Flight Rules and Return Tickets: how it works in Brazil — first-hand
Short answer
Russian citizens entering Brazil must present a return or onward ticket to a third country to avoid boarding denial. The most reliable method is to purchase a fully refundable ticket directly through the airline's website and cancel it after arrival.
From real experience
For Russian citizens planning a trip to Brazil with the intention of studying or staying longer, the standard 90+90 day tourist entry is generally sufficient.
No separate tourist visa is required if you have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country. It's advisable to avoid Turkish Airlines to bypass the mandatory hotel booking for the entire 90-day period. If plans extend beyond the initial 90 days, options like enrolling in Portuguese language courses or applying for migration regularization documents (60+60 days) can be explored to extend legal stay. It's crucial to research the specific requirements and timelines for these extensions to ensure compliance.
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When flying Ethiopian Airlines from Thailand to Brazil or Argentina, understand that while the official requirement is to prove onward travel, airlines may have specific interpretations.
Some travelers report that a return ticket to a third country is accepted, while others suggest potential issues. Purchasing a flexible or refundable ticket to your home country or a third country for a small fee is a common workaround. If unsure, consult the airline directly or consider seeking advice from a travel agent or legal expert specializing in immigration.
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When flying to Brazil on a one-way ticket, airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates strictly check for an onward/return ticket to any country during check-in or transit.
Booking a fully refundable ticket as proof is a common workaround, but travelers should avoid booking through Russian aggregators like Tinkoff Travel due to high service fees (up to 40,000 RUB) on voluntary refunds. Book directly with airlines instead.
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When flying to Brazil via Ethiopian Airlines, passengers are strictly required to present a valid return ticket or an onward ticket to a third country during check-in.
A simple reservation might be rejected. Passengers without one are advised to purchase a fully refundable ticket to a neighboring country (e.g., Argentina) right before check-in and cancel it later for a refund.
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When flying to Brazil for birth tourism, airlines often require a return ticket.
Advise passengers to book a refundable return ticket to a nearby country to avoid issues at check-in, as many airlines refuse boarding for one-way international tickets, especially without a clear long-term visa or proof of residency.
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When applying for entry into Brazil as a tourist, it is mandatory to have a return ticket.
Airlines are authorized to check this requirement and may deny boarding if it is not met. Purchasing a refundable return ticket is a common practice to circumvent this rule, allowing travelers to cancel it later if needed.
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Regarding carry-on baggage, laptops are generally not included in the weight limit and can be carried separately by hand or in a case.
Most airlines, excluding low-cost carriers, are lenient with baggage weight. It's common practice to carry a backpack weighing 15-20 kg as hand luggage.