VISAS, Passports, etc.

[Katie]

This is an important post for anyone traveling out of country for surgery, especially to Brazil. Thanks to someone else on another board, we found out that we needed a VISA for our trip in March.

It was very tight, getting it on time. So few countries need one for Canadians that it didn't occur to us to check on it. The boarding agent at the airport said that it happens quite often, ruining peoples' vacations, let alone surgeries.

While it was easy to get (just over ten days), and cost about $80, it was a vital piece of documentation that we almost overlooked. Ours needed to be applied for at least two weeks prior to departure. However, if you don't live in a city where there is an Embassy, the process could take much longer.

[Gilbert P]

HI Katie

WOW Is we live in the States do we need a Visa? Is there a U.S. Embassy is Brazil?

I sent you a P.M.

Thank You

Gil

[Katie]

The US and Canada are two of the few countries that need a visa, Gil. (I'm not sure why-the British and French don't need one) It is easy to get, and my friends in Toronto who joined us in Brazil submitted their application by mail, as they weren't near an Embassy.

I'm sure there is a US Embassy in Brazil, but that won't help you with getting into Brazil. You need the Visa at the airport or they won't let you on the plane. It is just a technicality really...you give them (the Embassy) your passport and they post a special stamp in it then give it back a few days later. I felt a bit queasy with letting my passport out of my hands, but knew that I could get a replacement fairly quickly if need be.

If you check on Google, it should tell you where the nearest Brazilian Embassy is to you and what is required. Easy-peasy.

Oh, and the flight down was easy...other than a short commuter flight to Toronto, the flight was direct. We slept most of the way. There are quite a few going there every day; the model/type of plane makes a big difference with the comfort. We took a Boeing 767 down and a 777 home I think, and the seats down were much more comfortable than the return flight. (I'll check on that to make sure I am giving the right information if anyone likes) And that had nothing to do with me just having surgery, as the other three in our group complained too

So don't let this detail scare you off....it is just another thing on the checklist before traveling And I l like having that fancy stamp in my passport....can you tell that I don't travel much?

[Gilbert P]

Hi Katie

Thank you for that very important information I will let you know how it works out

Thanks

Gil

[Katie]

Glad to help

[KanRunMo]

Thanks for the info. We've been through the Visa thing before when going to China and Austraila although I don't think Austrailia requires it anymore. It might have something to do with whether the U.S. and Canada require Visas for people from those countries. The China one took a while and you have to send it to a large city, I think we sent ours to San Francisco. It's always something to check. We are going to Spain and Portugal in Oct. but I don't think they require a Visa but I will definitely check.

[Katie]

You're probably right about the 'eye for an eye' thing with the visas.

I was surprised that the Brits didn't need a visa and we did...being loyal subjects and all

That sounds like quite the trip...I'm envious! Enjoy!

[Justin]

Katie, thank you for this information.

[Katie]

No problem I sure don't want anyone else getting a little surprise like that at the last minute. My husband has traveled extensively and didn't think of it either. It was probably the stress of the moment, trying to pull everything together!

Without the help of others, as I've said a hundred times, I never would have gotten to this spot...so just 'paying it forward' to express my gratitude hardly seems like enough.