2-5 h

Brasília

Portuguese

• 127 / 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type N sockets is required.
• A voltage converter is required.

Banks

9.00 am–4.00 pm (Mon–Fri)

Most banks are closed on Saturdays. However, some branches in larger cities or shopping centres may offer extended opening hours or counters that are also open on Saturdays.

Shops

9.00 am–6.00/10.00 pm (Mon–Sat). Many shops are also open on Sundays, particularly in large shopping centres.

Opening hours may vary by region and are often more flexible in tourist areas and major cities. It is always advisable to check the exact opening hours before visiting, particularly for specific services or in smaller towns.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Ano Novo)
• Carnival: date varies, in February or March, on Monday and Tuesday (Carnaval)
• Good Friday: date varies, in March or April (Sexta-feira Santa)
• 21 April: Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes)
• 1 May: Labour Day (Dia do Trabalho)
• Corpus Christi: date varies, 60 days after Easter, in May or June
• 7 September: Independence Day (Dia da Independência)
• 12 October: Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida)
• 2 November: All Souls’ Day (Dia de Finados)
• 15 November: Proclamation of the Republic Day (Proclamação da República)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Natal)

In addition to these nationwide public holidays, Brazil also observes a number of regional holidays celebrated only in certain states or cities.

The following documents are required for entry into Brazil:

• A valid Swiss passport is required. It must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
• A return or onward ticket is required.
• Proof of sufficient financial means is required for stays of up to three months.
• Swiss citizens do not require a visa for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A visa is required for longer stays or other purposes of travel.
• Before entering Brazil, an entry form distributed during the flight must be completed. This document must be kept for the duration of the stay and presented upon departure.
• Minors: check with the relevant authorities regarding the entry requirements for minors. Further information: travel authorisation for travelling with children.

Due to its vast size, geographical location and diverse topography, Brazil experiences a wide range of climatic conditions.

• Amazon region: the Amazon region, which includes cities such as Manaus and Belém, has a tropical climate throughout the year. It is characterised by high humidity, temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C and heavy rainfall from November to April. The high humidity is caused by evaporation from the dense forest canopy and the region’s numerous rivers.
• North-east Brazil: the north-east, including cities such as Fortaleza and Salvador, has a semi-arid climate. Rainfall is scarce, and temperatures can reach up to 40°C during the summer months. The region is affected by periods of drought, and annual rainfall varies considerably, making agricultural use more difficult.
• Central-western region: the central-western region, represented by cities such as Brasília and Goiânia, has a tropical savanna climate. It is characterised by a clear distinction between the dry and rainy seasons. During the dry season from May to September, temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Temperatures rise slightly during the rainy season from October to April.
• Southern Brazil: the south, including cities such as Porto Alegre and Curitiba, is known for its temperate subtropical climate. The region experiences moderate temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. Winters are mild, although occasional snowfall and temperatures below freezing may occur at higher elevations. Summers are pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C and high humidity.
• Atlantic coast: along the Atlantic coast, where cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Recife are located, a tropical climate with high rainfall and humidity throughout the year predominates. On the north-eastern coast, trade winds bring cooler temperatures and rain between June and August. Along the southern coast, the warm Brazil Current can contribute to rain and storms during the summer months.

These varied climate zones make Brazil a country of exceptional ecological diversity and offer numerous travel opportunities throughout the year.

The ideal time to visit Brazil

• Beach holidays: the beaches of the north-east and the coast of Rio de Janeiro are particularly suitable from December to March, while the beaches of Bahia and Pernambuco offer warm weather almost all year round.
• City breaks: April to June and September to November are recommended for visiting cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is less frequent.
• Nature and jungle experiences: the Amazon rainforest is best visited from June to November, when rainfall is lower and river levels are more suitable for boat trips. The Pantanal is ideal for wildlife watching during the dry season from April to September.
• Cultural events: the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival takes place in February or March and is the perfect opportunity to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture and celebrations.

• Mobile phone use may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check the applicable charges before travelling and, where appropriate, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local mobile provider can be a cost-effective way to benefit from affordable rates and good network coverage during your stay in Brazil.
• Public Wi-Fi is widely available and provides convenient internet access in cities, at tourist attractions, and in cafés and hotels. However, caution should be exercised when using public Wi-Fi networks, particularly when transmitting sensitive information.

• Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), Rio de Janeiro: an iconic landmark towering above the city.
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Rio de Janeiro: a famous mountain offering a spectacular cable car ride and breathtaking views.
• Iguaçu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu), Paraná: impressive waterfalls located on the border with Argentina.
• Amazon rainforest: the world’s largest rainforest, ideal for ecotourism and adventure travel.
• Pantanal: a vast wetland renowned for its rich wildlife and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Salvador da Bahia: a historic city known for its colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture.
• Fernando de Noronha: a dreamlike archipelago featuring some of Brazil’s finest beaches and diving sites.
• Ouro Preto: a former gold-mining town with beautifully preserved Baroque buildings.
• Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Rio de Janeiro: world-famous beaches celebrated for their lively atmosphere.
• Lençóis Maranhenses: a breathtaking landscape of white sand dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons.
• Pelourinho, Salvador: Salvador’s colourful historic centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP): a leading art museum with an impressive collection.
• Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas), Manaus: a magnificent opera house in the heart of the Amazon.
• Paraty: a picturesque coastal town renowned for its colonial architecture and cobbled streets.
• Brasília: Brazil’s capital, famous for its modern architecture and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further inspiration for planning your trip can be found in our blog article “City break in Rio de Janeiro”, featuring the main attractions, neighbourhood tips and practical recommendations for your stay.

Brazil is distinguished by its diverse regional cuisine, shaped by the country’s geographical variety, climate and rich blend of Indigenous, African and European influences. Each region offers its own culinary specialities and ingredients. Some of the most characteristic aspects of Brazilian gastronomy include:

• Feijoada and churrasco: feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans and various types of meat, is considered Brazil’s national dish. Churrasco, Brazilian barbecue, is a culinary art in which meat is grilled over an open fire and is particularly popular in the south of the country.
• Moqueca and acarajé: moqueca is a delicious fish stew prepared with coconut milk and is especially popular in the coastal regions of the north-east. Acarajé, deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with prawns and vatapá, is a popular street food from Bahia.
• Açaí and tapioca: açaí, a nutrient-rich fruit from the Amazon, is often served as a frozen purée topped with granola and fruit. Tapioca, a flatbread or pancake made from cassava starch, can be filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients and is popular throughout the country.
• Cachaça and caipirinha: Brazil is famous for cachaça, a spirit distilled from sugar cane, and the caipirinha, the national cocktail made with cachaça, lime and sugar.
• Fish and seafood: the coastal regions, particularly in the north-east, are renowned for their wide variety of fish and seafood dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods.
• Cheese and cassava: Brazil produces a variety of cheeses, including Minas cheese, while cassava is a staple ingredient used in many forms, from bread to side dishes.
• Doce de leite and brigadeiros: Brazilian desserts range from doce de leite, a sweet milk-based spread, to brigadeiros, delicious chocolate truffles.
• Botecos and feiras: botecos are the Brazilian equivalent of pubs or bars and serve simple but tasty dishes and snacks. Feiras, or street markets, offer fresh local produce as well as street food and prepared dishes.

Brazil also celebrates its culinary culture with numerous festivals and events, ranging from cachaça tastings to traditional food festivals that showcase the diversity and richness of Brazilian cuisine.

• Greetings: in Brazil, warm embraces and kisses on the cheeks are common among friends. On more formal occasions or when meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake accompanied by a polite “Bom dia” (“Good morning”), “Boa tarde” (“Good afternoon”) or “Boa noite” (“Good evening”) is appropriate.
• Saying please and thank you: the expressions “Por favor” for “please” and “Obrigado” or “Obrigada” for “thank you”, used by men and women respectively, are deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and demonstrate courtesy and goodwill in every situation.
• Clothing: appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious sites, and shorts or sleeveless tops should be avoided. In general, however, dress in Brazil is relaxed, particularly in coastal cities, where lighter and looser clothing is preferred. More elegant clothing is expected for business occasions and formal events.
• Dining etiquette: meals in Brazil are often long and sociable, with a strong emphasis on sharing food and spending time with family and friends. Traditional drinks such as juice, beer or cachaça often accompany meals, and it is customary to finish with a small coffee known as a “cafezinho”.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited nationwide in indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars and other public buildings.
• Tipping: a tip of 10% is customary in restaurants and is often added directly to the bill. It is appropriate to leave a little more for exceptional service. In other service sectors, such as taxis or personal services, tipping is not compulsory but is considered a gesture of appreciation for good service.
• Other: personal space is viewed less strictly in Brazil than in many other cultures. Close proximity, direct eye contact and light physical contact during conversation are normal. Although punctuality is important in business settings, greater flexibility regarding time is common in social situations.

Drinking water quality

• In many parts of Brazil, particularly in rural and remote regions, tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended for drinking, brushing your teeth and preparing food. In larger cities and tourist areas, tap water can often be consumed safely, although caution is generally advised.

Vaccinations

• No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry into Brazil unless the traveller is arriving from a yellow fever risk area. In this case, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required.
• However, it is recommended that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations included in the national vaccination schedule.
• Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for travellers. For longer stays or in cases of particular exposure, vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies and dengue fever should also be considered. In addition, yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for certain regions of Brazil.
• Before departure, travellers should consult a travel medicine specialist or health centre to review and, where necessary, supplement their vaccination protection according to the specific destinations they plan to visit in Brazil.

