travel documents to enter brazil

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Traveler Health Declaration (DSV)

To enter Brazil by air, travelers from abr oad must fill up the Traveler  Health Declaration (DSV)  and show proof of  a negative test for Covid-19.  The  requirement  came into force on December 30, 2020,  according to  Ordinance 630, of December 17, 2020,  issued by  the Presidency of  the Republic and Ministries  of  Heath and of  Justice and Public Security.  

The  goal of the  Declaration  is  to know the health  condition  of the traveler before boarding.  Thus t he traveler  must show the  airline an   e-mail confirming the completion of the declaration ( either  printed or digitally) before boarding to Brazil.  

The Traveler Health Declaration (DSV)  can be  found  at  https://form ulario.anvisa.gov.br/  

When filling out the DSV,  traveler s  also  agree  to comply with the sanitary measures adopted by the Brazilian authorities during  their stay  in Brazil.  Non-compliance  with the  requirements of  Ordinance  630  will imply civil, administrative and crim inal liability for the offender. If the offender is a foreigner ,  non-compliance will imply  immediate repatriation or  deportation and disqualifying   for  a request  of  refuge e status .  

Travelers from abroad who do not  show the  DSV will not be allowed to enter Brazil.   

Check here  the  DSV  questions and answers .  

Brazil Visa & Entry Requirements

Everything you need to apply for an evisa and travel to brazil.

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, you need to understand the visa and entry requirements . The visa you need depends on your nationality and how long you’ll stay.

With this guide, you can find out whether you’re eligible for a Brazil e-Visa , and everything you need to apply . Check all the eVisa conditions and the information required for a successful application with brazilevisas.com.

Brazil’s Visa Policy for Foreign Visitors

Brazil’s visa requirements are divided into 3 catgories :

• Countries eligible for the eVisa
• Other visa-required countries
• Visa exempt countries

Check each category below to find out what you need to travel to Brazil.

Countries eligible for the Brazil eVisa

The Brazil eVisa is available to citizens of:

• United States

You must hold a valid passport from one of these countries to apply for a Brazil visa online . It’s the most convenient visa option for eligible short-stay visitors.

Other visa-required countries for Brazil

Travelers from some African and Asian countries need a traditional visa for Brazil. If you’re from a visa-required country other than Australia, Canada, and the United States, you need to apply for your visa in person .

Check the visa requirements for your nationality and apply at the embassy.

Visa-exempt countries for Brazil

Visa exempt countries for Brazil include all European Union member states and several Africa, Asian, and Central American countries. Visa exemptions are for up to 90 days in most cases.

Important : Australia, Canada, and the United States are no longer exempt from visa requirements for Brazil. An eVisa is required for entry from April 10, 2025.

Visa requirements to work or reside in Brazil

The Brazil eVisa does not allow you to work or stay in Brazil long term. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, of for reasons not permitted with an eVisa, you need to get a different visa type regardless of your nationality.

Eligibility Conditions for the Brazil eVisa

As well as being from an eligible country , you must meet the other eVisa requirements.

Maximum length of stay To get an eVisa for Brazil, you must be staying for no more than 90 days.

Permitted travel reasons You can apply for an eVisa if you’re traveling to Brazil for tourism, business, transit, sports and artistic performances

Documents You Need to Apply for an eVisa

To apply for your eVisa for Brazil you need your:

• Debit or credit card

Make sure your passport was issued by one of the eligible countries and is valid for at least 6 months after the date you’ll enter Brazil. You need to upload a digital copy of your passport bio page and proof of employment as part of the application process.

For the Business eVisa , applicants need to provide:

• Business invitation letter
• Proof of company’s financial support
• Proof of sufficient funds (.e.g bank account statement)

You must also supply a recent digital photograph of yourself . It must meet all the Brazil visa photo requirements .

Technical Requirements for the Online Visa Application

You need an electronic device connected to the internet to complete the online visa application.

Use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or personal computer to apply from anywhere in the world.

There are no specific technical requirements. Complete the form from your device and submit your application. If you do have any issues completing your application, get in touch with the brazilevisas.com technical support team .

Information Requirements for the Brazil eVisa Form

To complete your Brazil eVisa application, you need to provide accurate information.

Personal information

• Nationality
• Date of birth

Passport data

• Passport number
• Expiry date

Travel details

• Date of arrival
• Reason for visiting

Make sure you enter all your information accurately. Mistakes or missing information could lead to processing delays. Check the tooltips provided on the brazilevisas.com form for additional information on what to include in each field.

Entry Requirements for Brazil

As a foreign national, you need your passport and visa to travel to Brazil . Make sure you have both ready for inspection by immigration officials.

You must apply for your visa and travel to Brazil using the same passport. If you have renewed your passport since your visa was issued, you’ll need to reapply for your visa.

Holding a valid passport and approved visa does not guarantee entry. Immigration authorities will verify you meet all the entry requirements.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Brazil?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to travel oto Brazil, but it is recommended . Consider taking out an insurance policy that covers trip cancelations, medical emergencies, and lost luggge.

Healthcare costs for foreigners in Brazil can be high, so it’s advisable to take out comprehensive insurance.

If you're traveling as part of a tour group or if you've booked your trip through a travel agency, they might have their own requirements or recommendations regarding travel insurance.

Additional requirements for children traveling to Brazil

Children also need a passport and visa to travel to Brazil. In addition, children who are are traveling with just one parent, or other relatives/a third party should carry:

• Copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Letter of consent from the non-traveling parent or guardian

Check the latest requirements for traveling to Brazil with children and make sure you have all the relevant documents.

• Immigration

Document Checklist for Traveling to Brazil

If you're planning a trip to brazil, it's important to have the necessary documents in order to ensure a smooth travel experience. here is a list of documents you should carry when traveling to brazil, including a valid passport, visa (if required), proof of accommodation, return ticket, and travel insurance. make sure to review the specific requirements for your nationality to avoid any issues at immigration..

Key Takeaways:

• Essential travel documents for Brazil include a valid passport, visa (if applicable), vaccination certificate, travel health insurance , and proof of accommodation and exit.
• Additional documentation may be required for minors and business travelers.
• Stay informed about the latest requirements by checking official sources before your trip to Brazil. Enjoy the wonders of this beautiful country!

Essential Travel Documents for Brazil

Are you planning a trip to Brazil? Preparing for an international journey involves more than just packing bags. Ensuring you have all necessary travel documents is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Here’s what you need to bring with you to Brazil.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Every traveler to Brazil must have a valid passport. For many countries, Brazilian law stipulates that the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. In addition, depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Brazil.

