Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/brazil.tvl

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 7KB | 128 lines

Brazil - Consular Information Sheet
September 2, 1994

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 as 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 information concerning entry and
customs requirements for Brazil, travelers can contact the Brazilian Embassy
at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel: (202) 745-
2700 or the nearest Consulate in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Miami,
New York, Chicago or San Juan.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care varies in quality, particularly in remote
areas.  Cholera has been reported in the Amazon basin region, northeastern
Brazil and major cities.  Visitors who follow proper precautions about food
and drink are not usually at risk.  Malaria is making a dramatic comeback in
the Amazon River basin, including the city of Manaus and neighboring
municipalities.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical
services outside the United States.  In some cases, medical insurance with
specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful.  For
additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease
Control's international travelers' hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  The incidence of crime against tourists tends to be
greater in areas surrounding discotheques, bars, nightclubs and other
similar establishments, especially at dusk and during the evening hours.
Several Brazilian cities have established specialized tourist police units
to patrol areas frequented by tourists.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most popular tourist destination, understandably
experiences a proportionately greater amount of crime against tourists.
While still very serious, there has been some reduction in the crime rate
since the 1992 deployment of a tourist police unit.  With some exceptions,
U.S. government personnel and official visitors are not housed in the
troublesome Copacabana and Leme neighborhoods.  Although U.S. tourists have
not been targeted, there is an upsurge of kidnappings of wealthy Brazilians
in Rio.

Sao Paulo has noted a recent increase in street crime where guns are
involved.  Additionally, Sao Paulo has reported thefts at its international
airport (Guarulhos), involving carry on luggage or briefcases which had been
set down, sometimes for a moment.  Arriving and departing travelers should
be especially vigilant and take the necessary precautions at this and other
Brazilian airports.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful information
on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling
abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Also available from the
same address is the Department of State publication, "Tips for Travelers to
Central and South America."

Adoptions:  The adoption process in Brazil is often lengthy and costly.  It
is not unusual to encounter serious unforeseen problems, particularly in the
northeastern states of Ceara, Paraiba, and Pernambuco.  Updated information
on Brazilian adoption proceedings is available from the consular section of
the U.S. Consulate having jurisdiction over the locality where the adoption
will take place.  Information on U.S. immigrant visa requirements is
available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de
Janeiro, where all immigrant visa cases for Brazil are processed.
Additional information is available by writing the Office of Citizens
Consular Services, CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520, or by telephoning [phone].

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties in Brazil for possession, use and
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In November 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Brazil's civil aviation authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Brazilian
carriers operating to and from the U.S.  The same level of safety oversight
would typically be applied to operations to other destinations.  For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-
322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration:  Americans who register with the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy or consulates may obtain updated information on
travel and security within Brazil.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Brasilia at Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3,
telephone: [phone].

There are consulates in:

Rio de Janeiro at Avenida Presidente Wilson 147, telephone: [phone]

Sao Paulo at Rua Padre Joao Manoel 933, telephone: [phone]

Porto Alegre at Rua Coronel Genuino 421 (9th flr.), telephone: [phone]-
4288

Recife at Rua Goncalves Maia 163, telephone: [phone].

There are also consular agencies in:

Belem at Travessa Padre Eutiquio 1309, telephone: [phone]

Manaus at Rua Recife 1010, Adrianopolis, telephone: [phone]

Salvador de Bahia at Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhaes S/N Edificio Cidadella
Center, Suite 410, Candeal, telephone: [phone],

Fortaleza at the Instituto Brasil-Estados Unidos (IBEU), Rua Nogueira
Acioly, 891, Aldeota, telephone: [phone].

No. 94-181

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 24, 1994 to add
information on aviation oversight.