AA: RDU-GRU $447 (12,344 miles, 3.6 cpm)
May 20, 2015, 9:01 am
#31
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, AA Lifetime Platinum, Delta PM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,522
Guys,
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
Last edited by NYC1K; May 20, 2015 at 9:09 am
May 20, 2015, 9:02 am
#32
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, AA Lifetime Platinum, Delta PM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,522
May 20, 2015, 9:17 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, mid-tier with pretty much everyone else
Posts: 873
Guys,
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
To the above, though, if you stay in the international section of the airport you will not try and enter Brazil, which is permitted, according to Brazil.
May 20, 2015, 9:20 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,663
May 20, 2015, 9:30 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: FLL / MIA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 58
I completely agree with NYC1K. If you do not have a VISA for Brazil, you are wasting your time and money to attempt a mile run there! AA will not let you on the flight, regardless of what you tell them about just staying in the transit area. People lie all the time about their intent, so if you try to pass through Brazilian immigration, AA will be at fault. They won't let you on the plane without a VISA, period. Factor in the VISA fees into your mile run and handle them by mail, then you'll be ok.
Guys,
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
May 20, 2015, 9:31 am
#36
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, Mariott Gold, AMEX Plat, US CP
Posts: 273
Guys,
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
Let me warn you now before you go down a path you WILL regret. Please do not board that flight to Brazil if you don't have the VISA.
To begin with, the AA reps will not allow you to check in or board the flight without a valid visa. If by luck you happen to "ELUDE" this step, the authorities in Rio or Sao Paulo will place you in detention and send you on the next flight back to the US (you will be in a room and locked up for 10+ hours since the next flight back is usually at night).
Your passport details will be tagged in their computer system and when next you try and get a visa at the embassy in the US or anywhere in the world, your name will pop up and they will deny you. Ditto, trying to sneak in from Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, or Peru
PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL TO BRAZIL WITHOUT A VISA BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MAYBE A LIFETIME BAN FROM BRAZIL.
Listed below is a website that I have used in the past. They are fast, efficient and will get you your visa within 3 to 4 days but you will have to use UPS or FEDEX next day ship which also adds to the total cost. YMMV
www.visacentral.com
isa exempt for transit purpose only. The traveller must:
Transit through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International or Sao Paulo Guarulhos
Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold visa for next country where applicable
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Should the traveller not meet the above criteria, a visa may be required. Please contact VisaCentral for further advice at 877-535-0688
May 20, 2015, 9:46 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: World
Posts: 1,647
Even that website you list states you do not need a visa. How would you be detained if you follow the signs for connecting / transit passengers and never go to immigration?
isa exempt for transit purpose only. The traveller must:
Transit through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International or Sao Paulo Guarulhos
Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold visa for next country where applicable
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Should the traveller not meet the above criteria, a visa may be required. Please contact VisaCentral for further advice at 877-535-0688
isa exempt for transit purpose only. The traveller must:
Transit through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International or Sao Paulo Guarulhos
Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold visa for next country where applicable
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Should the traveller not meet the above criteria, a visa may be required. Please contact VisaCentral for further advice at 877-535-0688
Is the consensus here that if one has proof of onward / return flights from GRU (on a separate ticket) that Brazil will allow you to transit without a visa *but* that it doesn't really matter since AA won't allow you to board your US-GRU/GIG flight in the first place without said visa?
If I buy the RDU-GRU ticket I have on hold my plan would just be to avios hop right out of Brazil
May 20, 2015, 9:51 am
#38
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,663
The problem is not with immigration - the problem is with the check-in agent. Why would any check-in agent risk his/her job and trust you? You do not have the necessary documents to enter Brazil and it's their right to deny you at check-in.
May 20, 2015, 10:12 am
#39
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, AA Lifetime Platinum, Delta PM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,522
I went ahead and canceled my trip for this weekend, didn't want to put my $448 at risk and depend on some hourly desk agent to do things correctly for me.
To the above, though, if you stay in the international section of the airport you will not try and enter Brazil, which is permitted, according to Brazil.
To the above, though, if you stay in the international section of the airport you will not try and enter Brazil, which is permitted, according to Brazil.