The requirements for visas can vary, so it’s crucial to check the latest information from the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country. Some tourists and business travelers from certain countries can enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to reciprocal treatment.

“Always check the expiration date on your passport well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute rush or unexpected issues.”

Keep an eye on the Brazilian Consulate website for the most recent visa regulations.

Also of Interest:

Guide to filling out the customs declaration form 6059b in the us, schengen cultural visa guide: requirements & documents.

Vaccination Certificates

Depending on the countries you have visited prior to your trip, you might need to present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. This is especially relevant if you’ve traveled to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The World Health Organization provides a list of these areas.

• Travel Health Insurance

While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have travel health insurance for your trip to Brazil. This insurance provides coverage for any potential health issues during your travels, including accidents or unexpected illnesses.

Proof of Accommodation and Exit

Upon entering Brazil, you may be asked to show proof of accommodation for your stay. This could be a hotel booking, an invitation letter from a Brazilian resident, or any other form of accommodation confirmation. Additionally, you might need to demonstrate that you have the means to leave the country after your visit, which is typically done by presenting a return ticket or onward journey details.

Additional Documentation

If you’re traveling with minors, or you have specific circumstances, there might be additional documentation required:

• Minors: If traveling with children under 18, you must have written travel authorization from both parents or legal guardians. This document must be notarized and translated into Portuguese.
• Business Travelers: Those visiting for business purposes might be required to present an invitation letter from the Brazilian company they are visiting.

Always check the Brazilian Federal Police website for the latest information on additional documentation requirements and procedures.

Checklist for Travelers

Before your departure, go through this quick checklist:

• Passport (valid for at least six months)
• Visa (if applicable)
• Vaccination Certificate (if required)
• Proof of Accommodation
• Proof of Exit (return ticket)
• Parental Authorization (for minors, if applicable)
• Business Documentation (for business travelers)

Final Thoughts

Planning is key to making your Brazilian adventure as smooth as possible. By gathering all the necessary documents in advance, you’ll ensure your trip gets off to the right start. Remember, regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed by checking official sources prior to travel.

“Brazil’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities await. With the right preparation, you can focus on enjoying the marvels of this beautiful country!”

So there you have it, the lowdown on the essential travel documents for Brazil. Don’t get caught up in red tape and last-minute scrambles. Pack that passport, check those visa requirements, and don’t forget your vaccination certificates. And hey, if you want to dive even deeper into the world of travel documents, head on over to visaverge.com for more handy tips and useful insights. Bon voyage!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the passport and visa requirements for traveling to Brazil?

To travel to Brazil, you need a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may also require a visa to enter Brazil. Visa requirements vary, so it’s crucial to check the latest information from the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country. Some tourists and business travelers from certain countries may enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to reciprocal treatment.

FAQ 2: Do I need vaccination certificates for traveling to Brazil?

Depending on the countries you have visited prior to your trip, you might need to present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when traveling to Brazil. This requirement is especially important if you have been to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. To determine if this applies to you, you can refer to the World Health Organization’s list of these areas.

FAQ 3: Is travel health insurance necessary when visiting Brazil?

While not mandatory, having travel health insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Brazil. This insurance provides coverage for any potential health issues during your trip, including accidents or unexpected illnesses. It ensures you receive proper medical attention without incurring significant expenses. It’s always better to be prepared and protected during your travels.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: To enter Brazil, every traveler must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• Which document might be required for travelers who have visited areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission prior to their trip to Brazil? a) Proof of Accommodation b) Parental Authorization c) Travel Health Insurance d) Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• What type of travelers might need to present an invitation letter from the Brazilian company they are visiting? a) Minors b) Business Travelers c) Tourists d) Travelers with a valid visa for Brazil

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Brazil Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Brazil

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Brazil from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brazil.

Can I travel to Brazil if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Brazil without restrictions.

Can I travel to Brazil without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Brazil without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Brazil?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Brazil.

Can I travel to Brazil without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Brazil?

Mask usage in Brazil is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Brazil?

Restaurants in Brazil are open. Bars in Brazil are .

Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?

Sep 28, 2023 • 3 min read

Brazil has varying visa rules depending on your country of origin © FG Trade / Getty Images

Brazil is a vast country, home to a treasure trove of diverse travel experiences. Enchanting rainforests, sprawling wetlands, buzzing cities and perfect beaches all make for spectacular stops on your itinerary. 

But before you go, make sure you have your visa paperwork sorted. Here's what you need to know about Brazil’s visa policies.

Will I need to get a visa before going to Brazil?

Brazil offers different visas depending on the purpose of your travel and your country of origin. The country’s visa system is largely based on reciprocity: if Brazilian citizens can travel to the country in question without a visa, those citizens can travel to Brazil without a visa for any reason as well. The only exceptions to this rule are the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan – travelers from these countries can now visit Brazil for tourism without a visa, thanks to a policy change in July 2019. 

But citizens of dozens of other countries can also travel to Brazil without a visa; check this  Brazilian consulate general website  for a comprehensive list. Visitors who don’t require visas can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days per entry, and they can’t exceed 180 days within 12 months. Travelers need to have a valid passport with at least two blank pages left.

Types of tourist visas for Brazil

For citizens of countries who do need a visa to enter Brazil, the primary tourist visa is the VIVIS, which covers tourism and business travel. Traveling for business does require some additional paperwork, including a letter from the applicant’s employer on company letterhead detailing the applicant’s job, the purpose of the trip, the length of the trip and other employment details. Check your nearest consulate’s website for a full list of business letter requirements.

Visa costs vary depending on the traveler’s country of origin. The visa costs US$180 for Angolan citizens, $85 for Algerian citizens, and $115 for Chinese citizens. The cost for travelers from all other countries is $80. Applications for visas can only be completed through Brazil’s E-consular platform . Apply for your visa well in advance of your trip in case there are system delays.

Visas for working are known as VITEM VI visas, and they allow visa holders to work and study in Brazil for up to 90 days in a 12-month period. The following countries are exempt from having to apply for the VITEM visa: Austria, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

Can I extend my visa for Brazil?

Extensions aren’t available for every country – check with your local Brazilian consulate. If an extension is available to you, it will be granted by the Federal Police Department in Brazil. Note that your total stay still can’t exceed 180 days in 12 months. 

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Brazil?

Brazil doesn’t require a yellow fever vaccination to enter, but it does recommend getting the vaccine if you are headed to any of the following states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rondonia, Roraima and Tocantins.

This article was first published Oct 13, 2021 and updated Sep 28, 2023.

