Brazil
is working to make it easier for pilgrims to attend the World Youth Day
taking place in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.
Last Friday, the government
published a decree allowing pilgrims to obtain their entry visas free of
charge.
Pilgrims will need to download and fill out the form
that is available on the website of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(http://www.portalconsular.mre.gov.br/), and present a valid passport
with documentation sent by the Organizing Committee of World Youth Day
Rio 2013, which demonstrates the participation of pilgrims at WYD.
The
entry visa will allow pilgrims to enter the country from July 28, and
will be valid for 90 days.
Volunteers will be able to obtain a year-long
visa.
Sister Maria Machado Shaiane, who is heading up
registration for WYD 2013, emphasized that it is “essential to have the
documentation issued by WYD” in order to obtain the entry visa free of
charge.