Not even the rise in the dollar, on the verge of hitting R$6, is keeping Brazilian tourists away from Uncle Sam’s land, whether with the intention of walking around in New York, shopping in Miami or enjoying the theme parks from Orlando.
Since the reopening for Brazilians on November 8, the United States has been one of the most sought after countries, according to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Association of Tour Operators, in partnership with Up Soluções, released in the same month.
“The US has always been a place with a lot of demand, not only for its tourist attraction, but also for shopping and business. Even before opening the borders, there was already a lot of demand for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Carnival. And the most sought after destinations continue to be New York, Miami and Orlando”, says Frederick Levy, director of the agency Interpoint Viagens e Turismo.
The specialist bet so much on the reopening that he bought tickets to the US before it happened. And came out in profit. “Before the announcement by the US government, the air fare was much cheaper. Afterwards, the value almost doubled in price, but I believe that, soon, it will end up adjusting”, assesses Levy.
In addition to the high dollar, ticket prices and proof of complete immunization, required for people over 18, and the negative PCR test done within 72 hours of boarding, another obstacle to visiting the country may be the visa issue, mandatory for Brazilians. During the pandemic, US consulates froze visa issues and, today, a Brazilian can wait up to a year to get through the interview.
“We are working diligently to increase the availability of places for all classes of visas, as the situation of Covid-19 in Brazil continues to improve”, says, in a note, the US Consulate in BrasÃlia.
For those who just need to renew their visa, in most cases, interviews are waived, and tourists can complete the procedures via the internet. The period for renewal was extended to 48 months after the visa expires, but, as of 2022, it goes back to 12 months.
With 59% of the US population fully immunized and what President Joe Biden called “a pandemic among the unvaccinated”, some states like New York and California have adopted the immunity passport, which allows entry into bars, restaurants, homes from concerts to theaters and hotels… and prevents people from ending up eating pizza on the sidewalk.
Service
NOVA YORK
Main attractions: Time Square, Broadway, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, Empire State Building, High Line, Meatpacking District, Williamsburg.
Average daily rate at a hotel: R$ 600 (couple).
Average daily rate on Airbnb: R$ 450 (shared house) and R$ 750 (complete apartment).
WASHINGTON D.C.
Main attractions: Capitol Building, White House, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, Lincoln Park and several historical monuments.
Average daily rate on Airbnb: R$ 280 (shared house) and R$ 400 (complete apartment).
MIAMI
Main attractions: Sawgrass Mills (outlet), Coconut Grove, South Beach, Lincoln Road, Miami Design District, Wynwood Marketplace, FTX Arena.
Average daily rate at a hotel: BRL 480 (couple).
Average daily rate on Airbnb: R$380 (shared house) and R$550 (complete apartment).
ORLANDO
Main attractions: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Average daily rate at a hotel: R$ 400 (couple).
Average daily rate on Airbnb: R$250 (shared house) and R$450 (complete apartment).
THE ANGELS
Main attractions: calçada da fama em Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Sunset Strip, Echo Park, Malibu, Venice Beach e Santa Monica.
Average daily rate at a hotel: R$ 600 (couple).
Average daily rate on Airbnb: R$380 (shared house) and R$650 (complete apartment).
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