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Brazil Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Brazil. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Oropouche Fever in South America April 24, 2024 There are outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Travelers to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites. Destination List: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru
• Dengue in the Americas April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Brazil.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Brazil. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Brazil.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Brazil take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Brazil.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Brazil. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Brazil, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Brazil. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (including the capital city, Brasília), Espírito Santo,* Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná,* Piauí, Rio de Janeiro (including the city of Rio de Janeiro and all coastal islands),* Rio Grande do Sul,* Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina,* São Paulo (including the city of São Paulo and all coastal islands),* Tocantins, and designated areas of Bahia*. Vaccination is also recommended for travelers going to Iguaçu Falls. Not recommended for travel limited to any areas not listed above, including the cities of Fortaleza and Recife *In 2017, in response to a large YF outbreak in multiple eastern states, CDC expanded its vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil. The expanded YF vaccination recommendations for these states are preliminary. For updates, refer to the CDC Travelers’ Health website.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Brazil, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Brazil. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Brazil—such as dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Brazil include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Brazil. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Brazil’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Brazil. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Brazil may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Brazil, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Brazil, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Brazil .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Brazil, dial 192 for an ambulance, 193 for the fire department, and 190 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Brazil before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Brazil from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Brazil for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Brazil travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change.

Last updated: April 24, 2024 09:29 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, brazil - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.

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Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crime rates are highest in urban centres, particularly in areas adjacent to impoverished neighbourhoods of:

• Rio de Janeiro
• São Paulo

Foreign tourists are most commonly affected by theft but incidents of violent crime have also occurred, due to the high prevalence of guns coupled with the willingness of criminals and police to resort to violence. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, be aware of your surroundings at all times and follow the security directives of local authorities.

Petty crime

Street crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from cars, is common in Brazil’s large cities. Tourists are a favourite target.

Petty theft on buses and the metro is common. It is a significant concern in Recife.

Incidents of opportunistic crime increase significantly at large-scale sporting events, international conferences and during holidays such as the Carnival and New Year’s celebrations.

Flash mob robberies ( arrastões ) have occurred sporadically on Rio’s city beaches and in other crowded tourist areas. This type of crime involves a group of thieves (often young children and youth originating from nearby favelas) that swarm an area and snatch valuable items such as cash, jewellery and cell phones.

A common ruse used by criminals is the Good Samaritan scam, where a criminal offers to help a tourist who looks lost. If you are lost, go into a nearby business or hotel to ask for help.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Remain vigilant when visiting tourist destinations such as:
• outdoor markets
• hotel grounds
• bars and nightclubs
• airports and bus stations
• Avoid showing signs of affluence such as expensive jewellery, watches, clothing and bags
• Carry only small amounts of cash
• Keep cameras and portable electronic devices concealed
• Be aware of ploys to distract your attention
• Remain cautious with new acquaintances who ask for information or offer hospitality or assistance
• Book tours with reliable agencies

Violent crime

Armed robberies occur regularly, even during the day. They are a growing concern at restaurants, particularly in larger cities. Hold-ups can occur on Brazil’s trains. Assaults are frequently perpetrated in unofficial taxis.

Incidents of sexual assault against male and female foreigners have been reported, sometimes involving the use of sedatives.

Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators, who may be armed or under the influence of drugs.

• Exercise a high degree of caution at all times
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Avoid parks or central (downtown) areas of major cities
• Avoid poorly lit and isolated streets
• Avoid walking on isolated and unsupervised beaches with poor visibility from the sidewalk
• If you are threatened by robbers, don’t resist.

Express kidnappings

The number of kidnappings in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan area has significantly increased since 2022.

Criminals may kidnap a victim for a few hours and force them to withdraw funds at an ATM for their release. Thieves may put drugs into food and drinks, temporarily incapacitating victims, who become quickly disoriented and are vulnerable to kidnapping.

• Use only a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such using cell phones, headphones and wearing jewelry
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances

Borders with Colombia and Venezuela

There is a concerning level of serious criminal activity by organized criminal groups along the border areas with countries bordering Brazil, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. Incidents of attacks on tourists and kidnapping have occurred. Be extremely cautious when crossing into bordering countries.

Vulnerable neighborhoods

Vulnerable neighborhoods (commonly referred to as “favelas”), are characterized by informal housing developments, crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction.

Gang-related violence and organized crime is prevalent in these areas and police assistance is very limited.

Avoid renting accommodations in vulnerable neighborhoods, and travelling to these areas, even on a guided tour.

Police operations

Armed clashes and shootouts between police forces and alleged criminals regularly occur in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Police operations have led to retaliation by criminal gangs. Vulnerable neighbourhoods are located across major cities, as a result, there is an ongoing risk of violence spilling over to neighbouring areas, including affluent neighbourhoods and tourist destinations. There have been incidents of injuries and deaths as a result of stray bullets near, and in, vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Credit card and ATM fraud is a major problem. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime is also a growing problem.  Perpetrators monitor social media sites and eavesdrop on your conversations when you are in the country.

• Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant in internet cafes

Overseas fraud

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Protests can cause delays on main roads, including to airports, such as to the Guarulhos International Airport i n São Paulo . Demonstrations tend to increase in frequency and intensity during major events that attract foreign visitors.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

• Avoid travelling alone at night
• Avoid carrying purses

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

The use of sedatives to facilitate robberies of personal belongings has been reported on beaches in Rio and in crowded restaurants in São Paulo.

• Never leave your belongings unattended on city beaches
• Ask for drinks coming from sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastics glasses
• In restaurants, avoid sitting close to the entrance

Coastal waters can be dangerous.

• Swim or surf in areas where lifeguards are located
• Avoid swimming where there are strong currents
• Be wary of sharks, especially in Brazil’s north east near Recife
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Robberies are frequent and occur in tourist destinations, including on hiking trails. Be especially cautious on the Corcovado trail in Rio, where several robberies have happened.

If you intend on trekking: 

• never do so alone
• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out
• ensure the trail doesn’t pass through a favela
• do not venture off marked trail

Adventure tourism

Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands are largely uninhabited and dangerous areas.

Travel in these regions only with trained guides.

Public transportation

The subway systems in Rio and in São Paulo are generally safe during the day. Be extremely cautious using public transportation at night

There have been reports of theft and violence on city buses in Rio de Janeiro and near vulnerable neighbourhoods across the country, especially during rush hour.

Inter-city buses are generally reliable. Ensure that you use a reputable company before you book your travel.

Bus accidents occur regularly.

Major bus services charge fixed, pre-paid rates.

