TRAVEL INFORMATION

As a general rule, Brazil requests visas based on the principle of reciprocity of treatment given to Brazilian citizens. You do need a visa (either for tourism or business) BEFORE entering Brazil if you are a citizen of the United States. Citizens of some countries do not require a visa to visit Brazil for tourism purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days (if necessary an extension may be authorized by the Federal Police in Brazil). Visas will be issued on a "laissez-passer" to nationals of the following countries: Bhutan, Central African Republic, Comoros, Kampuchea, and Taiwan.

We recommend everyone to ask for a Tourist Visa

Tourist Visa Exemptions

You do not need a visa if you have a passport from one of the following countries: Countries Tourist and Business Visa Exemptions

Those who experience any trouble in getting visa to Brazil should not hesitate to contact the conference secretariat immediately.

Official Letters of Invitation

All delegates who request an invitation letter will get one, in order to speed up the entry visa procedures. This letter does not imply any commitment from the Congress to provide any financial support to the Congress. We recommend everyone to apply for a Tourist Visa.

HEALTH

It is essential to have health insurance in Brazil, as hospital and medical fees are high. For most regions of the country, including Ouro Preto, you don't need to worry about vaccinations.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINE

The yellow fever vaccine is only recommended for all national and international tourists who intend to visit the Amazon rain forest and Pantanal.
Do not forget: it is necessary to take the vaccination at least ten days prior to leaving on your trip.

SAFETY TIPS

One of the urban myths that surrounds Brazil and can put people off a visit is the question of safety and security. In fact, Brazil, including the main cities of Rio, Salvador and São Paulo, is no more dangerous than anywhere in Europe or North America and violent crimes against tourists or foreign visitors are extremely rare, hence the headlines if they do happen.

But Ouro Preto is a small and quiet city, and you will have no reason to worry about. Brazil is also politically stable with no natural enemies and no terrorist activities.

Safety First: Dos and Don‘ts

Don‘t....
* leave your bag unattended.
* put your wallet in your back pocket or the outside pocket of a bag.
* walk in unlit areas at night.
* wear flashy jewelers in the street, even if it is fake.
* take more than you need to the city.
Do....
* put your money, passport and ticket in the safe deposit box of your hotel.
* ask policemen for help if you need it.
* ask your hotel for information. They know most of the answers.
* call on your Consulate for help if you have a serious problem.

Foreign Exchange

To exchange currencies, most people use foreign exchange bureaus, or Cambios, which can be found in the airport, the hotels and also down town. The rates can sometimes vary from one place to the next but in general the difference is not that great.

Ouro Preto remains a very comfortable tropical climate. Humidity remains on the dryer side most of the time and temperatures usually range between seventy-five and ninety-five has both dry and rainy seasons. The dry season usually runs in the winter between June and September. The rainy season comes with the summer, usually between October and May. Here’s a link to a short-term weather forecast in Ouro Preto.

www.google.com.br

br.weather.com

Clothing

Casual dress dominates in Ouro Preto, even at night spots. For men, slacks and a sport shirt are sufficient; for women, casual attire is fine. Women may appreciate having a shawl or cardigan in hand for the more heavily air-conditioned buildings, while a light sweater is all that is necessary for winter nights.

But the most important advice is about shoes: Ouro Preto streets are slopes with paving stones, so every one must use comfortable shoes, and NEVER a high heel shoes.