Welcome to Global Fund for Women’s extraordinary trip to Brazil! We hope you can join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey from May 9 – May 15, 2016. Below you will find some information that will be useful while planning your travels.
TRIP BROCHURE:
For more information about this trip, please see our trip brochure (click here).
REGISTRATION FORM:
Open registration is until November 30th. After this date, registration will be accepted as space is available until January 29th. Space is limited and financial commitment will be needed upon registration.
Please complete the following Guest Profile form at your convenience (click here). This allows us to easily record your vital travel information.
FLIGHTS FROM THE US:
International flights are booked by travelers independently. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Naomi (naomi@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights.
MAIN PROGRAM:
–*Arrive in São Paulo, at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) no later than 4:00 pm on May 9th, 2016.
–Leave from Rio de Janeiro, at Galeão International Airport (GIG) at any time on May 15th, 2016.
*While the program begins on May 9th, please let us know if you would like to arrive earlier and Elevate Destinations would be happy to assist with pre-trip arrangements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations. Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, E-mail alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648. Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
VISAS:
US citizens will require a visa to travel to Brazil. Please apply for the tourist visa.
Important note: The visa application process for Brazil is exceptionally long, typically taking between 60-80 days. There are no expedited services offered and visas will not be issued on the same day the application is received. Visa applications can be submitted by scheduled appointment only and engaging the services of a third party visa processor will not have any impact on the processing schedule.
To take into account the extended processing time, we recommend that you apply for the Brazilian visa by January 22nd, 2016.
To determine which Brazilian Consulate you should seek an appointment with to submit your application, please consult the Consular Jurisdiction of the Brazilian Consulates in the U.S. webpage.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
–Passport valid for at least 6 months past departure date from Brazil and containing at least 2 blank visa pages (the amendment pages at the back do not count).
–Printed and signed application form.
–1 qty. 2″x 2″ passport photo – front view, white background – must be glued to the printed application form. Snapshots and computer pictures will not be accepted.
–Printed appointment confirmation email.
–Travel itinerary OR reservation: a printed copy of your booked round-trip ticket (or a simulated itinerary showing travel plans to and from Brazil) with passenger’s name and departure/arrival dates.
–$160.00 visa application fee paid in U.S. Post Office Money Order, only.
Please note that other documentation may be required depending on the purpose of your trip and your nationality.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS:
The checked baggage allowance for your domestic flight from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is 23 kg (50 lbs). Travelers can transport more than one piece of baggage provided that the total weight does not exceed this weight limit. Carry on baggage for this flight must fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat inside the aircraft and shall meet the following requirements: – Total weight cannot exceed 5 kg (11 pounds) and the sum of the baggage dimensions (length + width + height) may not exceed 115 cm (45 inches). You will be responsible for overage charges which are typically calculated on a percentage of the full fare (on the date of departure) per kg. Please be sure to check the weight of your bags as restrictions for domestic flights are likely less than international flight weight restrictions.
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician regarding the recommended immunizations for travel to Brazil. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots. Many immunizations are covered by a standard health insurance policy and available through your personal physician; others may only be available through a travel clinic.
Comprehensive information can be found on the CDC website for Brazil. In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid. The CDC also recommends some travelers to be vaccinated/take medication for Hepatitis B, Rabies, Malaria and Yellow Fever*.*The CDC does not recommend malaria and yellow fever vaccine/medication for the areas we will be traveling to on this itinerary. For more information see the CDC’s Yellow Fever & Malaria Information webpage.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to Elevate Destination’s Donor Travel Team:
Katherine Redington: katherine@elevatedestinations.com
Naomi Garner: naomi@elevatedestinations.com