Do not use public vans.

Local law requires the use of the taxi meter to determine the legal fare. Adding surcharges to a fare is illegal.

Should taxi rates change and their taxi meters have not been adjusted, drivers may indicate these changes by showing an authorized paper with the new fares.

Many tourists hire “radio taxis”, also known as “commun taxis.” These taxis operate at a fixed price irrespective of the time of the day and the time it takes to arrive at your destination.

• Only use official taxis
• Upon arrival to Brazil, purchase your fare from licensed taxi offices in the airport arrival hall or near the taxi queues
• During your stay, use licensed taxis from taxi stands

Road safety

Brazil has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.

Road conditions are generally acceptable in large cities but badly maintained in the rest of the country. Poor signage and construction also pose a hazard.

Drivers do not respect traffic laws. Drivers are extremely aggressive and reckless and often drive at excessive speeds.  

At night, it is common for drivers to treat red lights as stop signs to protect against hold-ups at intersections. Pedestrians and motorists proceeding through green lights during these hours should be particularly cautious.

• Be careful when stopping on the side of any highway because of traffic
• Be careful of motorbikes when changing lanes
• When driving in the city, pay particular attention to your surroundings while waiting at traffic lights
• If you feel threatened at any time, do not stop
• If you are in a traffic accident, call the police immediately
• Never confront the driver of another vehicle

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Visitor visas

Effective April 10, 2025, Canadian passport holders will be required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil.

For more information, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Brazil.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Brazilian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Brazil.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days without remuneration Student visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days

Length of stay

A tourist stay can be granted for up to 90 days. The permitted length of stay for tourists is determined by the immigration officer upon entry.

If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must obtain an extension from the Federal Police for a maximum stay of 180 days per period of 12 months.

To request a visa extension, you will have to: 

• request such an extension prior to the expiration of the authorized stay
• provide your detailed (long-form) birth certificate

In order for your Canadian long form birth certificate to be accepted in Brazil, it must be presented to the Brazilian Embassy or one of its consulates prior to departure from Canada. Neither the Embassy of Canada nor its consulates in Brazil can authenticate a Canadian birth certificate outside of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Visceral  leishmaniasis   (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.

Some medical facilities in the state of Rio de Janeiro have closed or are providing limited services, due to lack of funding for their operations. Private hospitals remain operational.

Certain medications may not be available.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Avoid areas of known drug trafficking. Travellers should not, under any circumstances, carry any items for strangers, especially baggage and parcels.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Child sex tourism

Brazil is actively seeking to prevent child sex tourism. A number of tourists have been convicted of offences relating to the corruption of minors.

The legal age of consent in Brazil is 18. Prison sentences are severe.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Not carrying identification can lead to problems and delays if stopped by police or in case of a medical emergency.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Brazil.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Brazil, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Brazil.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Brazil, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Brazilian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Brazil to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00% in Brazil. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and possible jail sentences.

You can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. Obtain an official Portuguese translation of your Canadian driver’s licence to help when dealing with local authorities.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the real (BRL).

Canadian bank cards may not work in ATMs. They should have a pin with a maximum of 4 digits to work in Brazil.

Canadian dollars are not generally accepted, except by some exchange bureaus, most likely at airports. Do not exchange money on the street.

Carry small bills, as change is often unavailable for small transactions.

El Niño

The complex weather phenomenon called El Niño happens at irregular intervals of 2 to 7 years and can last 9 months to 2 years. El Niño generally generates droughts and heavy rainfalls, which could cause flooding, landslides, and mudslides, and could severely disrupt travel. Extreme droughts and heavy rains could limit access to food, drinking water, hygiene products, and medication. Severe weather could occur, such as:

• Below-average rainfall and droughts in the north and northeast
• Excessive rains in the south and southeast of the country
• Above-average temperatures in all regions

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts before and during your travels, and plan accordingly. Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans. 

Learn about El Niño

Rainy seasons

The rainy seasons extend from:

• January to July in the north
• October to April in the south and southeast
• April to July in the northeast

Flash floods can occur outside of the rainy season.

They can hamper overland travel, especially in rural areas. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Travel conditions on mountain roads and on highways leading to beaches can be dangerous. Seasonal flooding can also reduce the provision of essential services. Power outages are frequent during the rainy season.

Avoid the affected areas, keep informed of regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.

• Weather warnings – National Institute of Meteorology (in Portuguese)
• Weather forecast – Climatempo (in Portuguese)
• More about hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons

Landslides 

Landslides are becoming more common in Brazil and are the result of heavy rainfall. During heavy rainfall, landslides are more likely to occur.

Dry season   

Brasilia and the interior of the country experiences extreme dry periods between June and September.  Humidity levels can drop below 10% and heat levels rise significantly.

Stay informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

A severe drought is affecting the south east of Brazil.

The water supply in São Paulo, including to the city of São Paulo, has been significantly affected. Some areas of São Paulo are experiencing water shortages, and the water quality has diminished.

Use only bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Bush and forest fires are common between May to September, particularly in Brasilia.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police (military): 190
• medical assistance: 192
• firefighters: 193

Tourist police

• Rio de Janeiro: (21) 2332 2924 or 2334 6802
• São Paulo: (11) 3120 4447 or 3151 4167
• Salvador: (71) 3116-6817
• Recife: (81) 3322-4867

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Brazil, in Brasilia, or the Consulate General of Canada in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

You may call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 0 800 891-6614.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Update April 12, 2024

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

There is no general document information.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Available: In all 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia.

Fees: There are no fees for the first original.  For additional copies, variable fees apply.

Document Name: Birth Certificate (Certidão de Nascimento)

Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form depending on the state where it was issued. There are standard and unabridged versions of birth certificates.  Both are acceptable. The extended versions (Certidão de Inteiro Teor and Certidão de Pública Forma) contain the same basic information required in the simplified version as well as more detailed information about the birth and a history of any amendments.  Birth certificates may include annotations regarding adoptions or the acquisition of social-affective parents (see comments below). 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: Variable

Procedure for Obtaining: Available from Civil Registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais). Until recently it was necessary to visit a civil registry office in person or by sending a personal representative in the state where the record is maintained in order to obtain a copy of the document.  Now some cartórios may be able to obtain records from other states, although this is not consistent for all documents and for all states in Brazil.    

In cases where people have married, divorced, and etc.:  to obtain an annotated birth certificate, a person needs to go to a notary (cartório) and request an updated copy of his/her birth certificate.  However, the lack of an annotation on the birth certificate does not necessarily mean that the person’s personal status has not changed.   Usually, a recently issued birth certificate includes all the amendments and/or annotations of that person’s life events (marriage, divorce, and etc.). That said, in cases where birth certificates lack annotations and/or amendments and have not been updated do not necessarily mean that a particular life event has not occurred.  

