WHEN TO TRAVEL TO BRAZIL

Location

Climate

National holidays and events

Brazil has several national holidays and events that can influence your choice of travel dates. Here are some of the main ones:

• January 1st New Year's Eve
• February/March Carnival (dates vary)
• April 21 Tiradentes Festival
• May 1st Labour Day
• September 7 Independence Day
• October 12 Our Lady of Aparecida, patron saint of Brazil
• November 2 Day of the Dead
• November 15 Proclamation of the Republic
• December 25 : Christmas

Low and high season periods

In Brazil, low and high seasons vary from region to region. As a general rule, here's how they break down:

Low season

The low season generally runs from May to SeptemberDuring this period, temperatures are cooler in the south of the country and rain less frequent in the north. Prices for accommodation and tourist activities are generally more affordable during this period.

High season

Peak season in Brazil is between December and Februaryduring the austral summer. This is also the school vacation period, which means that beaches and tourist sites are very busy. Hotel and flight rates can be higher during these months.

Major cultural events

Brazil is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the most important, listed by region:

Rio de Janeiro

• Rio Carnival Rio Carnival: usually held between February and March, Rio Carnival is arguably Brazil's most famous cultural event. For a week, the streets of Rio come alive with float parades, costume balls and musical performances.
• New Year's Eve New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach is one of the biggest in the world. Millions of people gather to celebrate the New Year with fireworks and other festivities.

São Paulo

• Bienal de São Paulo The "Festival de l'art contemporain": this international contemporary art exhibition is held every two years (even-numbered years) between September and December. It features works by artists from all over the world, as well as lectures, workshops and performances.
• Parada do Orgulho LGBT de São Paulo The São Paulo LGBT Pride March is one of the biggest in the world. It usually takes place in June and attracts millions of participants.

Salvador de Bahia

• Yemanjá Festival Yemanjá: this Afro-Brazilian religious festival celebrates the goddess of the sea, Yemanjá, on February 2. Participants go to the seaside to offer flowers and objects as a sign of devotion.
• Salvador Music Festival This festival, usually held in January, brings together local and international artists for a series of concerts at various venues around the city.

Recife and Olinda

• Carnival in Recife and Olinda Carnival: these two cities in northeastern Brazil organize their own carnivals, with parades of maracatu, frevo and other traditional music and dance. The festivities take place at the same time as Rio Carnival, between February and March.
• Recife Contemporary Art Festival This event takes place every year in October and features art exhibitions, performances and workshops all over the city.

Brazil, South America's largest country, attracts increasing numbers of foreigners every year for its paradisiacal beaches, rich and diverse culture, and economic opportunities.

Key immigration figures for Brazil

According to latest data availableIn recent years, the number of foreigners living in Brazil has risen considerably, from 713,000 in 2010 to almost 1 million in 2020. This phenomenon is mainly due to the many advantages offered by this country, such as the ability to obtain a visa quickly and the quality of life offered in certain regions.

Immigrants by nationality

The main nationalities represented among immigrants in Brazil are :

• THE Bolivians (15 %)
• The Chinese (12 %)
• THE Paraguayans (10 %)
• THE Haitians (9 %)
• Colombians (8 %)

It is also important to note that the proportion of European and Asian immigrants has increased in recent years, reflecting a diversification of migration flows to Brazil.

Brazil's most popular visas

The Brazilian government offers several types of visa for foreigners wishing to settle temporarily or permanently in the country. The main visas available are :

Tourist visa (VITUR)

The tourist visa is intended for foreigners who wish to visit Brazil for tourism, culture or sports. This visa is generally granted for a maximum of 90 days, and does not allow the holder to work or study in the country.

Temporary work visa (VITEM V)

This type of visa is for foreign professionals who have received a job offer from a Brazilian company. The temporary work visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract, and can be renewed if necessary.

Student visa (VITEM IV)

The student visa is issued to foreigners wishing to study in Brazil at a higher education institution recognized by the Ministry of Education. It is valid for the entire duration of the studies, and can be extended if necessary.

Family Reunion Visa (VIPER)

Intended for foreigners with a spouse, child or parent of Brazilian nationality, the family reunion visa allows its holder to live and work in Brazil for an indefinite period.

International tourism in Brazil: key figures

In recent years, Brazil has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for international travellers. Here are a few statistics on international tourism in this country:

• In 2019, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Brazil reached almost 6.6 millionThis represents an increase of 4.1 % over the previous year.
• The main sources of foreign visitors are South America (39%), Europe (33%) and North America (18%).
• Brazil's tourism sector generated around $26 billion in revenue in 2019, accounting for 7.6% of the country's GDP.
• The average length of a tourist stay in Brazil was 15 days in 2019, with an average daily expenditure of 53 US dollars.

The most popular destinations for international tourists

Brazil boasts many interesting tourist attractions, attracting millions of foreign visitors every year. Among the most popular destinations are :

• Rio de Janeirowith its emblematic beaches and famous Christ the Redeemer
• São PauloBrazil's largest city and a major economic and cultural hub
• Salvador de Bahiarenowned for its colonial architecture and rich Afro-Brazilian history
• THE Iguaçu National Parkhome to one of the world's largest waterfalls
• THE Pantanala unique region offering incredible biodiversity and ecotourism activities

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