Will I need a visa to travel to Brazil?

Important update on new visa requirement for American, Canadian, and Australian citizens (12 May 2024):

The Brazilian Government has decided to postpone the implementation of the new entry visa requirement for American, Canadian, and Australian citizens. This means that if you are American, Australian, or Canadian, you will no longer need to get a visa to travel to Brazil for our wedding.

As of April 10, 2024, US, Australian, and Canadian citizens will require a visa to enter Brazil. It must be applied for in advance, but it can now be done electronically. For those who require a visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently in the process of updating their website, and streamlining the application process, and many pages have not yet been translated into English. Please contact your local Brazilian consulate for further instructions and how to apply online, or contact Juliana directly so she can find your local consulate’s website and contact information.

EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa for entry.

For other citizens, the visa requirements by country are listed here.

What is the best way to pay / use cash in Brazil?

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Cards and cash are widely accepted everywhere. We recommend getting a Wise debit card (7 EUR). Wise allows you to easily transfer and convert your cash with low fees directly into the account, which can then be used via the debit card to easily pay for things in Brazil. Credit cards or a Revolut card should also work easily, however, it can sometimes be difficult to withdraw cash from ATMs with a foreign credit or debit card. A Wise card should work for easy ATM withdrawals.

Is there a dress code for the wedding?

Wear what you feel most fabulous in. Just don’t wear white 😊. We also do not recommend wearing stiletto/thin-heeled shoes as the ground at the venue is primarily grass.

What weather can we expect in Natal?

Natal is tropical, and close to the Equator, meaning there are no seasons. The temperature during the day is usually 28 to 30 C (82 to 86 F), and during the night 22-26 C (71 to 78 F). Tropical rain can occur suddenly, but usually dissipates very quickly. Natal also has a constant ocean breeze, so it’s generally quite comfortable.

What is the easiest way to get around?

Natal is planned like an American city, so the best way to get around is by Uber (the easiest and most affordable way), or by taxi which can be arranged through your hotel concierge. The Ponta Negra area, where all of the hotels we recommended are located, is a walking area.

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Natal?

At the moment, no proof of vaccination is required for entry to Brazil, but we highly recommend traveling with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. WHO, CDC, and the NHS recommend having vaccinations up to date (please consult the CDC and NHS websites for detailed information, linked above).

There is currently no risk of yellow-fever transmission in the Northeast of Brazil where Natal is located, however, if planning to visit other areas of Brazil during your trip, it is recommended to get a yellow-fever vaccine.

There is also low to no risk for Malaria in the Northeast of Brazil, so there is no need to take anti-malarials. It is recommended to use bug/mosquito spray to avoid mosquito bites.

If you plan to visit other parts of Brazil, it may be advisable to consult the websites linked above for further information.

What is the general level of English in Natal?

Most hotel staff should be English speaking, but in most of the city don’t expect people to speak English. Younger people generally can communicate in English, but we recommend using Google Translate if unable to communicate. Brazilians will greatly appreciate if you try to give a thumbs up, and speak a few words of Portuguese such as (go on google translate for pronounciation!)

Is tipping required?

Tipping is not generally the norm, however, it is appreciated when getting a taxi from the airport for example.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

It is not recommended to drink tap water, but it is safe to brush your teeth with tap water.

Should I get travel medical insurance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to get travel medical insurance. The private medical system in Natal is excellent, and relatively inexpensive. There are also many doctors in Juliana’s family, so you should not worry if a medical emergency should arise.

Are there any other places I should visit in Brazil if I want to extend my trip?

If you are flying in through Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and plan to extend your trip to visit other places in Brazil, we kindly advise you to include this part of this itinerary at the end of your trip, after your visit to Natal, so that we can introduce you to Brazil as best as we can, and so that you can make it to the wedding without any hiccups.

As many people would like to visit other cities in Brazil after our wedding in Natal, we recommend using the “Multicity” booking option on TAP Airlines, if you will be flying to Brazil through TAP. This way you can fly to Natal, and return through Rio de Janeiro, or São Paulo, for example, without needing to fly back to Natal.

Brazil is incredibly diverse and has many other places worth visiting such as:

Will you have a gift registry?

Your presence is the greatest gift of all, however, if you would like to offer us a gift, we will soon update this page with more information.