Last updated:  1/19/2021

Country-Specific Information:

• Brazil continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19 with varying degrees of incidence throughout the country. Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) due to COVID-19.  Grocery stores are currently well-stocked and services are expected to continue to increase. U.S.-Brazil commercial flight routes continue to run and frequency of flights has recently increased.

COVID-19 Testing

• 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 available to meet your departure timing requirements. 
• Brazil is a very large country with varying medical resources, both private and public, throughout the country.  In the private healthcare system, there are many private labs that perform COVID-19 testing.  Prices vary but COVID-19 tests typically run between $60 and $100.  PCR, serology-based antibody tests, and antigen tests are available.  Turn-around time varies with demand, but usually is around one to three days and is accessible electronically.  Express results within 2 hours are available in many locations at an increased fee, including in the Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo. Testing is available in the private sector without a doctor’s prescription, but a prescription is required for insurance payment. 
• In the public healthcare system, each Brazilian state has its own COVID-19 testing plan so it is best to 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-of-charge 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. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Brazil approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? YES 
• 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. 
• Brazil approved two vaccines on January 17, 2020 and has started vaccinating high risk individuals and health care professionals.  For information on local availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website as well as contact local health authorities.   
• Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination. 

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? 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 but effective December 30, 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 is available here.

2) Negative COVID-19 test:  specifically, a document from 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; Please see below further clarifications from the Brazilian government regarding the required COVID-19 test:

• The COVID-19 test must be a document from 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 Portuguese, Spanish or English;
• 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: Effective January 8, 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 has opened its border to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.
• 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.
• Effective December 25, international flights to Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are 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.
• Foreigners who are in a land border country and need to cross the border to embark on a flight back to their country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the below steps:
  • The foreigner must obtain an official note from the Embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship (U.S. citizens should reach out to the closest Embassy or consulate for assistance);
  • When crossing the border, the air tickets for the flight to the home country must be presented to the immigration official; and,
  • After approval of the request, the foreigner must go directly to the airport upon crossing the land border.
• Those in the following categories are exempt from the land border entry restrictions:
  • 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

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? YES Specifically, a document from 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;  
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? YES
• Information regarding visa extensions for residents and/or tourists:
  • 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 seeks regularization 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 curfew in place? NO 
  • There is no national curfew in place.  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 have resumed limited appointments for some routine passport, citizenship, and notarial services as local conditions allow.  In accordance with COVID-19 health precautions, appointments for passport, citizenship, and notarial services remain limited.  Emergency and time sensitive services continue to have priority, and we may not be able to attend to all routine requests at this time.  Each applicant requires their own appointment.  To request an appointment,  please contact your nearest embassy, consulate, or agency and detail the nature of your appointment request.  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.
  • 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
  • U.S. Consular Agency Salvador: SalvadorACS@state.gov
  • U.S. Consular Agency Manaus: ManausACS@state.gov
  • U.S. Consular Agency Fortaleza: FortalezaACS@state.gov
• Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. 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 within one year of the date of payment. 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.

Local Resources:

• The Ministry of Health has developed a variety of resources to answer COVID-19 related questions, including an app to track symptoms and find a testing site.  
• Dial 136 to reach the Ministry of Health hotline. Additionally, many states in Brazil maintain their own hotlines and call-centers.  Please refer to the list for state-specific phone numbers. 
• Other links:  
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General closest to you. 
  • Follow the U.S. Mission to Brazil on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy. 
  • COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov  
  • CDC page on COVID-19 
  • Brazil Travel Advisory Page 
  • Brazil Country Information Page 
  • COVID-19 Federal Voting Assistance Program

Source: https://br.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/