Beautiful In Mexico

This Is The Safest Country To Travel In Latin America

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 14, 2022
South America’s First Digital Nomad Village Will Open In Brazil
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South America’s first-ever digital nomad village is set to open in Brazil, where remote workers will be able to base themselves as they explore one of the continent’s most exciting and culturally diverse countries. However, if you’re thinking tourist cliches like Rio or Sao Paulo have been selected as host cities, you are in for a big surprise.

Having spent two and a half years mostly sealed off from the rest of the world, Brazil is now keen on boosting tourism and being ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest travel trends. One of them is digital nomadism, a lifestyle that’s exploding in popularity in the post-Covid world, and on which the nation is banking on to boost its economy.

Having announced its own Digital Nomad Visa recently, it seems South America’s largest nation is preparing to become a major nomad hotspot:

First, Why Brazil

The Nomad Village Brazil is a project run by the Portugal-based startup Nomad X, who identified the country, with which the European nation has close historical ties to, as the ideal location for building a digital worker hub. Of course, the kinship between Portugal and Brazil is not the only reason for this favoritism:

Europe may have come out ahead of other markets by opening up to nomadism a lot sooner, with Croatia being one of the first in the world to launch a specific visa for this category, but unlike Brazil, where the sun shines all year round, the Old Continent normally gets chilly and grey in the long winter months. Yes, even in the Mediterranean.

Even in the low season, coastal states in Brazil, especially in the North, still record temperatures well above 30 degrees, making it an ideal place for long-term travelers looking for somewhere warmer to linger a while longer. Interestingly, NomadX didn’t pick ‘The Wonderful City’, namely Rio, to welcome guests.

Instead, they are setting up the village in the unheard-of Pipa, a small coastal town in Northeastern Brazil where some of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches are located. Branding it an ‘escape’ from the harsh Northern Hemisphere winter, the company has picked Pipa’s Morada dos Ventos guest house to welcome participants.

A Cozy, Picturesque Retreat Nestled In Northeastern Brazil

The picturesque property is located in a natural setting only 800 meters from the gorgeous Amor Beach, and a 13-minute walk from the landmark Pipa Beach, the area’s main attraction. It features 3 pools, tropical gardens adorned with sky-high coconut trees, and bungalow-style apartments with varying levels of comfort. In sum, just the perfect nomad haven.

The guest house will serve this purpose from November 1, 2022 to April 23, 2023, comprising the Brazilian summer and some of the hottest months in the calendar year. Pre-registration is also open, and nomads can already secure their slots through the Nomad Village Brazil official website, where more information can be accessed.

Image: Pousada Morada dos Ventos

Other perks include:
- A Brazilian-style breakfast every morning
- Free Wi-Fi
- A bar
- A poolside restaurant serving food throughout the day and in the evening
- Airport shuttles available
How Can Nomads Get To Pipa?

The nearest airport to the place is Sao Gonçalo do Amarante International, serving the city of Natal, some 62 miles away. Currently, the only international flights arriving in Natal originate from Lisbon, Portugal, meaning there are no direct links from North America. Still, Americans can easily reach it via short layovers.

Brazil’s main entry points are in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, both only 3h10 or 3h20 away from Natal by plane. Yes, it’s a bit trickier to get to, but once you’re there, trust us, you won’t ever want to leave. As you might have realized, this is a pretty unusual location to set up a nomad village, far from Brazil’s busy urban centers and traditional tourist route.

On the other hand, the Brazilian Northeast is also where the country’s most scenic coastline is found, lined with up-and-coming tourist spots like Jericoacoara and Canoa Quebrada. Pipa itself is famous for its energetic nightlife and Bohemian vibe, known to attract thousands of tourists, both from neighboring municipalities and abroad, every year.

In fact, its relative remoteness is precisely what makes it an enticing destination: without being in a big, sprawling city where making meaningful connections can be more challenging, guests will be able to interact, and exchange experiences, much more easily, besides being surrounded by the stunning Brazilian nature in a quieter setting.

What Are The Conditions For Applying To Live In Brazil As A Digital Nomad?

