Jun 2, 2016, 7:24 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Q Will AA know of the Brazil 2016 visa waiver?
Brazil is waiving visa requirements for US citizens (and a few other nations) from June 1 to September 18 (link)
AA employees use IATA TIMATIC to decide whether you fly or not. If you can see the policy on TIMATIC, so can they - so have them look it up rather than accept a rote answer. You can hard print the results.
Use United's complimentary version of timaticweb2:
Google: "United airlines health passport" or "United airlines health visa" or use this link:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/passport/default.aspx
Brazil is waiving visa requirements for US citizens (and a few other nations) from June 1 to September 18 (link)
AA employees use IATA TIMATIC to decide whether you fly or not. If you can see the policy on TIMATIC, so can they - so have them look it up rather than accept a rote answer. You can hard print the results.
Use United's complimentary version of timaticweb2:
Google: "United airlines health passport" or "United airlines health visa" or use this link:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/passport/default.aspx
I just check in at LAX for a flight to GRU. The agent scanned my passport, flipped through its pages and then said "Starting June 1 entry to Brazil is allowed without a visa until after the Olympics. At this point in the check in process I used to see a warning on the screen telling me to check for the visa but now there is nothing". He then checked me in for the flight. It seems that AA's software has been adjusted so that agents will know that a visa is not currently required for U.S. citizens to enter Brazil.
Will AA know about the temporary Brazil Visa Waiver?
Jun 9, 2016 | 7:10 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 219
Contrary to what has been expressed in this thread, my experience today (June9) in checking in for
aa213 to Brasilia in Miami was problematic. The kiosk would not allow checkin and the TA at the EXP Priority counter insisted that a visa was required. I attempted to explain about the waiver but she insisted that her 15 years of experience as a TA meant that she was correct. I asked that she either call a supervisor or check Timatic, but she did neither. She stated that I could say anything
I want, but she was right. Finally an agent next to her took pity and provided the correct information.
Very surprising as the waiver has been in effect for 9 days and Miami has a rather large number of American flites to Brazil. Even more surprising that this was at the EXP/First priority check in line.
Bottom line, YMMV, but there is a real possibility of about 15 minutes of unpleasantness. All will be resolved eventually.
aa213 to Brasilia in Miami was problematic. The kiosk would not allow checkin and the TA at the EXP Priority counter insisted that a visa was required. I attempted to explain about the waiver but she insisted that her 15 years of experience as a TA meant that she was correct. I asked that she either call a supervisor or check Timatic, but she did neither. She stated that I could say anything
I want, but she was right. Finally an agent next to her took pity and provided the correct information.
Very surprising as the waiver has been in effect for 9 days and Miami has a rather large number of American flites to Brazil. Even more surprising that this was at the EXP/First priority check in line.
Bottom line, YMMV, but there is a real possibility of about 15 minutes of unpleasantness. All will be resolved eventually.
I've flown to Brazil twice in the last two weeks for a crazy mile run. I flew to GRU from DFW and JFK and I haven't had a single issue leaving those airports.
The only *very* minor hiccup is when I got to GRU on June 3 the passport control lady asked me if I had a visa. When I said no she typed something into a computer then then said something in Portuguese to her coworker. Then she stamped my passport and gave me the slip of paper that I needed to hold onto.
Jun 9, 2016 | 10:38 pm
#33
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The amazing thing is this person refusing to look it up on TIMATIC! She should be reported to AA.
Jun 16, 2016 | 6:10 am
#34
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,963
Just another data point...
Here at AUS this morning, the F check-in agent was more surprised that I was going onward to Rio than anything else. She seemed to know about the visa waiver, and was extremely helpful and friendly, even asked if I need boarding passes (I have them on phone but always helpful to have spares). I take it they don't get too many exciting itineraries here
I did verify the bag tag that she printed AUS-JFK-GIG.
Here at AUS this morning, the F check-in agent was more surprised that I was going onward to Rio than anything else. She seemed to know about the visa waiver, and was extremely helpful and friendly, even asked if I need boarding passes (I have them on phone but always helpful to have spares). I take it they don't get too many exciting itineraries here
I did verify the bag tag that she printed AUS-JFK-GIG.
