Travel Advisory for Indian for FIFA WORLD CUP 2014

With the FIFA World Cup 2014 starting today, travelers from all part of the world have arrived in Brazil to witness the grand play. So, if you are from India, all set to experience a stay in Brazil, then go through these travel advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Brazil that can help you enjoy the football extravaganza without any fuss.

For travelers transiting through the Guarulhos Airport (Sao Paulo) followed by connecting flight to other Brazilian city from the same airport (Guarulhos), it is better to have minimum four hours gap between the two flights for immigration, customs and later on a hassle free check-in for the next flight. In case the next flight is from other airport Congonhas, a minimum six hours gap is advised since the airport transfer from one airport to another can take 2 to 3 hours depending upon the traffic.

• Indian national passport holders need to have a valid with at least six months validity and return ticket to travel to Brazil.
• In case of loss or misplacement of baggage, you can lodge a complaint with the concerned airline instead of the Indian Post or Mission.
• Confirm your hotel bookings well-in advance to avoid any hassle upon arrival.
• Keep your original passport safely. When you are travelling out of the hotel make sure to carry a photocopy of your passport.
• All the FIFA tickets are Id-specific and non-transferable. So make sure to carry a proper Id proof as per FIFA guidelines, when attending the matches.
• If you lose your passport, contact the nearest Indian Mission - the Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo (in case it’s lost in the States of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Parana, Santa Catarina or Rio Grande do Sul) or the Embassy of India in Brasilia (if you lost it in any other part of Brazil).
• If you are going out of the hotel make sure to carry cash only as much needed. Also avoid carrying more cash, credit cards, and other valuables like smart phones, gold jewelry, etc. to avoid theft/mugging.
• In case of a mugging attempt/ confrontation, part your valuables immediately than offering resistance or entering into an argument.
• For personal safety avoid going to isolated areas and leaving your hotel late at night. Also keep yourself updated with the possible transport strikes/ demonstrations.
• Always make sure to use authorized taxi services from airport, and hotel for your safety.
• Dress appropriately to avoid unwanted attention.

Some of the Emergency contact nos. are :

• Emergency Service Numbers Police 190
• Highway Federal Police 191
• Medical Emergency 192
• Fire Department 193
• Traffic 154
• Crime against women 180

Indian Mission in Brazil :

Embassy of India in Brasilia: (Address: SES 805, LOTE 24, ASA SUL, BRASILIA ,CEP 70451-901 TEL. No. +55 (61) 3248-4006; FAX: +55-61-3248-7849 / 3248-5486 E-mail: dcm@indianembassy.org.br; hoc.brasilia@mea.gov.in)

• Mr. Raj Srivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission (Cell: +55-61-81571134 )
• Mr. S. Koventhan, Second Secretary (Cell: +55-61-81572157 )
• Mrs. Madhu Bhutani, Attache (Cell: +55-61-82542019 )

Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo :

(Address: Av. Paulista 925, 7th floor, CEP 01311-100, Sao Paulo, SP
TEL. NOS: +55-11-32793780 & 32793773. E-mail: cg@indiaconsulate.org.br; hoc@indiaconsulate.org.br )

• Ms. Abhilasha Joshi, Consul General (Cell: +55-11-991332112 )
• Mr. B.S. Saini, Consul (Cell: +55-11-991845224 )
• Mr. P.K. Mishra, Vice Consul (Cell: +55-11-991845463 )

For complete information on host cities of the FIFA World Cup visit the Brazilian Government website: http://www.copa2014.gov.br/en/servicos/saopaulo

Content courtesy: http://news.oneindia.in/sports/must-read-indians-travelling-brazil-fifa-world-cup-2014-1464211.html#infinite-scroll-1