Originally Posted by
luv2go
I have about 9 hours in GRU, flying EWR-GRU-JNB. I'm a US citizen. If I don't leave the transit area, do I need a Visa? I would think no, but somewhere I read that transit time is limited to 7 hours to be Visa free.. is that correct?
If JNB is the final destination on your ticket, then you should not need a visa, as you will only be in transit. If you're on two separate tickets, then your problem will be that the airline won't let you onto your flight to GRU; unless you show a Brazilian visa.
If the first scenario I mentioned applies, then check with your airline; as your checked baggage should stay checked all the way to JNB.
Regarding transit time, I once stayed in the lounge/transit area for an entire day and was fine. You don't have to show a visa, only your boarding pass, to get into the transit area.