Jun 16, 2016 | 10:16 am
#36
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LAX/VNY (Hometown: CAK)
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Regal Diamond
Posts: 751
The only *very* minor hiccup is when I got to GRU on June 3 the passport control lady asked me if I had a visa. When I said no she typed something into a computer then then said something in Portuguese to her coworker. Then she stamped my passport and gave me the slip of paper that I needed to hold onto.
In fact, the large electronic billboard in JFK T8 occasionally shows a message from the Brazil tourism board which proudly proclaims you don't need a visa to visit Brazil. So for those who encounter any issues at JFK, refer them to the very large sign (post-security).
I encountered the same thing when entering Brazil -- I misheard the immigration agent when she asked if I had a visa and said that I did have one. She spent the next half-minute searching my passport for the Brazil visa, then I clarified that I did not have a visa, but had the waiver. They type a numeric code for those who qualify for the visa waiver, and a different code for those who have the standard 10-year visa. I hope government officials see the uptick in tourism and make the visa waiver permanent!
Jun 17, 2016 | 1:39 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: BA Gold, FB Ivory (no more AF), Accor Plat, VS Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 207
When checking in for my flight to GIG on June 4th, the JFK agent asked if I had a visa (with a smile), and I said that one was not required because of the Olympics. He was just having some fun.
In fact, the large electronic billboard in JFK T8 occasionally shows a message from the Brazil tourism board which proudly proclaims you don't need a visa to visit Brazil. So for those who encounter any issues at JFK, refer them to the very large sign (post-security).
I encountered the same thing when entering Brazil -- I misheard the immigration agent when she asked if I had a visa and said that I did have one. She spent the next half-minute searching my passport for the Brazil visa, then I clarified that I did not have a visa, but had the waiver. They type a numeric code for those who qualify for the visa waiver, and a different code for those who have the standard 10-year visa. I hope government officials see the uptick in tourism and make the visa waiver permanent!
In fact, the large electronic billboard in JFK T8 occasionally shows a message from the Brazil tourism board which proudly proclaims you don't need a visa to visit Brazil. So for those who encounter any issues at JFK, refer them to the very large sign (post-security).
I encountered the same thing when entering Brazil -- I misheard the immigration agent when she asked if I had a visa and said that I did have one. She spent the next half-minute searching my passport for the Brazil visa, then I clarified that I did not have a visa, but had the waiver. They type a numeric code for those who qualify for the visa waiver, and a different code for those who have the standard 10-year visa. I hope government officials see the uptick in tourism and make the visa waiver permanent!
Jun 17, 2016 | 8:21 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SNA
Programs: Marriott PLAT
Posts: 248
Good to hear that Brazil got it right for the Oympics and waived the Visa. For World Cup 2014, they only waived the fee but still you had to visit the Miami consulate to get the printed Visa. For me, it took 3 different trips to get it resolved (plus you had to have game tickets in hand).
Jun 17, 2016 | 9:28 pm
#39
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,963
I encountered the same thing when entering Brazil -- I misheard the immigration agent when she asked if I had a visa and said that I did have one. She spent the next half-minute searching my passport for the Brazil visa, then I clarified that I did not have a visa, but had the waiver. They type a numeric code for those who qualify for the visa waiver, and a different code for those who have the standard 10-year visa. I hope government officials see the uptick in tourism and make the visa waiver permanent!
The FA warned me that it was a LONG walk from the plane to immigration. He also warned that on the return it could take 10-15 min to walk to the gate after clearing security.
I'd guess the load for my JFK-GIG flight last night was maybe 70%. I was in an exit row and had all 3 seats to myself. Originally I was assigned window, but I moved to middle and used the side seats for pillows, blankets, my computer, headphones, etc. Was nice to stretch out.
Jun 18, 2016 | 1:02 pm
#42
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 948
More data points here:
Last Sunday, I checked in at DCA for DCA-DFW-GRU-GIG that evening. The desk AAgent couldn't believe I was traveling to Brazil without a visa, and she immediately huddled in the back room with two others before they all came out and reported their discovery that Brazil had a visa waiver.
