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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African citizens do not require a visa to enter Brazil for stays of up to 90 days.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Brazil’s vast size offers a wide range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The Amazon region is hot and humid year-round, while the southern states experience more defined seasons.
- Spring (September to November): Spring in Brazil marks the transition from dry to rainy season, especially in the central and southern regions. Temperatures typically range from 22°C to 30°C, with blooming flora and longer days. It’s an excellent time to explore the Pantanal wetlands, coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, or take part in local festivals before peak summer heat arrives.
- Summer (December to February): This is Brazil’s peak holiday season, with hot, humid weather and temperatures often exceeding 35°C, especially in the north and central areas. Coastal regions, such as Salvador and Recife, are lively with summer celebrations. Rainfall increases, particularly in the Amazon and southern states, but showers are usually brief and refreshing.
- Autumn (March to May): Autumn offers slightly cooler temperatures between 20°C and 28°C and reduced rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, or cultural cities like São Paulo. The humidity drops, and tourist crowds lessen, offering a more relaxed travel experience.
- Winter (June to August): Winter varies greatly by region. In the south, temperatures can drop to 10°C, while the north and northeast remain warm at around 25°C to 30°C. This is the dry season in the Amazon, improving wildlife viewing. It’s also the best time to visit Rio and the beaches of the northeast due to lower humidity and sunny skies.
- Best Time to Travel: Autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) are the most comfortable times to visit Brazil, especially for sightseeing and nature trips. Summer is best for experiencing vibrant festivals and beach life, while spring is ideal for wildlife and floral landscapes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Brazil |
| Capital City: | Brasilia |
| International Airports: | – Guarulhos – Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport – Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport – Deputado Luiz Eduardo Magalhães International Airport – Tancredo Neves International Airport – Val de Cans/Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport – Hercílio Luz International Airport – Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport – Eduardo Gomes International Airport – Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre International Airport – Pinto Martins International Airport – Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport – Viracopos International Airport |
| Area: | 8,515,767 km² |
| Population: | 217,637,297 (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | UTC-2 to -5 (BRT) |
| Religion: | Catholicism (51%) Protestantism (30%) Other Christian denominations (2%) Spiritism (3%) Afro-Brazilian religions (2%) No religion (11%) Other (1%) |
| Language: | Brazilian Portuguese |
| Currency: | Brazilian Real (BRL) |
| Exchange Rate: | Consult your local bank as rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Widely accepted everywhere. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Easily accessible across the country. |
| Dialling Code: | Country Code: +55 Rio de Janeiro: +21 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Power Plugs and Sockets: Type N. Standard Voltage: 127 / 220 V Frequency: 60 Hz |
| Water: | Drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Shopping malls: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00; Sunday: 15:00 – 21:00 Street Shops: Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 22:00; Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Banking Hours: | Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Photography Restrictions: | No significant restrictions. |
| Tipping: | General: Not compulsory, but a 10% tip is expected and appreciated. Service Charge: Often included in restaurant bills; can be requested for removal if desired. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Yellow Fever: Required for tourists from South Africa. Consult your medical practitioner or travel clinic for details. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | No dress code restrictions. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Punctuality: In Brazil, especially in the Northeast, it is common for people to arrive an hour or two late. Tardiness varies by region. – Greetings: Brazilian greetings involve physical contact. Women often kiss on the cheek (usually the left) and hug, while men may give high-fives, fist bumps, or similar gestures. The aim is to establish contact and friendliness. |
FESTIVALS
- Brazilian Grape Festival of Caxias do Sul: February / March
- Carnival: Throughout Brazil, 46 days before Easter
- June Parties (Festa Junina): June
- Saint John’s Festival of Campina Grande: June
- Parintins Folklore Festival: Amazon States, late June
- Divine Holy Spirit Party: June
- São Paulo LGBT Pride Parade: June
- Bumba Meu Boi do Maranhão: July
- Paraty’s International Book Fair: July
- Cultural and Gastronomic Festival of Tridents: August – September
- Day of Our Lady of Aparecida: October
- Oktoberfest: October
- Círio de Nazaré: Belém, October
- Natal Luz (Illuminated Christmas): October – December
- Brazilian Grand Prix: November
- New Year’s Eve in Copacabana: December 31
MAP
“They have a joy for life in Brazil unlike any country I’ve ever seen.”
– Morena Baccarin