Posted July 2011

The new Imray Brazil Cruising guide states visas are not required for people arriving by yacht. Noonsite also indicates some contradiction.

In Fortaleza, federal police required visas in advance, and would not permit entry without them.

We hadn’t intended to stop in Brazil, thus did not get visas in advance. It was just a repair shop.

The U.S. consulate got involved, and a one-day visa was issued to allow is to fuel and go, or to fly out and apply for a proper visa before returning by boat. All officials were very courteous and helpful, and we were made to feel very welcome – but their hands were tied by laws and regulations.

Facilities at Marina Park are being rehabilitated, pontoons painted and repaired, but it is a work in progress. The resort is nice, Armando still very helpful.

Although there are some neighborhoods in Fortaleza that are unsafe, much of it is fairly upscale with nice shopping and dining, and we had no safety issues. There are plenty of taxis everywhere, and large modern supermarkets with a surprising selection, that will deliver to your boat for free.

David Kory

Posted September 2011

The World ARC experience for US and Canadian crew members in Jan/Feb 2011 was that visas in advance were required and were requested at each check in and check out. A telephone conversation to our contacts in Salvador and Recife confirm that this rule is unchanged.

Paul Tetlow

WCC Event Manager – World ARC