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: Unabridged birth certificates are available (Certidão de Inteiro Teor). Annotated certificates are also available.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found  br.usembassy.gov .

Since November 21, 2017, it has been possible to register social-affective parenthood (paternidade ou maternidade socio-afetiva) in the civil register.  Any adult, other than a biological grand-parent or sibling, who is over 18 years old and more than 16 years older than the child, may voluntarily register as a mother or father on the basis of having a parent-child relationship based upon “social affection.”  It is possible for a child to be registered with the names of up to four parents (two mothers and two fathers).  As such, a child may be registered under the name of his/her step-parents, or biological parents, or adoptive parents or under the name of an adult who has declared a bond of social-affective parenthood; any combination of these parents’ names may be used on the certificate.   These parents all share identical parental rights, responsibilities, and privileges under Brazilian law, regardless of the basis of the parentage claim.

Because of the new law, it is not possible to determine from standard birth certificates issued after November 21, 2017 whether the listed parents are the biological parents, adoptive parents, or other social-affective parents.  To determine this relationship it is necessary to obtain a complete unabridged record (certidao de inteiro teor).  This may be obtained from the civil registry office (cartório) where the birth is registered.

Death Certificates

Document Name: Death Certificate (Certidão de Óbito)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form depending on the state where it was issued. Birth and marriage certificates may include annotations regarding the deaths of former spouses. 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Must be issued by a qualified physician

Procedure for Obtaining:  Available from Civil Registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais). Until recently it was necessary to visit a civil registry office in person or to send a personal representative in the state where the record is maintained in order to obtain a copy of the document.  Now some cartórios may be able to obtain records from other states, although this is not consistent for all documents and for all states in Brazil.  In order to have annotated birth and marriage certificates – which may include annotations regarding deaths of former spouses, an applicant needs to go to a notary (cartório) and request a second copy – recently issued –of the birth and/or marriage certificate.  If the birth or civil document does not have an annotation, it does not necessarily mean that there have been no deaths.

Alternate Documents: An annotated Birth or Marriage Certificate (Certidão de Nascimento or Casamento) indicating the death is acceptable as secondary evidence

Exceptions:   None

Comments: Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found at  br.usembassy.gov .

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificates.

Available in all 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia.

Fees:   Fees are variable.

Document Name: Marriage Certificate (Certidão de Casamento).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form depending on the state where it was issued.  Marriage certificates may include annotations regarding previous marriages, divorces, and deaths of former spouses.   

Registration Criteria : Applicants must file for the Public Notice License (Edital de Proclamas), which is the document issued by Brazilian notaries when applicants file for a civil marriage license.  This document takes up to forty-five days to be issued and is valid for ninety days.

Procedure for Obtaining:   Available from Civil Registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais). Until recently it was necessary to visit a civil registry office in person or to send a personal representative in the state where the record is maintained in order to obtain a copy of the document.  Now some cartórios may be able to obtain records from other states, although this is not consistent for all documents and for all states in Brazil.  In order to obtain an annotated certificate, an applicant needs to go to a notary (cartório) and request a second copy – recently issued –of the marriage certificate.  If the document does not have an annotation, it does not necessarily mean that there have been no changes.

Alternate Documents: A Stable Union Contract (Contrato de União Estável) registered with the Civil registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais ) is considered to be a Common Law marriage in Brazil and is recognized for immigration purposes.

Exceptions : None

Comments: Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found at br.usembassy.gov .

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Brazil since 2013, and same-sex Stable Unions (Contrato de União Estável) have been legally recognized in Brazil since 2004. A marriage concluded abroad between a Brazilian and a non-Brazilian citizen is valid in Brazil only after it has been registered at a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate located in the country where the marriage took place or at a civil registry office (cartório) in Brazil.

Religious marriages are not valid for immigration purposes unless duly registered in the civil registry office.  The registration must be done within 90 days of the religious ceremony.  Once properly registered, the marriage is valid for immigration purposes effective as of the date of the religious celebration. Any civil marriage is nullified if one of the spouses is still legally married to another person. It is only possible to re-marry after a divorce once there is no possibility to contest the judge’s order of divorce; the judge’s order must have been “transitado em julgado,” meaning rendered as “passed judgment.”

Common Law Marriages/Stable Union: A Stable Union (Contrato de União Estável) in Brazil is similar in concept to a Common Law Marriage. Similar to marriage, individuals can enter into a stable union (Contrato de União Estável) at any Civil Registry Office (cartorio), which also handles the termination, which is the process equivalent to divorce. The Stable Union (Contrato de União Estável) formalizes the legal relationship of a couple. A certification of a Stable Union (Contrato de União Estável) may be converted into an eventual marriage if the couple desires. For immigration purposes, a Stable Union is equivalent to marriage and confers immigration benefits to the partner. 

Divorce Certificates

Fees :  Fees are variable.

Document Name: Divorce Sentence (Certidão de Sentença or Sentença de Divórcio) from a court.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form depending on the state where it was issued.

Registration Criteria: The divorce must be enacted by a judge or by a notary.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Available from Civil Registry (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Naturais). Until recently it was necessary to visit a civil registry office in person or to send a personal representative in the state where the record is maintained in order to obtain a copy of the document.  Now some cartórios may be able to obtain records from other states, although this is not consistent for all documents and for all states in Brazil.  Marriage certificates may include annotations regarding previous marriages, divorces, and deaths of former spouses.  In order to have an annotated certificate, an applicant needs to go to a notary (cartório) and request a second copy – recently issued – of the marriage certificate.  If the marriage certificate does not have an annotation, it does not necessarily mean that there has not been a divorce or death.

Alternate Documents: Divorces may also be obtained by registering at the Civil Registry and procuring a divorce certificate (certidao de divorcio). This is legally valid and equally acceptable as a Certidão de Sentença.  In addition to the Divorce Sentence (Certidão de Sentença or Sentença de Divórcio) and the divorce certificate (certidao de divorcio), the original marriage certificate may be annotated as an amendment certifying divorce.

It is not possible to have a divorce made effective retroactively in order to validate a second marriage which occurred prior to the final divorce decree.  Therefore, any civil marriage is nullified if one of the spouses is still legally married to another person.