Once you pass immigration, you can literally walk out of the airport (after you pass customs which is a joke since they mostly watch out for Brazilians coming back home with "goodies"). This is why they will never, ever, let you through immigration unless you have the Visa.
You can risk it and become the "guinea pig" and kindly report back to FT. Good Luck and "Boa Noite".
May 20, 2015, 10:13 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, AA Lifetime Platinum, Delta PM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,522
Even that website you list states you do not need a visa. How would you be detained if you follow the signs for connecting / transit passengers and never go to immigration?
isa exempt for transit purpose only. The traveller must:
Transit through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International or Sao Paulo Guarulhos
Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold visa for next country where applicable
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Should the traveller not meet the above criteria, a visa may be required. Please contact VisaCentral for further advice at 877-535-0688
isa exempt for transit purpose only. The traveller must:
Transit through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International or Sao Paulo Guarulhos
Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold visa for next country where applicable
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Should the traveller not meet the above criteria, a visa may be required. Please contact VisaCentral for further advice at 877-535-0688
May 20, 2015, 10:37 am
#41
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
Confused
Is the consensus here that if one has proof of onward / return flights from GRU (on a separate ticket) that Brazil will allow you to transit without a visa *but* that it doesn't really matter since AA won't allow you to board your US-GRU/GIG flight in the first place without said visa?
If I buy the RDU-GRU ticket I have on hold my plan would just be to avios hop right out of Brazil
Is the consensus here that if one has proof of onward / return flights from GRU (on a separate ticket) that Brazil will allow you to transit without a visa *but* that it doesn't really matter since AA won't allow you to board your US-GRU/GIG flight in the first place without said visa?
If I buy the RDU-GRU ticket I have on hold my plan would just be to avios hop right out of Brazil
May 20, 2015, 1:51 pm
#42
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
Worst case they put you on a plane back and the airline gets fined. That is why they are so adamant about it.
If you are turning around you are not in transit. You are going to your destination, then returning from your destination. Granted the Brazilian officials won't see it like that, but the airline will.
If you are turning around you are not in transit. You are going to your destination, then returning from your destination. Granted the Brazilian officials won't see it like that, but the airline will.
May 20, 2015, 1:56 pm
#43
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
/ 20MAY15 / 2011 UTC
National USA (US) /Embarkation USA (US)
Transit Brazil (BR) /Destination USA (US)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION: TRANSIT
Brazil (BR)
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets in transit (For details, click here) through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International (GIG) or Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).
HEALTH INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
Brazil (BR)
Vaccinations not required.
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
USA (US)
INFORMATION: NORMAL PASSPORTS
Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents issued to nationals of USA must be valid on arrival.
Passport Exemptions:
- Holders of a valid on arrival NEXUS Card issued to nationals of USA, provided residing in Canada or USA.
- Holders of temporary or emergency passports.
- Holders of a Transportation Letter:
- When arriving directly from the US mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, (For details, click here)
VISA NOT REQUIRED.
Minors:
- Children, up to/incl. 15 years of age, being nationals of USA, are not allowed to enter the USA on their parents passports.
- Minors traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by one parent or a person other than parent/legal guardian, (For details, click here).
Warning:
- Passengers who have visited Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone within the last 21 days must enter the US at Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) and are subject to screening and medical checks upon arrival.
HEALTH INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
USA (US)
Vaccinations not required.
Warning:
- Those entering on a K-1 or K-2 visa must hold a medical form
FS398 and X-ray plates of chest (full size not necessary).
National USA (US) /Embarkation USA (US)
Transit Brazil (BR) /Destination USA (US)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION: TRANSIT
Brazil (BR)
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets in transit (For details, click here) through Rio de Janeiro Galeao International (GIG) or Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).
HEALTH INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
Brazil (BR)
Vaccinations not required.
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
USA (US)
INFORMATION: NORMAL PASSPORTS
Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents issued to nationals of USA must be valid on arrival.
Passport Exemptions:
- Holders of a valid on arrival NEXUS Card issued to nationals of USA, provided residing in Canada or USA.
- Holders of temporary or emergency passports.
- Holders of a Transportation Letter:
- When arriving directly from the US mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, (For details, click here)
VISA NOT REQUIRED.
