Brazil (Federative Republic of)

History of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info | Currency Info | Trade Statistics | Visits and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/ Organisations

History of Relations

Formal diplomatic relations between the Union of South Africa Africa and the Federative Republic of Brazil were established in January 1948.  Recent bilateral relations between South Africa and Brazil formalised rapidly since the advent of a democratic South Africa. Brazil's President FH Cardoso singled out improved relations with South Africa as a foreign policy priority, a sentiment since echoed repeatedly by Brazil's Foreign Minister LF Lampreia.

The expansion of bilateral relations resulted in the mutual exchange of numerous high-level visits, most notably, the 1996 State Visit to South Africa by President Cardoso and the 1998 and 2000 State Visits to Brazil by President Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki, respectively.  President Cardoso, accompanied by a large delegation of Brazilian businessmen, paid an official visit to South Africa from 25 to 28 November 1996.

The appointment of Ambassador Otto A Maia during April 1996 to South Africa marked the first time ever that a career diplomat with the rank of Under Secretary-General was appointed as Brazilian Ambassador to any African country.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Brazil 

H E Ms L D Zulu
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy
South African Consulate General: Sao Paulo

OFFICE HOURS
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 08:00 - 13:00 14:00 - 17:15
Wednesdays: 08:00 - 14:15

TIME DIFFERENCE WITH SA:
-5 hours (Winter - October - February)
-4 hours (Summer - March - September)

Brazil Representation in South Africa

H E Mr J V de Sá Pimentel
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil or visit their web site.

Visa Requirements for Brazilian citizens visiting South Africa

For more information contact any South African Embassy.

Travel Advisory: Warning on illegal activities abroad

South African citizens travelling abroad are strongly advised to take care not to become involved in activities which may be, or are, illegal in foreign countries. Please remember, once you leave South Africa, you are not protected by South African laws and constitutional rights. If you are arrested abroad, the South African Government cannot get you out of prison or demand your release. At most, your government can intercede with local authorities to try and ensure that your rights under the laws of the country in which you were arrested are fully observed. It can also attempt to ensure that you are treated humanely, i.e., according to those international agreements to which the country in which you have been arrested, has acceded.

Please note that the South African Government views crimes - particularly those involving illegal drugs, mercenary activities, the traffic in humans or small arms or the abuse of women and children - in a most serious light.

Health Requirements

Medical facilities are available, but expensive. English speaking doctors and dentists are available.

         Yellow Fever certificate is required for pax travelling to following areas: Acre, Amazonas Amapa, Distrito Federal, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso. Mato Gross do Sol, Para, Rondonia, Tocantins, Roraima.

         Yellow Fever certificate is required by SA authorities for pax returning from South American countries.

         Children up to the age of 6 years must be vaccinated against polio.

         Malaria risk outside of urban areas/coastal areas from Rio to Recife - no malaria.

         Hepatitis B - immunisation recommended for pax travelling in the Amazon.

         Tetanus - immunisation recommended if more than 2 years have elapsed since last inoculation

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Brazil's climate is similar to South Africa, but extremely dry (low humidity) during the winter months (June/July). During the summer months (January/February) temperatures can go up to 40 degrees C in the Rio de Janeiro area.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Real (R$) - plural = Reais.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No information

Bilateral Agreements

Trade Info

South African exports to Brazil include anthracite and coal, ashes and residues, mineral waxes, stainless steel, machinery, base metals, medical instruments and paperboard boxes. Manufactured products from South Africa entering the Brazilian market include mining equipment, chemicals, pool equipment, steel tubes, glass, software, roof tiles and beer.

Important SA Imports from Brazil: Chemicals, vehicles, machinery, iron and steel, paper, ceramics.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Afghanistan, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

No information