By Air

Brazil is very well connected by air to Europe, North America and its South American neighbours. There is also an increasing number of flights and connections across Africa and the Gulf states.

Brazil’s main international gateways and domestic hubs are the international airports in São Paulo (Guarulhos – GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (Galeão – GIG). São Paulo and Rio also have smaller airports closer to the city centres used for the air-shuttle between the two cities and several other short-haul regional services. They are Congonhas (CGH) in São Paulo and Santos Dumont (SDU) in Rio.

Other Brazilian cities with direct flights from Europe include Belo Horizonte (CNF), Brasília (BSB), Fortaleza (FOR), Natal (NAT), Recife (REC) and Salvador (SSA).

During the immigration process, non-Brazilians will have their passport, visa (if required) and other immigration formalities checked. Like most international airports, the airports in Brazil have separate lines for national passport holders and foreign visitors. Foreign passport holders should make sure they get their passports stamped.

Brazil’s international airports offer duty-free goods on arrival, normally close to the baggage pick up area, and visitors, on presentation of their passport and ticket, will be allowed to purchase duty-free products, including drink and tobacco.

By Ship

Although Brazil is one of the world’s leading regions for cruising, and Rio is a prime port of call for world cruises, there are no regular shipping lines between Europe and Brazil. The best time to find a cruise is when they are relocating to Brazil at the end of the European summer season or returning to Europe at the end of the Brazilian summer season.

By Bus

Despite the distances involved, it is possible to travel from Brazil to another country by bus. The journey to Buenos Aires from Rio de Janeiro, for example, takes 44 hours and covers over 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometres).

Reservations should be made in advance through a travel agent or at the relevant bus terminal. Immigration formalities take place at the respective borders.