• The quality of medical care varies considerably depending on the location. It is generally very good in major cities but is often limited in rural areas.
• Private medical treatment can be expensive and usually requires immediate or advance payment. Comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers emergency medical repatriation is therefore strongly recommended.
• Travellers who rely on prescription medicines should carry them in their original packaging, together with a medical certificate in Portuguese or English explaining the medical necessity and dosage.
• Before travelling, it is advisable to research the medical facilities available in your destination region in Brazil and carry a list of contact details and addresses for recommended hospitals and doctors.

The security situation in Brazil varies by region, with higher crime rates in major cities. The main precautions include:

• Urban areas: avoid unsafe neighbourhoods at night, do not display valuables openly and remain particularly alert in crowded places.
• Beaches: keep a close watch on your valuables and be cautious when approached by strangers.
• Public transport: be alert to pickpockets on buses and trains.
• Demonstrations and strikes: avoid gatherings and keep informed about current events.
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out in Brazil.
• Meetings arranged through dating apps are increasingly being exploited for robberies and other criminal activities.
• Do not agree to look after luggage belonging to strangers and always keep your own belongings secure.
• Check the media for the latest information before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
  
  Last updated: February 2024

• Swiss citizens visiting Brazil as tourists may drive using their Swiss driving licence. However, an international driving permit is recommended.
• The minimum age for hiring a car is 21, although the required age may vary depending on the vehicle category. The driving licence must also have been held for at least two years.
• Tolls are payable on many motorways and can be paid in cash directly at the toll booths.
• A CH sticker, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are compulsory.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰. Since the beginning of 2008, Brazil has applied a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol for drivers.

• Long-distance trains: long-distance rail connections in Brazil are limited. Some routes mainly serve tourist destinations, such as the famous train from Curitiba to Paranaguá, which travels through the Serra do Mar. These trains offer a unique way to experience the country’s scenic beauty.
• Regional trains: there are some regional rail services, mainly in the urban and metropolitan areas around São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, designed primarily for commuters.
• Buses: Brazil has an extensive bus network covering almost every city and region in the country. Long-distance coaches are a popular and affordable option for longer journeys, while city buses operate frequently in major urban centres.
• Metro: major cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília have metro systems that provide fast and efficient transport within the cities.
• Public ferries and speedboats: in regions with numerous waterways, particularly the Amazon region and coastal areas, ferries and speedboats are essential means of transport. They connect remote areas and islands with larger cities and are often the only available form of transport.
• Tickets: tickets are available from machines, kiosks and ticket offices. Almost all bus companies now offer the option of purchasing tickets online. However, payment with an international credit card may occasionally cause difficulties. If the online purchase is unsuccessful, travellers can contact a travel agency or go directly to the bus terminal to buy the ticket in person, ideally at least one day in advance.

Useful apps:

• ClickBus: a free app that serves as an aggregator for coach tickets and allows users to search and book journeys on more than 3,000 domestic routes.
• Infraero Voos Online: allows users to view information about flights in Brazil.
• OndeParar: a free app providing a map of parking facilities in many Brazilian cities.
• Moovit: helps users find public transport throughout Brazil and provides comprehensive information on routes and timetables.
• Ride-hailing services: services such as Uber, 99 and Cabify are widely available in Brazil and offer a convenient way to book journeys through an app. Payment can be made directly through the app, reducing the need for cash and making communication easier, as the apps are often available in several languages.

• Brazil has an impressive airport network, with more than 650 public airports, numerous private airfields and over 30 international airports distributed throughout the country. This provides an extensive range of domestic flights and numerous travel options to other Latin American countries, with São Paulo often serving as the main hub.
• For travellers from Switzerland, São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) offers the only direct connection to Brazil, with flights operated by Swiss International Air Lines from Zurich.

Depending on the telephone provider: 0021 41 (Embratel), 0031 41 (Telemar) or 0023 41 (Iteliq/Bonari); omit the zero from the Swiss area code.

• General emergency number / Police: 190
• Medical emergency: 192
• Fire brigade: 193

SES, Avenida das Nações, Qd. 811, Lote 41
70448-900 Brasília / DF
Tel. +55 61 3443 5500
Email: brasilia@eda.admin.ch

• In Brazil, topless bathing or sunbathing and changing clothes in public, for example on the beach, may be regarded as public indecency and could result in arrest or legal proceedings. To avoid such situations, always use changing facilities or another appropriate place to change clothes.
• Any involvement with drugs should be strictly avoided, as drug offences, including transporting drugs across borders, are severely punished in Brazil. This also applies to carrying items on behalf of third parties. Prison sentences are often served under harsh conditions.
• Violations of laws protecting flora and fauna are severely punished, including with imprisonment, particularly when attempting to export protected species.
• Permission from FUNAI, the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples, is required to visit protected Indigenous territories. Without such authorisation, visitors risk having their equipment confiscated and facing severe penalties.