Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo is huge. They have expanded it since my last visit…read moreand now have Terminal 3 for International flights.
Terminal 3 is modern, has lots of places to buy food, drinks, and gifts both before and after you go through security.
Both my arrival and departure went smoothly. Upon arrival you first go through immigration, then pick up your checked bags and then go through customs. I was surprised that all was rather easy.
Of course, you need a visa before coming to Brazil from the USA. I usually go use the services of Travel Document Systems in Washington DC to obtain my visa because they check your application, help you revise anything that may need correction, then walk it through the embassy for you. TDS has always done an exceptional job and this time was no different. I had my visa in record time via email.
When I departed São Paulo, I arrived to the airport very early (to avoid problems with the SP traffic. There are a multitude of ticket counter for many Airlines from around the world. I was flying with United, and their app included clear instructions as to how to find their counters.
I was so early, my airline did not have their counter open yet, so I spent the time walking around, and enjoying a restaurant and a coffee shop. They have a Starbucks, but I recommend the Brazilian coffee shops more.
Because I have heard stories of people's checked bags being opened and filled with drugs at the airport, I recommend using the services that wrap your bag with plastic prior to checking your luggage. It cost 199 reals, (about $37 USD), but to me it is worth it. I also open my bag at the airport and use my camera to document the contents prior to wrapping. The service includes a tracking service for which you register. Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but, especially when traveling alone, feel it is worth the investment.
After checking my bag, I headed through security and immigration. The lines were long, so I do recommend you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. The agents spoke English, but seemed pleased when I answered them in Portuguese. When entering Brazil, always keep your passport handy, as you'll need it to check into a hotel, and in case of needing to prove your identity.
I was wearing my boots, and did not have to take them off to go through security. I did have to take out my laptop, tablet, phone, and quart sized bag of liquids (toothpaste, sanitizing gel, etc.).
The Terminal is large, so it may take a few minutes of walking to reach your gate. There are many shops, Duty Free, and eateries available, as well as plenty of clean restrooms. Some of the restaurants are American known chains like TGI Fridays.
If you buy a bottle of water inside the Terminal, you are now allowed to take it with you onto your flight (a change from several years ago).
I had a pleasant experience this trip at Terminal 3 at Guarulhos Airport.
