Brazil travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens do not need a visa for Brazil for tourist visits of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport with at least six months' validity and a return ticket. Entry rules can change, so check with the Brazilian consulate or your airline before you book.

For a first trip, plan 4–5 nights in Rio de Janeiro plus one other region by air: Iguaçu Falls (2 nights), Salvador (3–4), the Amazon from Manaus (3–4) or the Pantanal (3–4). Brazil is larger than the contiguous US, so never plan it by bus.

Irish passport holders can enter Brazil visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed; check with the Federal Police in Brazil if you plan to stay longer.

For stays longer than 90 days, or for work, study or other purposes, you need a visa from the Brazilian embassy or consulate. Apply well in advance.

There is no Irish embassy in Brazil. The Irish Embassy in Brasília covers Brazil, but for consular assistance while travelling, contact the Embassy of Ireland in Brasília or the nearest honorary consulate. For emergencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin can be reached 24/7.

For visa applications, contact the Brazilian embassy in Dublin or the nearest Brazilian consulate. Check the official websites for current contact details and appointment procedures.

A two-week trip to Brazil for one person typically costs €1,200–€1,800, including flights, accommodation, food and internal travel. Flights from Dublin to Rio or São Paulo usually cost €600–€900 return with one connection. Internal flights between regions add €60–€150 per leg.

Budget for accommodation: hostels from €15–€30 per night, mid-range hotels €40–€80, and upscale hotels €100+. Meals at local restaurants cost €5–€12; a sit-down dinner in a tourist area is €15–€25. Use cards widely; cash for small vendors.

There are no direct flights from Ireland to Brazil. Most routes connect through Lisbon, London, Paris or Amsterdam. From Dublin, expect a journey of 13–16 hours including the connection. The main gateways are Rio de Janeiro (Galeão) and São Paulo (Guarulhos).

Book early for the best fares, especially for travel between December and February (Brazilian summer) and during Irish school holidays. Check baggage rules, as some airlines charge extra for hold luggage on long-haul flights.

Brazil uses type N sockets (three round pins) and older type C (two round pins). Voltage varies by city: 127 V in Rio, São Paulo and most of the coast; 220 V in Brasília, Fortaleza and parts of the northeast. Check your devices before plugging in; a universal adapter with surge protection is useful.

Power cuts are rare in big cities but possible in remote areas. Carry a power bank for long bus or boat trips.

A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills; it is optional but customary to leave it. For taxis, rounding up is appreciated but not expected. Tour guides and porters typically receive R$10–R$20 per service. In bars, a small tip for the waiter is common.

Tipping is not expected in fast-food or self-service places. In hotels, leave a small amount for housekeeping if you wish.

In an emergency, call 190 for police, 192 for ambulance, and 193 for fire. For consular help, contact the Embassy of Ireland in Brasília or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Save these numbers on your phone before you travel.

For non-urgent issues, your hotel or hostel staff can help with local contacts. In remote areas, mobile coverage may be limited; carry a local SIM or eSIM for data.

This page is based on official government travel advice and the parent country facts for Brazil. Verify current entry rules with the Brazilian consulate or your airline before travel.