In 2009, MSNBC reported that over 100 passengers were denied boarding their Carnival cruise ship bound for South America because those passengers did not have a Brazilian visa. As more people book their travel online, not knowing all the rules of international travel may cause this type of oversight.
Cruise lines that cruise to countries that require a tourist visa offer passport and visa information on their websites. Yet, the information also point out that it is the responsibility of the passenger to obtain and carry all required documents.
Tourist Visa Requirement for Brazil
When booking a cruise to South America whether it's for an Amazon River cruise, a cruise that includes Rio de Janeiro, or even a cruise that makes only one Brazilian stop at the port of Fortaleza, a Brazil Tourist Visa may be required.
Citizens of both United States and Canada that take a cruise visiting ports within Brazil are required to get a tourist visa on their passport prior to entering Brazil. Tourist visa requirements are waived for citizens of a number of different countries including Great Britain, France and Italy,
How to Apply for a Brazil Tourist Visa
All visa applications must be filled out online first. After submitting it online, a protocol document can be printed with a bar code. Glue a passport-size photo in the appropriate space on the document and sign it. No visa applications will be processed by any type of mail or courier service. Therefore all applications must be presented in person to the Embassy/Consulate of Brazil.
Applicants under 18 must present a notarized letter of consent signed by the parents if both parents are not present at time of submitting the visa applications. A third party such as a friend, relative, or visa agency may submit the visa application on behalf of the applicant but there may be an additional fee per person based on nationality.
Along with the visa application, there are some other documents that need to be presented to the Embassy. Applicants need to bring their valid passport (for at least six months prior to expiry date). They must also bring a photocopy of their airline tickets and cruise documents showing dates, flight numbers and cruise ship itinerary.
Cost of Brazil Tourist Visa
Tourist visa fees vary according to the nationality of the passport holder. For example, in the United States the cost is US$ 140 per person, where as in Canada, the cost is CDN$ 81.25 per person. The amount charged is based on reciprocity of an identical fee paid by Brazilian citizens that apply for either a U.S. visa or a Canadian visa.
In the United States, only a U.S Postal Service Money Order will be accepted. In Canada, only a certified check or money order payable will be accepted.
To avoid being denied boarding of your plane to Sao Paulo or boarding your cruise ship for a South American cruise, make sure that you are aware of the documents that you need to travel to Brazil. Furthermore, you may want to weigh the costs and inconveniences of getting a Brazilian Tourist Visa versus the South America cruise itinerary that you choose.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