*Much else* about that trip got FUBAR'ed, and I ended up *Tuesday* morning arriving at a GRU passport control desk. There, the officer said, "Where is your visa". I mentioned the waiver, and a lightbulb seemed to light itself over head; I had my stamp and annoying-size paper and was shortly on my way.
Last Sunday, I checked in at DCA for DCA-DFW-GRU-GIG that evening. The desk AAgent couldn't believe I was traveling to Brazil without a visa, and she immediately huddled in the back room with two others before they all came out and reported their discovery that Brazil had a visa waiver.
*Much else* about that trip got FUBAR'ed, and I ended up *Tuesday* morning arriving at a GRU passport control desk. There, the officer said, "Where is your visa". I mentioned the waiver, and a lightbulb seemed to light itself over head; I had my stamp and annoying-size paper and was shortly on my way.
Jun 19, 2016 | 3:23 pm
#43
Join Date: May 2008
Location: WAS
Programs: AA Ex Plt
Posts: 1,657
Let me add that at DCA, no one has a clue re Brazilian visas. After an agent committee determination that my "Brazilian" visa was valid, I was allowed to travel --- Problem was that the committee was looking at my Argentinian landing permit. The Brazilian visa was a couple of pages away but no one seemed interested in looking that far into my passport. On another occasion, the agent wanted to use the info on my Chinese visa 
. Not much fun with AA and visas at DCA 
. Not much fun with AA and visas at DCA More data points here:
Last Sunday, I checked in at DCA for DCA-DFW-GRU-GIG that evening. The desk AAgent couldn't believe I was traveling to Brazil without a visa, and she immediately huddled in the back room with two others before they all came out and reported their discovery that Brazil had a visa waiver.
*Much else* about that trip got FUBAR'ed, and I ended up *Tuesday* morning arriving at a GRU passport control desk. There, the officer said, "Where is your visa". I mentioned the waiver, and a lightbulb seemed to light itself over head; I had my stamp and annoying-size paper and was shortly on my way.
Last Sunday, I checked in at DCA for DCA-DFW-GRU-GIG that evening. The desk AAgent couldn't believe I was traveling to Brazil without a visa, and she immediately huddled in the back room with two others before they all came out and reported their discovery that Brazil had a visa waiver.
*Much else* about that trip got FUBAR'ed, and I ended up *Tuesday* morning arriving at a GRU passport control desk. There, the officer said, "Where is your visa". I mentioned the waiver, and a lightbulb seemed to light itself over head; I had my stamp and annoying-size paper and was shortly on my way.
Jun 19, 2016 | 4:32 pm
#44
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SBA
Programs: UA & AA 1 million miler
Posts: 1,145
At LAX my checkin agent didn't know the temp visa waiver and she was looking for a visa, and then I told her no visa between 6/1-9/18 for US, Canada, Australia, Japan passport holders, and she was able to check me in LAX-GRU flight immediately. That was 6/2.
At GRU the immigration officer didn't know the temp visa waiver and she kept asking me about visa in Portuguese (I believe).
My friend got 10 years visa last year, so he didn't have any problems even he didn't need it then.
She went to talk to a different officer and finally she found out the visa waiver.
I had to wait for good 15 minutes standing there
At GRU the immigration officer didn't know the temp visa waiver and she kept asking me about visa in Portuguese (I believe).
My friend got 10 years visa last year, so he didn't have any problems even he didn't need it then.
She went to talk to a different officer and finally she found out the visa waiver.
I had to wait for good 15 minutes standing there
Last edited by MrJBoy; Jun 19, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Jun 19, 2016 | 5:25 pm
#45
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Delta Diamond defected to United 1K, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 231
Adding my data point:
No issues regarding lack of visa either at YYZ (where my itinerary originated) or at JFK (my connection, where I used the AC). Upon arrival at Immigration in Rio, the agent looked at my passport, asked me "No Visa?", I said no, she stamped my book and I was on my way. Zero hassles all the way through.
No issues regarding lack of visa either at YYZ (where my itinerary originated) or at JFK (my connection, where I used the AC). Upon arrival at Immigration in Rio, the agent looked at my passport, asked me "No Visa?", I said no, she stamped my book and I was on my way. Zero hassles all the way through.