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Guidelines for Jamaicans Travelling to Brazil for the World Cup

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican Embassy in Brazil and the Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade provide the following useful advice for Jamaicans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will take place in Brazil from 12th June to 13th July 2014

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade in Jamaica and the Jamaican Embassy in Brazil are committed to their mandate to protect the welfare of Jamaican citizens abroad. The Consular Section of the Jamaican Embassy in Brazil is required to carry out this mandate, within the limits of its authority and in accordance with international law. Jamaica and Brazil are signatories to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 and are, therefore, bound by it.

The representatives of the Embassy are prepared to provide assistance to citizens of Jamaica in Brazil, but within the limits of the Convention.

The Embassy of Jamaica is located in Brasilia, one of the sites of the World Cup, but hundreds of kilometres from some of the other sites for the World Cup.

The contact details for the Embassy are:
Telephone (61) 2192-9774/2194-7234
Emergency (61) 8107-7794 (after 5:00 pm)
E-Mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
There are steps that Jamaican citizens can take to take to ensure that their stay in Brazil is pleasant, memorable, safe and free of undesirable incidents. You should:
– Abide by the laws of Brazil;
– Keep your passport and documents given to you by the immigration officer on arrival, other documents and your valuables secure at all times;
– Make proper arrangements for your visit prior to travelling, for example obtaining travel insurance;
– Make proper and secure arrangements for accommodation;
– Have adequate funds or a back-up source in case of emergency funding; the Brazilian Real (R$) is the recognised currency. However, be mindful of the risk of travelling with large amounts of cash;
– Be sensitive to and respectful of the culture and values of Brazil;

– Be aware of your immediate surroundings and take as much precaution as you can for your personal well-being and security;
– Travel with details of an emergency contact person.
Services to Jamaican Citizens (General)
Here are some of the services we will be offering during the World Cup. (See Website for a more inclusive list www.jamaicanembassy.br.com/OtherServices
– In medical emergencies, we provide lists of local doctors and hospitals and assistance in arranging a medical evacuation (at your expense);
– Provide advice and support to you and your family in Jamaica in the case of an accident or serious illness. We will also ensure nominated contacts are informed (if you give your consent);
– Advise victims of serious crimes, including arranging for nominated contacts to be informed (if you give your consent);
– Assist if you are arrested in Brazil, by visiting or contacting you and by arranging for your family to be informed (if you give your consent). We will also seek to ensure that you are treated fairly under the laws of Brazil, and will provide you with a list of local lawyers;
– Assist in cases of missing persons by liaising with the local authorities and relatives;
– Facilitate the replacement of your passport if it has been lost/stolen/damaged (relevant fees apply); However, nationals are strongly urged to secure their travel documents;
– Assist you to contact relatives or friends for help with money or airfare.

Services the Embassy cannot provide
– Extend your visa, grant a waiver or make any other change to your immigration status in Brazil – this is a private matter between you and the Brazilian immigration authorities;
– Replace lost airline tickets or immigration documents issued by a foreign government. It is your duty to keep these documents safe;
– Pay or guarantee payment of your hotel, airline, or other bills;
– Post bail for you, pay any legal expenses, intervene in court appearances or seek special treatment for you;
– Intervene in deportation matters. Jamaican citizens are subject to the laws of the countries to which they travel. However, once a Jamaican is arrested, we do everything in our power under the Vienna Convention to protect his or her rights and welfare;
– Investigate dead or missing persons’ cases. Reports of missing/deceased persons are investigated by the police. The Embassy can only make inquiries on behalf of families and obtain reports from the relevant authorities;
– Provide or pay for search and rescue services (although we can help you arrange these services);
– Provide or pay for medical services or medication;
– Provide translation, interpretation, telephone or Internet services, except in an emergency;
– Intervene in customs or quarantine requirements and regulations of Brazil;
– Provide physical protection or security;
– Accept responsibility for the custody or return of lost luggage/property;

Report anyone to the Immigration or police authorities. In cases of criminal complaints, persons will be directed to the appropriate Police Post.
Visa Requirements
– Jamaican citizens, traveling on a Jamaican passport are required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. Please check and make sure that your passport is valid for more than six (6) months;
– If you do not yet have your visa please contact the Embassy of Brazil in Kingston (for Jamaicans overseas the nearest Brazilian Mission) for an appointment to apply for your visa. The Embassy is located at 23 Millsborough Crescent, Kingston 6; Telephone: 946-9812; 927-8964;978-8608.E-Mail: [email protected].
– Visa applications for minors (under 18) shall be accompanied by a notarised (i.e., stamped by a Justice of the Peace) travel authorisation from either parent (or a guardian); For persons visiting as spectators only, a- “Tourist Visa – VITUR TE” is required.
– Other types of visas apply for journalists and regular tourist. Spectators are eligible for this type of visa but can also apply for a regular tourists visa. When filling the online application form, please select the option “FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – spectators”. It requires a ticket for at least one of the games or the receipt as proof. The latest date of entry in Brazil with this type of Tourist Visa TE is 13th July 2014. The Tourist Visa TE cannot be extended.
– The Brazilian Embassy may request additional information or documentation, as deemed necessary.

Applications for regular visas will also be available during 2014 FIFA World Cup period.
– Please note that spectators and journalists/camerapersons who already have a valid entry visa to Brazil in their passports may use it to attend the World Cup.
– World Cup visas are free of charge with World Cup tickets. All other types of visas are for a cost.
– Vaccination
Please ensure you obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate to take with you on your flight. In Jamaica, this can be obtained from the Comprehensive Clinic in Kingston. There is an appointment system, please apply early.
Tickets for FIFA World Cup 2014
Note carefully!! Neither the Jamaican Embassy, nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade of Jamaica can help you with obtaining tickets for the matches.
Information about tickets and rules for entering the stadium of your choice can be found at the FIFA Web site www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html.
Additional Travel Tips
– Copy the bio-data page of your passport and have with a designated contact person (in case of loss, theft or damage);
– Prior to arrival or on arrival in Brazil, register with the Jamaican Embassy by email (name, contact details in Jamaica and contact details in Brazil),
– As far as possible, travel in groups, whenever possible, especially at nights;
– Identify essential services providers in your locale;
– Ensure that you have adequate medical insurance that can be used in Brazil;

If you have a chronic medical condition which requires medication, ensure that you have an adequate supply of the medication for the duration of your visit. Keep the name and contact details of your doctor available (give a copy to a friend/relative);
 It also recommended that you wear medical alert bracelet if you have one.

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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