The U.S. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) issued guidance since June relating to flight operations to three South American countries: Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela.
For Brazil the advice was issued on July 16 and states: “For those with no travel experience in Brazil, international handlers can help operators make the necessary arrangements before visiting South America’s largest country. Aside from selecting a flight-planning partner, companies should consider the following on flying to Brazil.”
It then list the five pieces of advice:
• expect a slower pace – “flight crew should learn local procedures and be prepared for processes to take longer than in the U.S.;
• Get your visas in order; keep volcanic activity in mind – especially over the Andes mountains, which have 2,000 volcanoes (one quarter can be active to some extent at any given time);
• check ahead for fuel, maintenance and ramp services – most airports expect operators to have their own tow bars;
• obtain contact details before arriving of all possible maintenance providers (for airframe, avionics and engine).”
NBAA states that Pablo Pañalva, who is the regional lead for South America on the NBAA’s International Operators Committee, advises: “Once an operator sets up handling services through an ISP [International Service Provider] for a given location in Brazil, I would highly recommend for captains to contact the local FBO or handling company ops manager in Brazil directly to re-confirm all services already in place, double checking all aspects of the operation that is about to take place and addressing potential last minute concerns prior to the trip.” He warns that things can change unexpectedly in South America, for example a fuel shortage, ATC strike or demonstrations.
For Venezuela, the country implemented new visa requirements in March, meaning that some U.S. citizens travelling to the country now need to obtain a visa. Active crewmembers have a 72-hour exemption provision if they’re listed in the General Declarations (GenDec), said the NBAA advice note. Crewmembers have to stay at or near the airport and cannot engage in business or tourist activities.
Business travellers need a visa and they are not easy to obtain, and need to be applied for 5-10 days before the trip at least – if not 3-4 weeks beforehand (according to G3 Global Services). Tourists face an even harder task and need to go for a personal interview at their nearest Venezuelan consulate.
NBAA recommends that business aircraft operators ask all passengers headed for Venezuela present their visas before boarding. But the association notes that operators should obtain the latest information as the situation is changing constantly.
With Argentina, the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) procedures are “strict,” said NBAA. “All items, including any luggage and passenger or crew belongings, which are not flight-related items, must be removed from the aircraft, scanned by a CIQ officer and stored off the aircraft during one’s entire stay in Argentina. Only frozen food items may be stored at the airport. Passengers and crew members are cleared through biometric measures, including photos and fingerprints.”
It added that Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (EZE/SAEZ) is “reported to be one of the strictest in regards to CIQ procedures. Flight crews must be aware of the requirement to unload all baggage and must be particularly diligent when transporting items like art pieces, musical instruments or other valuable items. If you plan to carry these types of items it’s highly recommended that you notify your ground handler in advance so they can make appropriate arrangements.” Argentina also requires all passengers who are American, Canadian or Australian citizens to pay a “reciprocity fee” prior to arriving at any port of entry in Argentina. Flight crewmembers are exempt from this fee and if listed on the general declaration are not required to have visas. NBAA advises a visit to the Direccion Nacional Migraciones website for detailed immigration requirements.
“Operators should also be aware of specific airport restrictions. For example, San Fernando International Airport (FDO/SADF) is a popular Buenos Aires alternative, but it is a weight-restricted airport. Other airports have limited parking availability or have only Spanish-speaking air traffic controllers. Still others have limited ground service equipment.”
NBAA has several resources to help members who are planning international trips, including the International Feedback Database and Air Mail social network.