TRAVELING TO PROGRAM
We're excited to have you joining us on our program in!
Volunteers are responsible for getting to and from the program on their own. Please be sure to factor in costs when planning your journey. You will find more information about how to travel to the program by reading the information on this page.
For security reasons, we do not disclose the exact location of our base on this website. However, once you’ve applied and have been accepted, you’ll receive a detailed step-by-step guide on everything you need to know to plan your journey. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
While planning your journey please make sure you familiarise yourself with visa and entry requirements. As visa regulations vary depending on nationality, and are subject to frequent change, All Hands and Hearts can not offer guidance. We strongly recommend speaking with your local embassy or looking at your government's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Please, take the time to familiarize yourself with any medical or vaccination requirements, such as for COVID-19 and other restrictions in your destination country and other countries you may travel to before or after your time on the program as these could be different to the All Hands and Hearts requirement.
Please read our full COVID advice document to learn more about our safety measures, and guidance for staying safe while traveling to the program. You can read more about our safety measures on the Health, Safety and Security page.
Communication
Our Volunteer Coordination Managers will be processing your application and providing all the information you need to prepare for the program. These managers work remotely and can be contacted via the program email account: brazilfloodrelief@allhandsandhearts.org
Prior (7-10 days) to your arrival, the Volunteer Relations Coordinator for your program will be reaching out to answer any last-minute questions and provide any last-minute support. Please be sure to download the Whatsapp app on your phone as this is not only the primary means of communication before the program. It is also the primary source of communication while on the program.
VISA Information
Currently, passport holders from the US, Canada, and Australia have visa-free entry to Brazil until April 10th, 2025. For all other countries, please check with your local embassy or consulate for accurate information. Be sure to allow enough time to get the visa before booking travel.
GETTING TO BASE
Our Brazil Flood Relief Program is located in Porto Alegre. Once you are invited to join the program, you will receive a more detailed document with Directions to Base.
flying
We recommend you fly into Brazil through the Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo. Due to the flooding, some of the major airports in the area are closed, and flights into Caxias do Sul are proving tricky to come by. We appreciate your patience as we figure this ever-changing situation out, and we will keep you posted with updates.
Nearby Airports:
Canoas- This is a temporary airport, landing in an airforce base, due to the Porto Alegre airport being closed due to the flooding. These flights are almost always sold out, but if you can find one, it is the closest to base. The taxi/Uber ride takes roughly 25 minutes.
Caxias do Sul- This airport is about 2 hours from the base, and you will need to either take a bus to Porto Alegre and then an Uber or taxi to the base, or you can try to Uber or taxi from the airport all the way to the base. This airport is also almost always sold out, so you may not see flight options for the day of your travel.
Florianopolis- This airport seems to be the one with the most consistent and available flight options from Sao Paulo, but it is the furthest from the base. There are several bus lines that go from Florianopolis to Porto Alegre.
DRIVING
If you are in an area that is feasible for you to drive and you would like to bring a car to base, please reach out to the staff to confirm that we have space to accommodate your personal vehicle.
