On September 17 2013 the National Immigration Council published its Normative Resolution 105/2013. The new resolution, which updates the council's Normative Resolution 71/2006, regulates the granting of visas to foreign seafarers working onboard tourist vessels operating in Brazilian jurisdictional waters.

Under the new resolution, work permits will be granted to each foreign seafarer by the Ministry of Labour for a maximum period of two years, increased from 180 days. The temporary visa relating to this authorisation can also be issued with a validity period of up to two years, instead of 180 days.

Entry visas to the country will still not be required from foreign seafarers working onboard a foreign tourist vessel, provided that such seafarer bears an international seafarer's identity card or similar document.

The new resolution establishes that the visa requirement is not applicable to foreign tourist vessels undertaking voyages between international and domestic ports for up to 45 days and transporting mostly foreign tourists whose embarkation or disembarkation occurs in foreign ports.

For further information on this topic please contact Godofredo Mendes Vianna at Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados by telephone (+55 21 2276 6200), fax (+55 21 2253 4259) or email ([email protected]). The Kincaid website can be accessed at www.kincaid.com.br.

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