Entry Requirements: Tickets and Bookings: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

2. **Pregnancy Travel:** Submit a filled, signed, and stamped Pregnancy Certificate and Medif form to Ethiopian Airlines via email at least one day prior to departure. Be ready to present these documents again at Addis Ababa boarding. Carry a self-responsibility letter. 3. **In-flight Experience:** Aircraft may be older (especially Moscow-Addis Ababa), but service is friendly, food is generally good, and amenities (blanket, pillow, headphones, hygiene kit on longer segments) are provided. In-flight entertainment might be limited to English. 4. **Addis Ababa Airport:** The airport is modern with rest areas and food options. 5. **Sao Paulo (GRU) Transfer to Domestic:** Even with a single ticket (e.g., Moscow-Rio), checked baggage MUST be claimed at São Paulo (GRU) and re-checked for domestic flights (e.g., Latam to Rio) after passing customs. A Latam representative might assist with baggage re-check before the main counters. 6. **Domestic Flights in Brazil:** Expect domestic flights to be cold; dress warmly. The recommended layover time for connections is 4-5 hours.

Extensive document checks (bank statements, return tickets, medical certificates) are primarily enforced by airlines at the check-in desk to avoid liability. Always carry relevant documents in case of exceptional checks, but maintain a tourist demeanor. Pregnancy for birth tourism is a common practice, but it does not grant automatic residency beyond the 90+90 day tourist limit; formal residency pathways must be pursued separately.

Essential documents are return tickets and initial accommodation bookings. In major international airports like São Paulo, border officers generally speak English. However, English proficiency may vary, particularly in smaller airports (e.g., Curitiba). It is advisable to have an offline translator application as a backup. Brazilian border control is generally not prone to extensive questioning.

In Moscow, security may verbally ask about travel purpose and cash limits. During transit in Istanbul, secondary screening is common, where security personnel may question the passenger's travel motives or the possession of a second passport. Booking confirmations are recommended to be kept on hand, though physical checks upon arrival in Brazil are rare.