COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Brazil has a developing economy. Facilities for tourism are good in the major cities, but vary in quality in remote areas.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance. Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent or with a third party, must present written authorization by the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization must be notarized, authenticated by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, and translated into Portuguese. For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may check the site: http://www.brasilemb.org.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Brazil customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Brazil of items such as firearms, antiquities, tropical plants, medications, and business equipment.

ARRIVAL: On arrival make sure that your passport is stamped and that you retain your immigration form, as failure to do so can cause problems come departure. Customs rarely give foreign visitors a second glance. If you have nothing to declare walk through the green channel and you'll be asked to press a button, a random selection method: if the light flashes green, you're home and dry; if it's red, be prepared to expose the contents of your bags to customs officials. In the arrivals hall, ignore the hotel and taxi touts and consult one of the official tourist information desks - RioTur, Turisrio or EMBRATUR. You'll get useful and relevant information here, but avoid the desks which represent private concerns, trying to pass themselves off as official agencies. The official desks will check hotels for vacancies for you, but not at the very cheapest places.

CURRENCY: Changing money is not a problem, as the airport has a casa de câmbio, as well as the only branch of the Banco do Brasil not to charge the flat-rate $20 commission.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Political demonstrations occur sporadically in urban areas and may cause temporary disruption to public transportation. There is no evidence that U.S. citizens might be targeted during such events. However, citizens traveling or residing in Brazil are advised to take common sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.

CRIME INFORMATION: The incidence of crime against tourists tends to be greater in areas surrounding hotels, discotheques, bars, nightclubs and other similar establishments that cater to visitors, especially at dusk and during the evening hours. Incidents of theft on city buses are frequent and such transportation should be avoided. Several Brazilian cities have established specialized tourist police units to patrol areas frequented by tourists. Rio de Janeiro continues to experience a high incidence of crime. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies in areas adjacent to all the main beaches in Rio. All incidents should be reported to the tourist police, who can be reached at tel. 511-5112. At airports, hotel lobbies, bus stations, and other public places there is much pickpocketing, and the theft of carry-on luggage, briefcases, and laptop computers. Travelers should closely protect these items. Travelers should "dress down" when outside and avoid carrying valuables, especially any jewelry or expensive watches. The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a tourist is subject to that country's laws and regulation, which sometimes differ significantly from those in his home country and may not afford the protections available to the individual under his own country's law. Persons violating Brazil's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brazil are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care varies in quality, particularly in remote areas. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the origin country can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services and the majority foreigners medical insurances are not always valid overseas.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for the expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299); or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRANSPORTATION/ROADS:

Safety of Public Transportation: Good

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good

Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance

Anyone traveling extensively in Brazil should consult the "Guia Quatro Rodas" for the information available on road conditions. Most traffic accidents in Brazil are attributable to driver error, and caution should be exercised whether in a vehicle or on foot. For specific information concerning Brazilian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, travelers may contact Embratur, the Brazilian National Tourist Organization, on the Internet at http://www.embratur.gov.br

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Brazil's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Brazil's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the US at tel. 1-800-322-7873 or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm.

Based on the US Consular Information Sheet dated June 29, 1999.

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