Most international visitors will need to take an internal flight from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo down to Florianópolis. We know it’s a long way to come to Brazil and the last thing you will want to do once you arrive is get on another plane! We recommend you spend one night in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo when you arrive, then fly down the next day, once you are rested.

It’s important to know what the rules are regarding flying while pregnant. Travel is not recommended seven days before or seven days after delivery. Please note that airlines in Brazil offer preferential service to pregnant passengers, so please make sure the staff know you’re expecting!

Azul Airlines:

If yours is a straightforward pregnancy (not twins, triplets, etc.) there is no need for a medical certificate up to 29 weeks.

Between 30 and 35 weeks, you must present a medical certificate from your doctor (in Portuguese), giving permission to fly.

Between 36 and 38 weeks, you must complete a must present a completed Medical Authorisation form, which will be validated by the airline doctor.

If you’re carrying a multiple birth, or there are risks with your pregnancy, no certificate is required under 29 weeks.

Between 30 and 31 weeks, you must present a medical certificate authorising the trip and complete Azul’s form for pregnant travellers.

Between 32 and 38 weeks, you must complete a must present a completed Medical Authorisation form, which will be validated by the airline doctor.

GOL Airlines:

No medical certificate is required for pregnant women flying up to 27 weeks for a single pregnancy and 25 weeks for a multiple pregnancy.

From 28 to 35 weeks (for a simple pregnancy) or from 26 to 31 weeks (in the case of multiple births), the mother must carry a medical certificate, which must have been obtained within 30 days of travel.

From 36 to 38+ weeks (for a simple pregnancy) or from 32 to 38+ weeks (for multiple births), a medical certificate with a validity of 30 days must be presented. The mother must also carry a declaration of responsibility form, signed by a doctor and the mother.

Mothers should not travel within 7 days of their due date.

LATAM AIRLINES:

There is no need to submit a medical certificate up to 29 weeks, as long as you are in good health.

From 30 weeks, a medical certificate is required, issued no later than 10 days before travel. The certificate must show the following information:

• Origin and destination of your trip
• Dates and times of departure and arrival
• Week of your gestation
• Authorization from your doctor to allow you to travel by air

From 36 weeks (32 weeks if it’s a multiple birth pregnancy), you will need to present the LATAM Medical Certificate (MEDIF).

From 39 weeks, you will not be permitted to fly with LATAM.