Passports & Visas
Visitors from many nations will require a visa to travel to Brazil. The ISHRS is offering the information linked about as a courtesy to congress attendees. It is each attendee’s responsibility to verify Brazil’s visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed. Official information about securing an entry visa to Brazil can be found here.
If you require an invitation to the meeting on ISHRS letterhead for the purpose of obtaining a visa, you may request this during the registration process, or by contacting ISHRS Headquarters Office at +1-630-262-5399 or info@ishrs.org.
Airport & Ground Transportation Information
The conference venue, the Windsor Convention Center & Hotels, is located 28.5 km (18 mi.) from Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG) and 25.2 km (16 mi) from Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). Traffic in Rio can be heavy, so pending your arrival or departure times you expect an approximately one-hour commute to/from either airport.
Blumar Pre-Arranged Airport Transfers
You may book your airport transportation through Blumar Congress & Events, the Official Travel Agency of the ISHRS 2026 World Congress, using their ISHRS 2026 World Congress website: Blumar – Congress & Events ISHRS 34th World Congress
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport but be sure to get your taxi from the airport’s official taxi counter/booth to avoid complications. It is best to use authorized official yellow taxis found immediately outside the terminal arrivals area to avoid unlicensed drivers. Radio Taxi is also known to be reputable. Most taxis accept the payment by credit card, but it’s best to ask the driver before you get in. Drivers might only speak Portuguese so have your hotel address written down or visible on your phone, ready to show the driver. Always make sure that the meter is running before starting the journey.
Uber
Uber is available in Rio de Janeiro.
Hotel Parking
Please contact the hotel directly to inquire about parking rates.
Health & Safety Information
Questions about vaccines for Brazil? Please check the CDC website for the latest guidance.
Questions about safety in Brazil? Please check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest guidance.
Medical and Other Insurance
Check with your personal medical insurance plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance. Visitors are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever traveling outside of their own country.
Additional Information
Language
The official language is Portuguese. English is not widely spoken. Hotels and restaurants/shops in heavy tourist areas are more likely to have English speakers on staff.
Weather
October temperatures in Rio de Janeiro are generally between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C) with eight days of rain. It is generally a comfortable, moderately humid month with occasional rain showers.
Time Zone
At the time of the ISHRS 2026 World Congress Rio de Janeiro will be on Brasília Time (BRT), which is UTC-3.
Recommended Attire
The attire for the ISHRS World Congress is business and for the Gala Dinner the attire will be black tie. If you prefer, as a tradition of the ISHRS, you may wear a costume reflective of your native country for the Gala Dinner.
Currency
Brazilian Reais (Real) – BRL
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Rio de Janeiro.
Local Taxes
The combined sales tax rate in Rio de Janeiro is 17% to 20% on most goods and services.
Tipping
Restaurants: Most restaurants and bars add a 10% service fee to the bill. More upscale restaurants may add 15%.
Taxi Drivers: Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but it is normal to round up.
Housekeeping: BRL$5 to $10 per day is a generous and appreciated amount.
Room Service: Check to see if the hotel has already added a service charge in which case you do not need to tip. If not, add 5-10%.
Bell Service: BRL$2 to $5 per bag is standard.
Electricity
Brazil operates on a 110-120V supply voltage and 60Hz and uses Type N socket. Type C plugs (two round pins) are also fully compatible.
Type N socket
Type C socket