IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

          TRANSPORT, ACCOMODATION and FOOD

            Those interested in participating in the GNH Conference should provide their own transport to the International Airport of the Cataracts, in Foz de Iguaçu. 

            The airlines which fly from São Paulo to Foz de Iguaçu are: TAM Airlines and Gol Airlines. To purchase tickets, you may consult the travel agency, Celebra Eventos (45-3528-6700). 

            Once you register for the Conference, the organizers will be responsible for your transport from the airport to the hotels, and for food and accommodation during the five days from the 20^th to the 24^th of November (6 days for non-Brazilians, including the 19^th), and for the Conference fees.  For more information please contact Celebra Eventos.

            VISAS       
     
             For citizens of countries having concluded agreements with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations, the tourist visa is almost automatic: it is only necessary to present a passport valid for 6 months (from the date of arrival in Brazil).
            Generally, tourists can stay in Brazil for 90 days. Once the visa expires, it will be necessary to renew it with the Federal Police, without forgetting that the maximum period of permanence in Brazil is 180 days a year.
             
            Other types of visas to Brazil are: transit, official, diplomatic, temporary and permanent. For these types of visa, contact the Brazilian consular and diplomatic representatives at your country of residence, as these visas can be obtained only outside Brazil.

            VACCINATION

            Even if previous vaccination before visiting Brazil is not compulsory, the tourist who travels to this country, and may be vulnerable to certain types of disease, should take some precautions.  

            Before leaving to Brazil, as well as to any other country, it is advisable to consult your family physician to know how to prevent the most common diseases in different regions of the world.

            A SHORT GUIDE TO IMMUNIZATION
            The ideal for almost all types of vaccine is to get vaccinated at least one month before the trip. This procedure ensures the certainty of protection and immunity. Recommended vaccinations:
 
            Yellow Fever
               A vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for tourists wishing to visit the center-west, north and northeast, and especially for those who will visit the Amazon.
            Hepatitis-B
            Tetanus
            Malaria

            There is no vaccine against malaria, but it is possible to adopt a scheme for prevention, such as the use of repellents.

            DRESS, SECURITY AND OTHER ADVICE

            When preparing to pack, remember that in Brazil the sun shines almost all year round, therefore it is advisable to give preference to sports clothes and cotton shirts, swimsuits, sarongs, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and repellent, a light rain coat, and also something a bit warmer for air conditioning in pubs or restaurants and nights during autumn. For tours of eco-tourism one should wear closed shoes, such as "trekking" shoes and trousers to protect from insects.

            At places where you wish to prevent loss or theft, carry only the necessary documents: identity card or passport. Do not forget your driver's license if you intend to drive a car, and remember to check if your driver’s license is valid for Brazil.

            If you are traveling alone, or with children under 18, you should always have at hand the permit of the caregiver. The authorization form for the travel of minors must be filed at the Brazilian consulate in your own country before traveling. Brazilian authorities usually demand this document when entering and leaving the country.

            You must verify if your Health Plan is valid abroad. If there is a need for specific drugs, bring the original prescriptions with you.