GRU MR Turnaround
Mar 22, 2015, 10:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
GRU MR Turnaround
I searched all over the various fora (including Brazil, MR Turnarounds /Turnabouts /Transits, etc.) and could not find the exact answers to my questions, so I will put them to you experts.
I will be flying AA (marketed and operated) MIA-GRU-MIA. I have 3 hours on the ground at GRU. I am a US citizen.
1. Is a Brazil visa required for this type of transit?
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? I assume I will be required to get my return BP at a transfer/connection desk, but am hoping to avoid immigration.
Thanks in advance.
I will be flying AA (marketed and operated) MIA-GRU-MIA. I have 3 hours on the ground at GRU. I am a US citizen.
1. Is a Brazil visa required for this type of transit?
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? I assume I will be required to get my return BP at a transfer/connection desk, but am hoping to avoid immigration.
Thanks in advance.
Mar 23, 2015, 8:31 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
Thanks for info. I always play it better-safe-than-sorry anyway. Have plenty of time to secure a visa...just wanted to save the $$ if i could.
Mar 23, 2015, 8:34 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,939
You're probably better off eating the change fee and rebooking to someplace that makes the visa process easier... I remember mine being a pain and the process not terribly efficient (costs aside). You're net costs will end up being the same.
Mar 23, 2015, 9:02 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
Haven't booked yet, but your points are well taken.
Mar 23, 2015, 9:23 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
Yes, it's a pain if you're not close to an embassy or consulate. However, keep in mind that the visa is good for multiple entries over 10 years (used to be 5); if there's a good chance you'll want to visit in that time, that changes the cost trade-off.
Mar 23, 2015, 12:20 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Generally, MR turnarounds are ok in GRU and don't require to go thru immigration/formally enter the country.
How about booking a refundable onward ticket, which would allow you to stay in the transit area?
The separate onward ticket could then be refunded afterwards.
How about booking a refundable onward ticket, which would allow you to stay in the transit area?
The separate onward ticket could then be refunded afterwards.
Mar 23, 2015, 12:51 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: BWI<MCI< PHL<DEN<SCL<EZE<CHO<PHL<ABE
Programs: UA Silver / FA
Posts: 939
I was moving to Argentina and would need the visa eventually. I created a "fake" flight itinerary, filled out all the necessary docs and got it back within the time allotted.
So I guess, YMMV as always.
Mar 24, 2015, 11:14 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,939
When I got mine, you needed to have travel booked and have to have the visa stamped in-country within XX days since getting it back. So timing and other things are important.
My point is that it isn't free in terms of time and money and the goal of a MR is to minimize both.
Mar 25, 2015, 1:06 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, IC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 961
1. Is a Brazil visa required for this type of transit? Yes. AA will not let you board without VISA
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? Yes. I strongly suggest you get your BP in MIA for the return flight. Just look for the International connections - Terminal 3 signs after you deplane, pass through security and proceed to your gate. BP is not required to pass through security. IME, I did not see an AA/OW connection desk to give you a BP unless it is hidden somewhere.
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? Yes. I strongly suggest you get your BP in MIA for the return flight. Just look for the International connections - Terminal 3 signs after you deplane, pass through security and proceed to your gate. BP is not required to pass through security. IME, I did not see an AA/OW connection desk to give you a BP unless it is hidden somewhere.
Mar 25, 2015, 3:15 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
I searched all over the various fora (including Brazil, MR Turnarounds /Turnabouts /Transits, etc.) and could not find the exact answers to my questions, so I will put them to you experts.
I will be flying AA (marketed and operated) MIA-GRU-MIA. I have 3 hours on the ground at GRU. I am a US citizen.
1. Is a Brazil visa required for this type of transit?
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? I assume I will be required to get my return BP at a transfer/connection desk, but am hoping to avoid immigration.
Thanks in advance.
I will be flying AA (marketed and operated) MIA-GRU-MIA. I have 3 hours on the ground at GRU. I am a US citizen.
1. Is a Brazil visa required for this type of transit?
2. Will I be able to remain airside for my turnaround? I assume I will be required to get my return BP at a transfer/connection desk, but am hoping to avoid immigration.
Thanks in advance.
Mar 25, 2015, 3:50 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, IC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 961
Mar 25, 2015, 9:47 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA; GOL Smiles; COPA ConnectMiles; Marriot Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Guest Rewards Elite
Posts: 229
I just did this MR a few days ago on AA metal so I just want to clarify a few things:
1. Yes, you need a visa for Brazil to board the plane if flying under a US passport and GRU is your final destination on AA itinerary.
2. AA uses Term 3, and you can skip immigration by going thru "International connections" transit zone. You do not need to show your boarding pass to get into the transit area.
3. You can get a boarding pass for your returning flight at the gate. I arrived at GRU from MVD on different metal; transited over to terminal 3, and got my boarding pass at the gate before I boarded with no problem.
Note: I did all of this with carry-on luggage.
Hope this helps!
1. Yes, you need a visa for Brazil to board the plane if flying under a US passport and GRU is your final destination on AA itinerary.
2. AA uses Term 3, and you can skip immigration by going thru "International connections" transit zone. You do not need to show your boarding pass to get into the transit area.
3. You can get a boarding pass for your returning flight at the gate. I arrived at GRU from MVD on different metal; transited over to terminal 3, and got my boarding pass at the gate before I boarded with no problem.
Note: I did all of this with carry-on luggage.
Hope this helps!
Mar 26, 2015, 8:19 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
I just did this MR a few days ago on AA metal so I just want to clarify a few things:
1. Yes, you need a visa for Brazil to board the plane if flying under a US passport and GRU is your final destination on AA itinerary.
2. AA uses Term 3, and you can skip immigration by going thru "International connections" transit zone. You do not need to show your boarding pass to get into the transit area.
3. You can get a boarding pass for your returning flight at the gate. I arrived at GRU from MVD on different metal; transited over to terminal 3, and got my boarding pass at the gate before I boarded with no problem.
Note: I did all of this with carry-on luggage.
Hope this helps!
1. Yes, you need a visa for Brazil to board the plane if flying under a US passport and GRU is your final destination on AA itinerary.
2. AA uses Term 3, and you can skip immigration by going thru "International connections" transit zone. You do not need to show your boarding pass to get into the transit area.
3. You can get a boarding pass for your returning flight at the gate. I arrived at GRU from MVD on different metal; transited over to terminal 3, and got my boarding pass at the gate before I boarded with no problem.
Note: I did all of this with carry-on luggage.
Hope this helps!