Divorces occurring outside Brazil are not directly valid for Brazilian citizens in Brazil unless they have been recognized.  A marriage of a Brazilian citizen performed abroad can be dissolved by direct divorce proceedings in Brazil or initiated through a process done abroad.  If the divorce process occurs abroad, it will only be recognized in Brazil after going through a judicial process of recognition performed by the Brazilian Superior Court.  The judicial process is known as “homologação de sentença estrangeira,” which legally recognizes the foreign divorce.  To have a divorce recognized in Brazil, it is not necessary to be physically present in the country.  The process may be done electronically or through an attorney.  The recognized order (sentença homologada) must be presented to the Civil Registry for the divorce to be properly registered and recognized in Brazil.

Legal Separation is a legally distinct status from Divorce.  Legal Separation does not end the marriage, just the cohabitation.  A Legal Separation may revert back to marriage or be converted to divorce.  Once converted, there will be a new effective date, that of the divorce itself, when this occurs.  It is not possible to convert a legal separation into a divorce and make the effective date of the divorce retroactive to the date of the legal separation.  The parties can only re-marry after the final divorce date.

There is no divorce process for the Stable Union (Contrato de União Estável) Common Law Marriage.  However, the contract can be dissolved at any time at the Civil Registry Office.

Adoption Certificates

Fees: No fee for the first original. Variable fees apply for additional copies.

Document Name: Adoption Certificate (Decreto deAdoção).

Registration Criteria: Legal Adoption

Procedure for Obtaining: Documents may be obtained by an applicant or his/her agent at the Civil Registry where the adoption was registered. The request must include the child's name and year of the adoption or registration, the book and page number where the adoption was recorded. Adoption certificates are not available by mail.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Comments: Adoptions before July 13, 1990 could be done either by a Cartorio (Notary public) – simple adoption, or by a judge – full adoption.

Identity Card

Fees: The fees will vary

Document Name: Brazilian ID Card (Carteira de Identidade).

Issuing Authority: Brazilian ID Cards are issued by each state's Department of Public Security (Secretaria de Segurança Pública) or Detran (Departamento Estadual de Transito), depending on the state, to Brazilian citizens.

Resident Alien ID Cards are issued by the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – Ministério Da Justiça E Segurança Pública) to alien lawful residents in Brazil.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form depending on the state or issuing authority.

Registration Criteria: Must be a Brazilian citizen

Procedure for Obtaining: Available from each state's Department of Public Security (Secretaria de Segurança Pública) or the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – Ministério Da Justiça E Segurança Pública).

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: Non-Brazilians may obtain a Resident Alien ID Card (Carteira de Identidade para Estrangeiros or Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros (RNE).

• Validity is for life.
• May be used as travel document, as long it has been issued within the last 10 years, is legible/readable, and has a recent photo, for travel to some countries in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay).
• Not a travel document.
• An alien resident is authorized to remain outside Brazil for a period not to exceed two years without losing resident status.  To re-enter, the alien presents his foreign passport and the carteira modelo 19.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police certificates.

Available: In all 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia, but only for individuals in Brazil who are 18 years of age or older.

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: State Police Records (Atestado de Antecedentes Policiais Estaduais, or Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais) and Federal Police Records (Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais).

Issuing Authority: State Police Records are issued by the Department of Public Safety (Secretaria de Segurança Pública). Federal Police Records are issued by the Federal Police (Polícia Federal).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates vary in form. Each state’s police records are unique.

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: State Police Records (Atestado de Bons Antecedentes Estaduais) are available from the Department of Public Safety (Secretaria de Segurança Pública).  The records can be obtained from the Civil Police (Policia Civil) –typically the Scientific Technical Police department (Policia Técnico Científica) of the Personal Identification Institute (Instituto de Identificação), depending on the state.  A list of Public Security Secretariats is available at  br.usembassy.gov .

Federal Police Records are available online and are acceptable for U.S. immigration purposes.  The document may be requested at dpf.gov which includes a list of Federal Police Offices.  If unable to obtain the certificate online, refer to the Federal Police Department (Departamento de Polícia Federal, Delopis – Delegacia de Ordem Social e Política). State and federal records are not obtainable or available in Brazil for individuals under 18.

Certified Copies Available:   Certified copies are not available

Police records for every state are unique.  No central tracking system exists; records are not maintained indefinitely.  State Police records are expunged after five years, and the Atestado de Bons Antecedentes will indicate that someone does not have a criminal record unless there was a crime-related encounter within the last five years.

Immigrant visa applicants in Brazil need to provide a police certificate from each state in which they have lived for over six months during the last five years as well as a federal police certificate.  State police certificates are not required for periods of residence residing in the Federal District of Brasilia.  Police certificates from the Judicial Courts (Poder Judiciáarios) are not acceptable for this purpose.  The Federal Police and some states provide online certificates which are accepted for U.S. immigration purposes.

Immigrant visa applicants residing outside Brazil are unlikely to be able to obtain a state-issued Police certificate unless the applicant has given a representative power of attorney to apply on his/her behalf and if the applicant's Brazilian ID card was issued by the specific state from which the certificate is being requested.

Immigrant visa applicants 16 years of age or older who are nationals of or possess a current or previous residence other than Brazil, must present a police certificate, if obtainable, from all countries in which they have resided for six months or more. 

Court Records

Available in all 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia for individuals in Brazil who are 18 years of age or older.

Document Name: The records (Registros) from State Court Proceedings (Processo Criminal Estadual), and the records (Registros) from Federal Court Proceedings (Processo Criminal Federal).

Issuing Authority: State Court Proceedings are issued by the respective court districts (Tribunal de Justiça).  There are approximately 2,700 court districts in Brazil.

Federal Court Proceedings are issued by the Federal Justice Court (Tribunal de Justiça Federal).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Records vary in form depending on the issuing authority.

Procedure for Obtaining: State and Federal Court Proceedings are available from the respective courts for adults 18 years of age and older.  

Alternate Documents: Records are available from both state and federal court proceedings.

Comments:  Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found at  br.usembassy.gov .  Records for State and Federal Court Proceedings are never expunged. 

Prison Records

Document Name: State Prison Records (Processo de Condenação Estadual) and Federal Prison Records (Processo de Condenação Federal).

Issuing Authority: State Justice court (Tribunal de Justiça Estadual) and Federal Justice Court (Tribunal de Justiça Federal).

Procedure for Obtaining: Records can be obtained at the State Justice Court (Tribunal de Justiça Estadual) and the Federal Justice Court (Tribunal de Justiça Federal).

Alternate Documents: Both state and federal prison records are available.

Comments:  Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found at  br.usembassy.gov .   State and Federal Prison Records are never expunged.  