Anyone who satisfies all of the requirements below can apply to live in Brazil for up to two years as a digital nomad:
- Have earnings of more than $1,500 per month, either as entrepreneurs or employees of a foreign company
- A valid passport for the entirety of their time in Brazil
- Valid health insurance covering the intended stay
*It is worth noting citizens of Mercosur and Mercosur-associated countries, such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia and others, already enjoy freedom of movement within Brazil and do not need to apply for visas working in the country

Although the Digital Nomad Village has an end date, as of now, it may well be extended into the future should it prove successful. Naturally, visitors wishing to stay longer can make their own private reservations for dates beyond April 2023, or move base elsewhere in the country (these 4 off path Brazilian cities could be a good starting point).

Read more about conditions of entry into Brazil and the latest Covid requirements here.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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August 26, 2022
Brazil Removes Pre-Departure Testing For Vaccinated Americans

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In a move that will certainly encourage more travelers to visit the country, Brazil is seemingly moving away from its strict entry protocols and relaxing travel rules. As part of the new guidelines that have been announced late last week, vaccinated foreigners no longer need to submit a negative PCR within 72 hours of boarding their flight.

Previously, all international arrivals were subject to pre-departure testing, including Brazilian nationals and those habitually residing in the country, irrespective of vaccination or recovery status. Now, Brazil joins an expanding list of countries in the Americas that are opening up to vaccinated travelers restriction-free once more.

Negative Tests, Health Declaration Form No Longer Needed

Following a joint ordinance issued by four of its ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian government waived on April 1 the pre-departure testing requirement for both vaccinated Brazilians and foreigners arriving in the country. Additionally, as reported by the Brazilian Office of the Chief of Staff, the health declaration form (DSV) was also removed.

This means that, since April 1, tourists are only required to present a valid vaccination certificate in order to bypass testing. The decision was published on Brazil’s Official Journey with immediate effect, bringing South America’s largest nation in line with the more relaxed Covid approach of its neighbours, such as Colombia and Ecuador.

The list of approved vaccines in Brazil is extensive, with all the main ones in widespread use across the United States being accepted as proof of immunization, including Cominarty (Pfizer), Janssen, Oxford/Covishield and others. For now, Brazilian authorities have not added an expiry date to two-dose vaccine certificates, meaning two doses (one for Janssen) is enough.

Brazil accepts all types of digital and physical Covid certificates, including paper CDC cards. While some countries have been receptive of CDC-issued physical vaccine cards, others have required digital proof of vaccination with a readable QR Code. Luckily for those in possession of a CDC card, Brazil makes no distinction between digital or physical certificates.

Prior to this ordinance, Brazil expected visitors to present a PCR test within 72 hours of traveling, irrespective of having been vaccinated, which made it a much less appealing destination to those who have received their shots, but are warier of restrictions. Now, they can again visit Brazil freely with few Covid curbs in place.

Once inside the country, Covid measures may vary across different states, including mandatory mask usage and the presentation of Covid passes for entry into certain venues. In general, Brazil as a whole has been relaxing measures, with popular states like Rio de Janeiro and Bahia again ready to welcome tourists with very few restrictions.

Can The Unvaccinated Also Bypass Testing?

As for the unvaccinated, they have been unauthorized to visit Brazil throughout most of the pandemic, making it one of the most strict destinations in Latin America when compared to the restriction-free oasis of Mexico. According to the most recent ordinance, they may still face challenges when traveling to Brazil.

When reviewing the ordinance, we perceived that only vaccinated tourists continue to be granted entry to the country right now, while those who are not immunized can be denied boarding due to not having a vaccine certificate. There are, however, exceptions to that rule, which do not yet include travel for tourism purposes.

Those eligible to enter without a completed vaccination scheme include those with a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, foreigners arriving from countries with a low vaccination coverage who have not yet been able to get immunized (the list does not include the United States or Canada), as well as Brazilian citizens and residents.

As reported by G1, the country’s leading news website, the unvaccinated must now present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within one day of traveling. On the other hand, they are no longer subject to mandatory quarantine, being allowed to move freely in the country soon after landing so long as they present a negative test at the border.

Brazil Is Officially Open For Vaccinated Tourists

Recently, Brazil has started moving away once again from its harsher Covid protocols, which were mostly imposed in 2021, by allowing cruise ships to dock again and even launching a new Digital Nomad Visa, which allows digital entrepreneurs and remote workers to remain in the country legally for up to two years.

With a vast history and a diverse culture, which includes a mixed European and African heritage, Brazil is an ideal sunny destination for American travelers, especially now that it is officially open again for the vaccinated. When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are advised by the CDC to follow official guidance and get vaccinated in order to minimize Covid health risks.

Read More:

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↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 5, 2022