Minors:
- Children, up to/incl. 15 years of age, being nationals of USA, are not allowed to enter the USA on their parents passports.
- Minors traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by one parent or a person other than parent/legal guardian, (For details, click here).
Warning:
- Passengers who have visited Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone within the last 21 days must enter the US at Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) and are subject to screening and medical checks upon arrival.
HEALTH INFORMATION: DESTINATIONS
USA (US)
Vaccinations not required.
Warning:
- Those entering on a K-1 or K-2 visa must hold a medical form
FS398 and X-ray plates of chest (full size not necessary).
R32) TWOV
....
Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Passing through an international transit area of the airport in order to board a connecting (or to proceed by the same) flight, without entering the country (i.e. clearing immigration).
Unless stated otherwise, passengers wishing to TWOV must:
- be en-route to a third country (e.g. itinerary TYO-LON-TYO is not considered TWOV);
- prove that they will continue their journey within the prescribed period (e.g. hold onward tickets);
- have documents required for entry into the country of destination and for transit through countries en-route;
- remain in the transit area (airside) or on the aircraft.
Note: Fot transit purposes through China (People's Rep.), Hong Kong (SAR China) and Macao (SAR China) are considered as third countries, as they have their own entry regulations.
Note: TWOV is not intended for those holding stand-by tickets, e.g. airline employees or other passengers travelling on industry discount.
....
Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Passing through an international transit area of the airport in order to board a connecting (or to proceed by the same) flight, without entering the country (i.e. clearing immigration).
Unless stated otherwise, passengers wishing to TWOV must:
- be en-route to a third country (e.g. itinerary TYO-LON-TYO is not considered TWOV);
- prove that they will continue their journey within the prescribed period (e.g. hold onward tickets);
- have documents required for entry into the country of destination and for transit through countries en-route;
- remain in the transit area (airside) or on the aircraft.
Note: Fot transit purposes through China (People's Rep.), Hong Kong (SAR China) and Macao (SAR China) are considered as third countries, as they have their own entry regulations.
Note: TWOV is not intended for those holding stand-by tickets, e.g. airline employees or other passengers travelling on industry discount.
Last edited by ThreeJulietTango; May 20, 2015 at 2:14 pm
May 20, 2015, 2:06 pm
#44
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS, TK Gold
Posts: 304
I will report back to FT.
May 20, 2015, 8:31 pm
#45
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: RDU
Posts: 713
Thanks OP for a great deal. I had looked at those fares yesterday morning when they were around $550, then saw your post and put one on hold for $442. I purchased it this evening.
On a US passport, I would not risk traveling without a visa, but a few years ago I traveled twice on an EU passport and did an immediate turn *without* going through Brazilian immigration and customs. Because of the EU passport, the lack of a visa obviously wasn't a problem when checking in.
I arrived at GRU in the morning and returned to MIA on the daytime flight. I had my return boarding pass printed out prior to leaving the US. Upon deplaning, I approached one of the ground staff meeting the plane, showed my return boarding pass, and asked if I could go to the departure area without going through immigration and customs. They were a bit perplexed at the situation at first - someone returning straight back to where they were coming from - but after a bit of discussion between some ground staff members, they opened the sliding glass door separating the corridor leading to immigration from the departure gate area and let me through. I later was called to the podium for some additional passport check and carry-on screening, but overall it was a fairly smooth process, and it worked twice within a few weeks.
On a US passport, I would not risk traveling without a visa, but a few years ago I traveled twice on an EU passport and did an immediate turn *without* going through Brazilian immigration and customs. Because of the EU passport, the lack of a visa obviously wasn't a problem when checking in.
I arrived at GRU in the morning and returned to MIA on the daytime flight. I had my return boarding pass printed out prior to leaving the US. Upon deplaning, I approached one of the ground staff meeting the plane, showed my return boarding pass, and asked if I could go to the departure area without going through immigration and customs. They were a bit perplexed at the situation at first - someone returning straight back to where they were coming from - but after a bit of discussion between some ground staff members, they opened the sliding glass door separating the corridor leading to immigration from the departure gate area and let me through. I later was called to the podium for some additional passport check and carry-on screening, but overall it was a fairly smooth process, and it worked twice within a few weeks.