Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Brazil offers free entry visas for WYD

Jornada Mundial da Juventude - JMJRio2013Brazil is working to make it easier for pilgrims to attend the World Youth Day taking place in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. 

Last Friday, the government published a decree allowing pilgrims to obtain their entry visas free of charge.

Pilgrims will need to download and fill out the form that is available on the website of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.portalconsular.mre.gov.br/), and present a valid passport with documentation sent by the Organizing Committee of World Youth Day Rio 2013, which demonstrates the participation of pilgrims at WYD.

The entry visa will allow pilgrims to enter the country from July 28, and will be valid for 90 days. 

Volunteers will be able to obtain a year-long visa.

Sister Maria Machado Shaiane, who is heading up registration for WYD 2013, emphasized that it is “essential to have the documentation issued by WYD” in order to obtain the entry visa free of charge.