Military Records

Available: In all 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia for all Brazilians whether or not a person has served.

Fees: No fee for the first original.  Fees vary for additional copies.

Document Name: Certificate of Military Service (Certificado de Alistamento Militar) is available to Brazilians 18 years of age or older and indicates that the bearer is registered as being eligible for military service. Reservist Certificate (Certificado de Reservista) is evidence for reserve status after having served in the Armed Forces.

Discharge Certificate (Certificado de Dispensa de Incorporação) indicates that the citizen has been discharged from serving in the military.

Exemption Certificate (Certificado de Isenção) is issued for Brazilians who are incapable of serving.

Issuing Authority: Department of the Military ( Ministerio Do Exército).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format : There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Registration Criteria: Military enlistment is mandatory for all male Brazilian citizens when they turn 18.Enrollment should be made between January 1 and April 30 during the year of their 18th birthday and the obligation ends when they turn 45.

Procedure for Obtaining: Available through the Department of the Military (Ministerio Do Exército).

Alternate Documents: Discrete documents exist for Certificate of Military Service, Reservist Certificate, Exemption Certificate and Discharge Certificate.

Comments: Examples of Brazilian civil documents can be found at  br.usembassy.gov . Military records, whether or not a person has served, are permanent.  Members of the military forces must present their military identification card as proof of military service.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available:

• Service Passport. (Passaporte de serviço). Green cover. This document is usually valid for a period of one year; however, it may be limited to the duration of the proposed mission or training. Issued to Brazilian civilian and military government employees traveling abroad on official business or training. Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brazilian diplomatic missions abroad. Validity: For proposed duration of mission or training. Renewable for additional periods.
• Regular Brazilian Passport. Blue cover. Issued to Brazilian nationals who hold citizenship through birth or naturalization. Issued by Department of Federal Police in Brazil and by Brazilian embassies or consulates abroad. Validity: Not renewable. Most passports issued on/after July 10, 2015 are valid for 10 years. Before that date, passports were valid for 5 years.
• Changes in Regular Brazilian Passports: Prior to December of 2010, regular Brazilian passports had green covers and were slightly larger than the current blue passport. Many regular green passports are still in use and will be phased out as they expire.
• Changes in Name Display on Brazilian Passports: Brazilian names generally are longer than typical American names. The pre-December 2010 convention had been to list the entire name on a single line, with no breakdown by Surname/Given Name. For visa purposes, Mission Brazil's convention was to use the very last name as Surname and the rest of the name, however long, as Given Name. Current Brazilian passports break names down by Surname/Given Name. As a result, visas issued pre-December 2010 may display the applicant's Surname/Given Name differently than in their new passports. This is not an error. For visa issuance purposes, names must match the breakdown as it appears in the current passport, even if Given Name and Surname were broken down differently in prior visa(s) for the same person. When issuing visas to Brazilians, an alias must be entered into the NIV record, with the applicant's very last name listed as Surname, and the rest of their name in the Given Name field.
• Diplomatic Passport. (Passaporte diplomático). Red cover.  Issued to Brazilian diplomats and high level public officials traveling abroad on missions of diplomatic nature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Brazilian diplomatic missions abroad. Validity: Normally valid for four years, but may be limited to the duration of a specific mission.
• Note: Nonimmigrants visas issued in passports for Stateless Persons must be limited to a single entry and valid only for the life of the passport.
• Laissez-Passer. Travel document issued by the Department of Federal Police to persons who for whatever reason are unable to document citizenship in the country of their birth.
• Brazilian ID Cards:   May be used as a travel document with some restrictions for travels to some countries in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay).

Other Records

There are no other records.

• Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Brasilia (Embassy) – NIV Only

Embassy Street Address: Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801 Lote 3

Phone Number: (55) (61) 312-7000

Post Title:  Recife (Consulate General) – NIV Only

Post Title:  Rio de Janeiro (Consulate General) – All Visa Categories

Post Title:  Sao Paulo (Consulate General) – NIV Only

Post Title:  Porto Alegre (Consulate) – NIV Only

Visa Services

All U.S. immigrant visas for Brazil are processed in Rio de Janeiro.  Although the embassy and consulates divide the country into separate consular districts, non-immigrant visa applicants are free to apply at any post.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

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Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the threat of violent crime.

Brazil (PDF 1.24 MB)

Americas (PDF 3.25 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 192 or go to a hospital.

Call 190 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil.

• Large scale protests can occur at any time in Brazil. Monitor the media. Follow the instructions of local authorities and review our guidance on  staying safe when there are demonstrations .
• Violent crime, including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking is common. These occur more often in large cities and during festivals, such as Carnaval. Don't go out alone at night. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches. Crime rates are particularly high in shanty towns or 'favelas'. Don't enter favelas, even with a tour group.
• Use only prepaid or official taxis. If using rideshare apps such as Uber, ensure you enter the vehicle with the same plate number and name shown in the app. If you're driving yourself, keep doors locked and windows closed. Ensure your route avoids favelas.
• The wet season is from November to July, depending on the region. Landslides and flooding can occur, and severe storms often delay flights. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans. 

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Brazil experiences recurrent measles outbreaks. It is important to get vaccinated. 
• Common insect-borne diseases include dengue, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, filariasis and leishmaniasis. The 2024 seasonal increase in dengue fever is much higher than usual. Protect yourself from insect bites. Get vaccinated against yellow fever where possible.
• HIV/AIDS is a serious risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
• Food-related, waterborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. 

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences.
• You must carry proof of identity with you. Always carry photo ID, such as a driver's licence and a photocopy of your passport.
• Dual nationals must enter Brazil on their Brazilian passport. If you're male and aged over 18, you may need to do military service. Contact a  Brazilian embassy or consulate  for advice.
• Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't always accepted in rural communities. Avoid public displays of affection.
• Don't drink and drive. Penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol level reading over 0%. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Brazil for short stays. For more information, contact an  embassy or consulate of Brazil .
• Entry and exit conditions may change without warning. Follow the advice of border and health authorities and comply with local regulations. Contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for the latest details.
• Brazilian children (including dual nationals) must have written consent from any non-accompanying parent to depart Brazil. 

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For full consular assistance, contact the  Australian Embassy in Brasilia  or the Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo .
• The Australian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro  does not provide notarial (document legalisation) services and only provides limited services, for example interviews for an Australian Passport.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime.

