Going to Brazil just to pick up my granddaughter?

Question

If I come to Brazil to pick up my granddaughter will I have to stay for a certain amount of time or can I pick her up and return on the next flight back to US?

Answer 1

Provided she has the right documents, of course you can.

Is she a minor?

There´s nothing that stops you from arriving in the morning and flying off immediatly.

Answer 2

If she is a minor, you will need to get authorization from both her parents before leaving Brazil. The federal police will need the documents signed by both parents before she board the plane, and they are very serious about this.

About your stay in Brazil, I don't believe they will care about how long you stay. But check this with the Brazilian consulates, and also your airline carrier. SInce Brazil is such a lovely place to visit, despite the violence, you should plan ot stay for a few days at least and try to enjoy your trip down there.

Answer 3

You can pick her and return immediately (usually arrivals early in the morning and departures at night).

Please notice that you will need a valid visa for that, and she will nedd hers to enter the US. Go to the closest Brazilian consulate and submit one month in advance if possible. It will cost around US$ 100 for the visa.

You will also need not only the written authorization from the parents with some authentication from a notary public called "firma reconhecida", but probably the authorization from a Brazilian judge (juizado de menores).

Brazilian laws are impossible to understand (it is made on purpose), and everything can be very bureaucractic and slow. Please treat very well all the officers you meet at consulate and borders/airport. They can make things easier or impossible to you if they want.

Answer 4

I need more details to understand your question. But in general what they said about children in Brazil is true.

With no parents written authorisation you won't go past the entry door.

US citizens need visa to go to Brazil. Even for one hour or so. They will also be fingerprinted and face scanned.

And (we need details!) if your 'granddaughter' is Brazilian, she'll need a visa do go to the US.

NO, with the amount of info you provided, IT WON'T BE JUST GO AND PICK UP!.

Double check the details and do your homework.

Answer 5

If she is below eighteen years then she needs an official authorization from her parents to travel anywhere with you. That means not just a letter from the parents but the authorization has to be done formally and  has to be registered with a special section of the government called the juizado de menores. Without this - no go. They are very strict about enforcing this, especially if she is Brazilian by nationality, and you will be held up at the airport without this document.  Further, she would need to have a valid passport and, if not a US citizen, then a visa to the US.

Answer 6

Check with the Brazilian consulate, pretty please.  Brazil has laws to protect kids and prevent kidnapping, and there may be some regulations you need to comply with.  Brazilians are wonderful people, but the rules for entering the country are pretty strict.  Please, please, please don't rely on people who don't deal with these issues every day.

Answer 7

I really don't know for sure but common sense tells me you can do whatever you want........pick her up and leave whenever you like assuming you can catch the next flight out in time.  I don't think Brazil is different from any other country. Your travel agent can certainly clear it up for you when you buy your ticket. Safe travels!