Brazil Travel Advisory

• Brazil continues to experience very high daily case numbers of COVID-19 throughout the country. Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) due to COVID-19.  Grocery stores are currently well-stocked.  U.S.-Brazil commercial flight routes continue to run. 
• Brazil requires a negative COVID-19 test to enter.  Specific information on the Brazil requirement is under “Entry and Exit Requirements for Travel to Brazil.”  

COVID-19 Testing for Travel to the United States 

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Brazil? YES 
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? YES but there is no guarantee that tests or results will be available to meet your departure timing requirements. 
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to the CDC’s requirement that all U.S.-bound travelers present a negative COVID-19 test, please review the following page: COVID-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry (state.gov).
• Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General in Brazil (U.S. Embassy Brasilia: BrasiliaACS@state.gov; U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo: SaoPauloACS@state.gov; U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro: acsrio@state.gov; U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre: portoalegreACS@state.gov; U.S. Consulate General Recife: RecifeACS@state.gov). 
• Brazil is a very large, diverse country with varying medical resources, both private and public, throughout the country.  In the private healthcare system, there are many labs that perform COVID-19 testing.  Prices vary, but COVID-19 tests typically cost between $60 and $100.  PCR, serology-based antibody tests, and antigen tests are available. Turn-around time varies widely depending upon location.  Please verify turn-around time with your chosen lab before taking the test. Express results within 2-4 hours are available in many locations at an increased fee, including in the Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo and Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro. Testing is available in the private sector without a doctor’s prescription, but a prescription may be required for insurance payment. 
• In the public healthcare system, each Brazilian state has its own COVID-19 testing plan; We recommend that you contact local/state authorities for more information. Typically, a COVID-19 test is ordered by an emergency room physician and then sent to a public lab. Turnaround time is much slower (can take up to seven days), but is generally free. Some states do free drive-through testing, but this tends to be arranged ahead of time via appointment. There is also information on testing sites and procedures available through the official app of the Ministry of Health. 

Traveling to the United States with Expired U.S. Passports

• U.S. citizens already outside the United States with a passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, may be able to use their expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. Exceptions apply. See details here. U.S. Citizens who do not qualify and are seeking to renew their passport should schedule an appointment for passport service at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Brazil. 

Brazil COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Brazil approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? YES.
• Are vaccines available in Brazil for U.S. citizens to receive? YES, but only registered residents meeting eligibility requirements may receive vaccines. Vaccines are only available in the public Unified Health System (SUS). 
• Which vaccines are available in Brazil? AstraZeneca, Sinovac (Coronovac), Pfizer, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), and Sputnik V.
• Brazil is vaccinating residents based on age, profession, medical history, and other factors. Vaccination eligibility varies by state. For information on local availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website and also contact local health authorities. 
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-authorized vaccines in the United States.
• The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements for Travel to Brazil:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter Brazil? YES
  • Effective December 17, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an indefinite period.
  • The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted. All travelers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present the following to the airline before boarding:
    1. Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV): filled out (in print or digitally) agreeing to sanitary measures that must be complied with during the traveler’s time in Brazil. The form can be obtained by e-mail upon completing the information requested here.
    2. Negative COVID-19 test conforming to the following rules:
       • The COVID-19 test must be a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding;
       • The document must be presented in English, Portuguese, or Spanish;
       • The test must be carried out in a laboratory recognized by the health authority of the country of departure;
       • Children under the age of twelve who are traveling with a companion are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test provided that all companions present the required negative/non-reactive COVID-19 tests. However, children aged two or over and less than twelve years old who are traveling unaccompanied must present proof of the negative/non-reactive COVID-19 test;
       • Children under the age of two years are exempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test;
       • In the event of travel to Brazil with connections or stopovers where the traveler remains in a restricted area of the airport, the seventy-two hour period applies for prior to boarding the first flight of the trip.
  • Note: Travelers who test persistently positive for COVID-19 can enter Brazil but must present the following to the airline before boarding:
    • Two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests at least 14 days apart, the most recent performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding;
    • One COVID-19 antigen test with a negative or non-reactive result dated after the last RT-PCR test; and
    • A medical certificate stating the traveler is asymptomatic and able to travel, including the specific date of travel. The certificate must be in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.
  • Note: Flight crews are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement provided they adhere to the following guidelines:
    • While in Brazil, minimized social contact and enhanced self-isolation when traveling between the airport and the hotel.  When necessary – the air operator must provide transportation between the aircraft and the individual accommodations of the crew in an exclusive vehicle and ensure that hygiene measures are applied and that physical distance is ensured from the origin to the destination;
    • While in Brazil, minimized social contact and enhanced self-isolation while staying in the accommodation.  The crew must remain in their residence or  hotel room.  In the latter case, the following must be observed:
      • Hotel room will be occupied by only one crew member;
      • Hotel room will be cleaned before and after occupation;
      • The crew will not use the hotel’s common facilities;
      • The crew will have meals in their room;
      • If hotel room service is not available, the crew will request a “to go” meal.
    • Health care and self-monitoring.  The crew must:
      • Regularly monitor symptoms, including fever and other symptoms associated with COVID-19;
      • Avoid contact with the public and other crew members;
      • Stay in the hotel room, except to seek medical attention or to perform activities considered essential;
      • Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, or use alcohol gel.

