Lodging

In June 2011, the Ministry of Tourism established the Brazilian System of Lodging Facilities Classification (SBClass), a tool that helped create a new classification for the hotel industry.

The number of stars for each establishment varies from 1 to 5 and in order to get the classification, it is necessary to meet mandatory requirements (compulsory) and elective (free choice). A five star hotel, for example, must provide, among other items, bed mattresses larger than national standards, television in 100% of the apartments, training program for employees, permanent measures to raise awareness of the guests in relation to sustainability and payment by credit or debit card.

To determine whether the classification of the means of accommodation is appropriate for the contracted service, please access SBClass' website(content in portuguese).

The lodging facilities in Brazil are divided into seven categories:

Hotel - it includes reception service, temporary accommodation, with or without food service, offered in single units to be exclusive used by the guest through a daily charge.

Resort - it offers leisure and entertainment infrastructure inside its own facilities.

Farm Hotel - located in a rural environment, endowed with agricultural exploitation, it offers entertainment and a countryside experience.

Bed and Breakfast - accommodation in a residence with a maximum of three housing units for touristic use, with breakfast in the morning and cleaning services, where the owner of the establishment lives.

Historical Hotel - housed in a building preserved in its original form or restored, or even a place that has been the scene of historical and cultural events of acknowledged importance.

Lodge - horizontal-featured venture composed of a maximum of 30 housing units and 90 beds, with reception services, food and temporary shelter. It may be built in a single building with three floors, or have log cabins or bungalows.

Flat / Apartment Hotel - consisting of housing units that have a bedroom, bathroom, living room and equipped kitchen in a building with integrated management and businesses, with a reception and cleaning services.

Rights

In order to visit Brazil, the foreign citizen needs a tourist visa. Countries that have signed reciprocal agreements with Brazil may have their citizens exempted from visa requirements. To know what are the beneficiary nations, please access the Visa Regime General Table - (content in portuguese). 

The visa application to enter Brazil can be done at any Brazilian consulate abroad. It is required the payment of a fee, which varies according to the type of visa requested and the duration of the tourist's stay. The passport must have at least six months of validity from the time of the request. You must also submit a recent color photograph 3x4 or 5x7 with white background.

From the moment they arrive in Brazil, foreign citizens enjoy the rights of the Brazilian consumer. They may claim for unauthorized charges and complain about services that were agreed but not delivered. In more severe cases, the major Brazilian cities rely on the Special Offices for Tourist Services (DEAT).

Sources:
Ministry of Tourism 
Brazilian System of Lodging Facilities Classification System (content in portuguese)
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