GETTING TO PIPA
FLYING TO AND IN BRAZIL
Where is the wedding going to be?
The wedding will be held in the town of Pipa, Tibau do Sul, located in a state called Rio Grande do Norte in the Northeast of Brazil. Pipa is located 99 km from Natal’s airport, which is about a 90 minute drive. If you let us know when you’ll be arriving in Natal, we will organize your transportation from the airport to Pipa.
How can I get to Pipa from the U.S.?
Although Pipa is located in the north of Brazil, if you are flying from the U.S. you will likely need to fly first to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasília, and from there fly north to Natal. From most places in the U.S., your most common route will likely be to Sao Paulo (Guarulhos airport (GRU)) and from there to Natal.
Flying from Europe
If you are coming from Europe you may be able to save some traveling time, as there are direct flights from Lisbon to Natal. Alternatively, you can fly to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasília, and then fly north to Natal.
For flights inside Brazil, we recommend using LATAM, Azul or Gol airlines.
Can I drive to Pipa from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo?
Remember Brazil is a continental-size country. A trip from Rio de Janeiro to Natal takes around 50 hours by bus, 40 hours by car, or 3 hours by plane.
IMMIGRATION | CONNECTION FLIGHTS
How long after my first flight arrives should I book my connection?
When arriving in Brazil, you must go through immigration and collect your luggage, even if you are immediately taking a connecting flight. For example, if you arrive in São Paulo, you will need to collect your luggage, pass through immigration control, and then drop off any checked bags for your connecting flight.
Factor in at least one hour to pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Please also remember, if you’re connecting in Rio of Sao Paulo, that the airports are huge, and you should leave at least two hours between your arrival and your connecting flight (maybe more).
Also (in case you’re booking your international and domestic flights separately) both Rio and Sao Paulo have multiple airports! Make sure you don’t need to change airports for your connecting flight.
If you would like assistance in making your plans to travel to Pipa (or in planning additional travel in Brazil before or after the wedding) would recommend contacting Marcella at Segredos de Viagem (agencia@segredosdeviagem.com.br – mention Babi -Sam Wedding) and she can help you plan the perfect trip.
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PASSPORT | VISA
What documents do I need?
First, you will need a passport. Authorities and airlines may ask to confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry day to Brazil before allowing you into the country.
Second, the government of Brazil has announced plans, currently set to go into effect in April 2024, to require U.S. passport holders to have a visa to enter Brazil. Brazil’s policy is to require a visa for visitors from countries that require Brazilian citizens to have a visa to visit them (and to charge the same fees that the foreign country charges Brazilians). The application of the visa requirement for U.S. citizens has been pushed back several times, but will likely be in effect before August 2024. We are monitoring the situation and can provide updates to all U.S. passport holders. According to the most recent information, the visa for U.S. passport holders will be available online, take five days to process, and cost $80.90 per person.
Citizens from many countries do not need a visa to enter Brazil (including citizens of European Union countries and from many South American countries). You can check if you need a visa here.
If no visa is required then there is nothing more you need to do, just come with your passport and the address of where you are staying. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your return ticket and hotel reservation, in case you are asked for it at immigration control.