Rio2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games will take place in Rio de Janeiro from 5 August to 21 August, and 7 to 18 September.

The Games in Numbers

Teams and athletes will represent 206 countries at the Olympic Games across 42 Olympic sports in 306 events hosted in at 37 venues. 176 countries will be represented at the Paralympic Games competing in 23 sports in 528 events hosted at 21 venues.

The official opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held at the Maracanã stadium.

You can find all the information about your favourite sport, including venues, tourist information, maps and tickets on the official Rio2016 website: www.rio2016.com/en/sports

How can I get around?

Only take official metro or bus services and do not use unofficial minivans/shuttles, the smartphone application available from https://www.rio2016.com/en/app will include information on public transport. An interactive tourist map of the metro system is available on the Metro Rio website: https://www.metrorio.com.br/VadeMetro/MapaInterativo Caution is advised if using public transport, especially at night. In particular, tourists should be aware of pickpockets. Strikes affecting transport and security may take place at short notice across Brazil. These are often short but may cause disruption.

Many of the major taxi smartphone applications work in Rio de Janeiro, but require a data connection. Your hotel may also be able to provide you with contact details for reputable taxis or drivers.

If you’re hiring a vehicle, do not hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times. Check that you have adequate insurance and get the agent to explain the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Do I need a visa to go to the Olympic and Paralympic Games?

Ireland and Brazil have an agreement under which their citizens can enter each other’s country without a visa and as a tourist for up to 90 days. You will, however, have to be able to show that you are a genuine tourist (see below).

On arrival in Brazil, you must present a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. If you have any other immigration queries, you should ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

In general, on arrival in Brazil you should have:

• Proof that you have or have access to sufficient funds (if you’re bringing a credit card, we advise you to carry a statement to prove the limit).
• A return or onward ticket.
• Proof of accommodation booked for at least the first night.
• if you’re coming from a yellow-fever endemic zone in another South American country- a yellow fever vaccination card
• Prescriptions for any medicines which you are carrying

On entering Brazil, you should ensure your passport is stamped by the immigration authorities and retain a copy of your immigration landing card. These will be reviewed when departing Brazil, and if not presented, a fine may be applied.

If travelling to Rio de Janeiro don’t forget to register with us so that we can contact you in case of an emergency.

Additional Advice on Zika Virus

We advise travellers to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, which can carry a range of serious diseases including malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus. Protective measures include using insect repellent and avoiding areas of high mosquito concentration (e.g. stagnant water). The Department is monitoring the situation and regularly updating travel advice.

The Olympic Games will take place during the winter season in Rio de Janeiro when the cooler and drier weather will reduce mosquito populations. The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) advises that this cooler weather will significantly lower the risk of mosquito-borne infections for visitors, such as Zika virus and dengue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued advice regarding the Olympics and Zika virus. The note advises pregnant women against travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. The WHO finds no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the Games and advises that appropriate care should be taken by visitors to the games to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Safety in Rio de Janeiro:

Rio de Janeiro is a popular tourist destination: Petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching is common. Thieves operate in outdoor markets, in hotels and on and around public transport. Vigilance is recommended in these areas and beaches should be avoided after dark. Tourists should particularly avoid favelas (shanty-towns), where crime rates are very high. It is also recommended to park in well-lit areas; approach your car with the keys ready; drive with the doors locked and the windows up.

It is advisable to carry a minimal amount of personal belongings and to leave valuables at home (passport, cards, jewellery). Please note that you are required to carry photo identification at all times, and so you should apply for the new Passport Card for an alternative and handy form of identification https://www.dfa.ie/passportcard/

If you are a victim of crime, you should cooperate and not resist. Be ready to hand over valuables if you’re threatened; don’t attempt to resist attackers, they may be armed or under the influence of drugs. If you’re a victim of a crime while in Brazil, make a report immediately to the local police. We advise you to obtain a “boletim de ocorrência” (police report) at a “delegacia” (police precinct). Check out our travel advice on Brazil for further information.

Other information

• You are obliged to carry an identity document while in Brazil. However, as mentioned above, we recommend leaving your passport in a safe place in your hotel or accommodation carrying instead a laminated copy of your passport or applying for the new Passport Card. You should also leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.

• It is mandatory to present certificates of vaccinations against poliomyelitis for children between the ages of three months and six years. Those who have been in some countries up to three months before travelling to Brazil should present international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.

• Don’t resell tickets – it’s a criminal offence. You could be arrested or jailed.

• You can’t use an Irish driving licence – make sure to bring an international driving licence (Available from the AA) and that you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

• Due to heightened security, there are likely to be long queues to access public transport and venues, so arrive early and follow the instructions of Olympic and Paralympic officials.

• Take care to eat before drinking alcohol, make sure to drink plenty of water and don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellent.

Contact Details

Embassy of Ireland

SHIS QL 12 conjunto 05 casa 09
Lago Sul
Brasília - DF
CEP 71630-255
Brazil

Telephone: +55 61 3248-8800

Website: https://www.dfa.ie/brazil/

Twitter: @IrlEmbBrazil

Consulate General of Ireland, Sao Paulo
Avenida Paulista 1079, Andar 7
01310-200 – SP
São Paulo
Brazil

Website: https://www.dfa.ie/sao-paulo/

Twitter: IrlSaoPaulo

Temporary Consulate of Ireland, Rio de Janeiro (Open from August 1st 2016)

Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Website: (Dedicated Travel Website Page)

Telephone: + 55 61 32488800