Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Flights to Brazil can be obtained at big discounts both in the USA and Europe. When the new super jumbo A380 starts flying it may be that ticket prices will reduce even more, although we have no knowledge that they are to be used on routes to Brazil just yet.

A lot of flights from Europe to Rio De Janeiro ( and some from the States ) tend to go via Sao Paulo where there is normally a 1 to 1.5 hour stop over. On some flights you have to get off the plane, luggage stays onboard but take your hand luggage. You then board again approximately 15 minutes prior to take off. The flight from Sao Paulo to Rio is short - no more than 1 hour gate to gate but going via Sao Paulo adds a total of around 2 to 2.5 hours to your trip. So a direct flight to Rio is obviously more desirable.

Visitors from the USA will need a visitors visa. This is easy and quite quick to obtain. Your travel agent will be able to advise you or check out the links to Brazilian consulates below. Most European citizens do not require a visa, again check with your travel agent. Everybody will have to fill out a landing card and a customs declaration prior to arrival. These are issued onboard the plane. Since the introduction of photographing and fingerprinting visitors to the United States Brazil has introduced the same for US citizens in a tit for tat move. Now that they are using the same equipment for photographing & finger printing as in the USA it is quick and causes little inconvenience ( at start up it was like having a mug shot at your local police dept!).

The full name of Rio's airport is   Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro/Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim and the airport code is - GIG ( make sure that's on your luggage tag and not GRU otherwise your bags will be getting off in Sao Paulo! )

Check to see if your flight price includes the Brazilian Airport tax otherwise you will have to pay on departure. Normally it is around $40.