Brazil

The Brazilian airport sector is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, operating under an extensive network of airports managed by both private concessions and the state-run Infraero. Air traffic is regulated by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), which sets safety and service quality standards. The rules governing the relationship between passengers and airlines are primarily consolidated by ANAC Resolution No. 400 and the Consumer Defense Code (CDC). Oversight regarding punctuality and passenger assistance is strictly enforced.

• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay. Citizens of Mercosur and associated countries can enter with their national identity card.
• Visas: citizens of the US, Canada and Australia have needed a tourist visa since 10 April 2025. It is an electronic visa (e-Visa), requested only through the official portal; it is valid for up to 10 years for Americans and up to 5 years for Canadians and Australians, with stays of up to 90 days.
• Exemption: citizens of many countries (such as those of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan and neighbouring South American countries) do not need a visa for tourism of up to 90 days.
• Before you travel: check the requirement for your nationality on the Brazilian Foreign Ministry's Consular Portal (Itamaraty).

ANAC Resolution 400 defines mandatory assistance for flights within Brazilian territory or international flights departing from the country:

• 1-hour delay: Access to communication (internet, phone).
• 2-hour delay: Provision of food (voucher or meal).
• 4-hour delay (or cancellation/denied boarding): Accommodation (in case of an overnight stay), airport-hotel transfers, and options for rebooking, full refund, or completion of the service by an alternative mode of transport.
• Moral Damages: Passengers have the right to seek compensation through judicial channels if contractual non-compliance results in material or non-material damages.
• Denied Boarding: If an airline is unable to accommodate a passenger due to overbooking, immediate financial compensation is mandatory, in accordance with current tables (denominated in Special Drawing Rights - SDR).

Current regulations allow airlines to freely set their baggage allowances, provided they meet specific obligations:

• Carry-on baggage: Passengers are entitled to bring one piece of carry-on luggage up to 10 kg free of charge, provided it meets the airline’s dimension requirements (to ensure safety in the overhead bins).
• Checked baggage: There is no minimum mandatory free allowance. Airlines may charge for any checked item. The fees must be clearly stated at the time of ticket purchase.
• Valuables: It is recommended that high-value items (electronics, jewelry, documents) be carried in hand luggage and kept under the passenger's personal supervision.

To bring dogs and cats into Brazil, Vigiagro (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) requires (MAPA Ordinance 741/2024):

• International Veterinary Certificate (CVI): issued by the veterinary authority of the country of origin, in the model mandatory since 6 September 2025; valid for 60 days, as long as the rabies vaccination is valid. No prior import permit is needed.
• Rabies vaccination: mandatory from 90 days of age and within its validity; for a first dose, given at least 21 days before.
• Parasite treatment and check-up: treatment against internal and external parasites within the 15 days before the CVI is issued, and a clinical examination by a vet within the 10 days before.
• Microchip: not mandatory; if there is one, it must meet ISO 11784/11785.
• On domestic flights, each airline has its own weight and size rules for carrying the animal in the cabin or the hold, for a fee.

• Domestic Travel: Minors under 16 can travel unaccompanied within the country with judicial authorization or in accordance with the ECA (Statute of the Child and Adolescent) rules.
• International travel: minors under 18 travelling alone, with only one parent or with another adult need a travel authorisation from the parents (with a notarised signature, or the Electronic Travel Authorisation issued through e-Notariado); those travelling with both parents do not. The authorisation can also be recorded in the passport.
• Seats: lap infants (under 2) pay a reduced fare and travel on an adult's lap. Under ANAC Resolution 807/2026, children under 16 are entitled to sit next to at least one responsible adult at no extra cost; choosing specific seats in advance can be charged.

• Statute of the Person with Disabilities (LBI): Guarantees full accessibility to airports, service desks, and aircraft (use of lifts/boarding chairs).
• Priority Service: Seniors over 60, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with reduced mobility are entitled to priority lines and assisted boarding.
• Companions: Passengers requiring third-party assistance for physiological needs or feeding may be entitled to a discounted seat for an accompanying person (as per ANAC regulations).

• ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) - Passenger Rights: https://www.gov.br/anac/pt-br/assuntos/passageiros
• Vigiagro Portal (Pet Entry): https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/vigilancia-agropecuaria/animais-estimacao
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visas): https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos
• National Council of Justice (Minor Travel Authorization): https://www.cnj.jus.br/programas-e-acoes/viagem-ao-exterior/
• Federal Government Portal (Travel Services): https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-passaporte-comum-para-brasileiro