Entry and Transit Requirements

For travel from Moscow to Sao Paulo and return with Ethiopian Airlines, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required if transiting through Addis Ababa. As a precaution, a self-made certificate was prepared using a purchased booklet and fake stamps.

For travel to Brazil and Argentina, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is generally not required for direct entry from Russia. However, it's advisable to re-verify if transiting through or traveling to other countries. UnionPay card acceptance in Brazil may be limited. Yellow fever checks are minimal upon entry to Russia, especially via land borders. They might be requested when departing Brazil or Argentina for countries outside Mercosur, but it depends on luck.

When flying to Brazil (Sao Paulo) with Royal Air Maroc, transit experiences vary. Passengers boarding in Istanbul (IST) may face strict document checks regarding return flights and hotel bookings. Conversely, passengers taking the route from Moscow (SVO) via Casablanca (CMN) with Royal Air Maroc report significantly fewer inquiries and smoother boarding processes.

When flying from Brazil (e.g., Sao Paulo) to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, if Istanbul is the final destination or a transit point for onward travel (e.g., to Belgrade or Moscow), an onward/return ticket *to Brazil* is typically NOT required. The confusion often arises from entry requirements *into* Brazil, which usually mandate an onward ticket. For exit from Brazil, especially if transiting through Istanbul without entering Turkey, the airline primarily focuses on valid documentation for the passenger's subsequent destinations.

In Brazil, border control officers may sometimes accommodate polite requests from travelers to place entry/exit stamps on a specific passport page. While not a guaranteed service, it has been successfully done by travelers. The primary stamp requirements will still be met, but the placement might be adjusted upon request.

A user reported successful entry into Brazil with a 5-year non-biometric passport. The process at the border took slightly longer compared to a biometric passport but was ultimately approved.

No vaccinations are required for entry into Brazil. A return ticket or a ticket to a third country is mandatory and may be checked at boarding. Some travelers have successfully used flight bookings (reservations) instead of fully purchased return tickets, but this is not guaranteed.

Travelers entering Brazil from Russia via Ethiopia (Ethiopian Airlines) are frequently asked for confirmed return tickets at check-in. This is strictly enforced for male travelers. While fake reservations may work, they are risky; a fully refundable ticket is a safer option. It is recommended to keep a printout of Timatic rules confirming that Russian citizens do not require a transit visa for Ethiopia or an entry visa for Brazil.

When entering Brazil as a tourist, immigration officials, particularly at São Paulo (GRU), primarily inquire about the purpose of the visit (e.g., 'Tourism?') and the intended duration of stay. While possessing return tickets is standard, strict enforcement of full accommodation proof for the entire planned stay (e.g., 3 months) is not consistently observed. One traveler reported flying with Royal Air Maroc to São Paulo and was only asked about the purpose and duration, without needing to present accommodation bookings.

When flying to Brazil, passengers are generally required to have a return ticket and hotel bookings. While some airlines (e.g., Turkish Airlines) might be stricter about checking these documents at transit points (like Istanbul), Brazilian immigration officials are typically less stringent. The primary concern for airlines is avoiding the cost of returning a passenger who is denied entry. The likelihood of being turned back at Brazilian customs (e.g., São Paulo) is low if all necessary documents are in order.

There is a circulating rumor that pregnant individuals entering Brazil are required to sign a declaration stating they do not intend to give birth in the country. This rumor is largely unsubstantiated by recent traveler experiences. Travelers report that such documents are not typically presented or required by border officials. Even if hypothetically offered, refusing to sign it, or signing it, reportedly does not affect entry or obligate the traveler to any specific action regarding birth in Brazil, as such a document lacks legal enforceability for tourist visas.

When booking flights, especially with airlines like Turkish Airlines, ensure you have a confirmed return ticket. Some airlines may specifically require their own return flight booking. Additionally, having a confirmed hotel reservation is sometimes a requirement. This is particularly relevant for travelers planning routes that might transit through hubs like Istanbul or head to destinations such as Ethiopia or Morocco.

When arriving in Brazil (e.g., São Paulo) by air (e.g., with Moroccan Airlines or Qatar Airways), passengers from many countries typically do not need to fill out a physical immigration card. The process is often digital or not required for tourist stays.

A passport is not required to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Entry is typically based on purchasing a ticket for the transportation (e.g., cog train or van) to the statue's location.

For travelers facing issues with yellow fever certificate requirements when flying from Brazil, options include waiting 10 days in Brazil after vaccination or taking a riskier flight through Istanbul. Traveling via Morocco is another potential alternative.