• While Brazil no longer requires proof of health insurance to enter the country, the U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States or verify that their existing health insurance will cover them while abroad. The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.
• International flights to Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are currently prohibited on a temporary basis.  Foreign travelers who are coming from or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last fourteen days will not be permitted to embark on flights to Brazil. 
• All land borders are closed to foreigners with the following exceptions:
  • Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized
  • Permanent residents of Brazil
  • National Immigration Registry Card Holders (Registro Nacional Migratório – RNM)
  • Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government
  • Foreign officials accredited by the Brazilian government
  • Spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, father or mother, or caregiver of a Brazilian citizen
  • Any person whose entrance into Brazil is deemed by the government to be in the public interest
  • Travelers in transit in one of the following categories:
    • Cargo delivery
    • Passengers required to disembark for aircraft refueling or repairs
    • Flight crews

• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? YES
• Information regarding visa extensions for residents and/or tourists:
  • Immigration and visas for Brazil are administered by the Brazilian Federal Police.  
  • Effective November 3, 2020, the government of Brazil has suspended the March 16, 2020 regulations that automatically extended the length of stay for permanent residents and legal visitors in Brazil during the COVID-19 crisis.  Please note that a tourist visa (electronic or paper) is not required for U.S. citizens to travel to Brazil for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, and artistic and athletic activities, for stays of up to 90 days. According to the new decree, the period between March 16, 2020 and November 3, 2020 will be disregarded when assessing whether a visitor’s stay exceeded the allowable length.
  • Regarding the Brazilian immigration process, immigration documents that expired after March 16, 2020 will be accepted if the immigrant has remained in Brazil and sought to normalize their immigration status before March 16, 2021. 
  • For up to date information on Brazilian immigration and visa issues, please contact the Brazilian Federal Police.

Movement Restrictions:

• Is a federally mandated curfew in place?  NO however some local jurisdictions have and may enact movement restrictions.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related restriction orders.  
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? NO 

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? NO 
  • The Brazilian government recommends those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to self-quarantine for 15 days.   

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? YES 
• Is public transportation operating? YES 
  • Some state and local governments may limit public transportation and its frequency depending on local conditions. 
  • Several state and local governments across Brazil have issued decrees that require the use of facial coverings (masks) to combat the spread of COVID-19.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related mask policies.  

Fines for Non-Compliance:

• Several state and local governments across Brazil have issued decrees that require the use of facial coverings (masks) to combat the spread of COVID-19.  Failure to do so could result in fines or possible arrest.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related mask policies. 

Consular Operations:

• American Citizen Services:
  • The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Brazil are providing passport, citizenship, and notarial services.  In accordance with COVID-19 health precautions, appointments for passport, citizenship, and notarial services remain limited, and we encourage citizens requesting services to plan in advance.  To schedule an appointment, please follow the instructions on this page: https://br.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/contact-information-working-hours-appointments/
  • All visitors to our offices age two and older must wear a mask.  Any applicant with symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or fever must reschedule their interview.
• Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas:
  • The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have suspended routine nonimmigrant visa appointments. The Embassy and Consulates are processing student visa applications for applicants whose academic programs commence on or after August 1, 2021, as well as visa applications for those who are excepted from Presidential Proclamation 10143, and National Interest Exceptions for qualified travelers. For additional information, see travel.state.gov. To schedule your visa appointment, please access the Visa Appointment Service.
  • The Immigrant Visa Unit is making every effort to schedule your immigrant visa case as soon as possible. Please do not contact the Immigrant Visa Unit to inquire about scheduling your interview. The staff will contact you directly. If you have been advised that your case file has been forwarded to the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, please refer to our website for an overview of the application procedure and begin compiling the necessary supporting documents. You can collect the supporting documents that will be needed for your visa interview, but you may not schedule a medical appointment or immigrant visa interview without specific authorization from the Immigrant Visa Unit.  Please monitor our website for updates.
  • We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. For information about visa services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide, please visit usembassy.gov.  The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased until September 30, 2022. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-br/niv