Violent crime, often involving weapons, is common, especially in large cities. Most crime is opportunistic. Common examples which involve tourists include the theft of valuables at the beach or from bags and valuables snatched while sightseeing. Tourists have also been robbed at knife or gunpoint. Local authorities advise against taking valuables and passports to the beach. Carry a photocopy of your passport or another form of identity.

Muggings and other violent crimes are common in and around:

• tourist spots, hotels, nightclubs and bars
• historical centres
• public transport
• public beaches
• outdoor markets
• unregistered taxis
• ATMs and currency exchange facilities

Other common crimes include:

• home invasion
• food and drink spiking
• sexual assault
• kidnapping  and scams

In Rio de Janeiro, crime hotspots include:

• Copacabana Beach
• Ipanema Beach
• the Santa Teresa area
• the Lapa neighbourhood
• the Christ the Redeemer statue
• the Corcovado Trail

In São Paulo, crime hotspots are in the downtown area and around the historical centre of the city and include:

• around the São Paulo Cathedral
• Station of light (Estação da Luz)
• Princess Isabel Square
• Central market

In Brasilia, crime hotspots include the central bus station and two adjacent shopping centres. 

Crime levels in shanty towns, or 'favelas', and many satellite cities are especially high.

Crimes relating to drug trafficking and illicit goods are common along Brazil's western and northern border areas, posing a risk of violent crime to travellers. Affected areas include:

• the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Pará and Amapa
• river travel in the Amazon, particularly Itaquai, Japura and Rio Negro rivers and tributaries. 
• the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu city) and Paraguay

Your safety is your main priority. Don't chase after a perpetrator or resist. Criminals may be armed and, if challenged, they may respond with violence. They will often have accomplices nearby. If you're robbed, report it to the local police.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid crime hotspots, especially late at night
• stay alert in public places, especially where there are lots of people, including other tourists
• leave valuables and passport in a hotel safe
• keep mobile devices and other valuables out of sight
• keep your belongings and baggage close to you when you're outside
• lock the doors and windows of your accommodation, including balcony doors
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• avoid isolated areas on the beach
• don't leave your luggage, food or drinks unattended
• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't enter favelas, even with a tour group

If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, seek immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS is high.

Female survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault can access a dedicated hotline that provides access to local support services, including police, by calling 180 or via the WhatsApp phone messaging application on +55 61 99610 0180.

Partying safely

Crime levels increase before and during festivals such as Carnaval, with tourists frequently being targeted.

Make sure you follow these tips: 

• watch out for drink spiking and know your alcohol limits
• don’t use drugs – penalties for drug offences in Brazil are high
• don’t drink and drive – penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol reading over 0%
• keep your valuables out of sight, as petty crime, such as bag or phone snatching, is common
• be mindful of where you’re going, get recommendations from your hotel and plan your transport options in advance

More information:

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media, by pretending to be prospective companions. Be wary of any online invitation you receive to travel to an unfamiliar location, especially if the location is changed at late notice and if someone is offering romance. The scammer may kidnap you and force you to transfer or withdraw money and then extort your loved ones for more money to secure your release.

Take caution when purchasing food and beverages from vendors, especially at the beach when paying by card. Confirm the price before and check the figure on the card machine is correct and hasn't been inflated. Don’t give your card to the vendor when making payments.

• Theft and robbery
• Scams that affect travellers

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Kidnappings occur in Brazil, and in some cases, individuals of perceived wealth are targeted. There have been instances of kidnapping-for-ransom, express, tiger, and virtual kidnappings. There were more express and tiger kidnaps in Brazil than in any other country worldwide during the first half of 2023.

Civil unrest and political tension

Large-scale protests are common. Public protests and events that draw large crowds can turn violent and authorities have used tear gas and other riot-control measures.

Demonstrations and protests often interrupt traffic and public transport.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and rallies
• monitor the news for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• if a protest occurs, leave if it's safe to do so
• prepare for long waits and be ready to adjust your travel plans
• follow instructions from the local authorities

You should follow the instructions of local authorities and review our guidance on  staying safe when there are demonstrations .

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Major events are attractive targets for terrorists.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the news for emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area straight away if you can.

Avoid the affected area after an attack in case there are secondary attacks.

Swimming safety

Many beaches, including in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza, have strong, dangerous rips.

Shark attacks are possible, especially at many north-eastern beaches. Obey warning signs.

Climate and natural disasters

Brazil experiences severe droughts and flooding.

If there's a  natural disaster :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor the media and local sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

The wet season is from January to July in the north, November to March in the south and south-east and April to July in the north-east. Landslides, flooding and flash flooding can happen, especially in poorer urban areas. 

It's common for flooding and severe storms to damage transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges and can delay domestic and international flights. Monitor local media for weather advice and follow any instructions given by local authorities.

Staying safe in the heat

If you're travelling during extreme hot weather, plan your days to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. If you go out in the heat, rest often and stay in the shade as much as possible.

• Drink plenty of water. Even if you're not thirsty. Avoid alcohol
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking or biking in extreme hot weather, particularly if you're not usually active or used to high temperatures.

• Extreme hot weather

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Brazil. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Insect-borne diseases are a serious risk in Brazil.  Yellow fever ,  dengue ,  malaria  and the  zika virus  are common. Other insect-borne diseases include:

• chikungunya
• leishmaniasis

You're most at risk during the wet season, in poorer urban areas or in regional areas where there are stagnant bodies of water, including the Pantanal or Amazon.

Take the following steps to avoid insect bites:

• cover exposed skin with light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• use insect repellents. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent
• treat your clothing and gear with insecticides
• sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use bed nets if you can't keep mosquitoes from coming inside the room
• consider taking anti-malarial medication
• Infectious diseases
• Immunisation  (Department of Health and Aged Care)

HIV/AIDS  is a significant risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection, such as avoiding contact with contaminated objects and sharing personal items. Practice safe sex. 

Other health risks

There are recurrent  measles  outbreaks in Brazil. To protect yourself, stay up to date with your vaccinations, wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with people who are sick and wild or domestic animals. 

Food-related, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals
• avoid swimming in fresh water

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

• Measles immunisation service

Medical care

Medical facilities.

You can access free health care at public hospitals and clinics in Brazil. The standard of emergency care is generally high but can vary, with access being more limited and of a lower standard outside of major urban areas.

When accessing public health care, you will likely experience overcrowding, longer wait times and more rudimentary facilities than you are accustomed to in Australia. It is very unlikely your treating doctor will speak English.

Private health care at hospitals and clinics in larger cities is often similar or superior to Australia. Doctors will often speak at least some English. Private medical care is very expensive, even more expensive if you need a medical evacuation. You may be charged upfront or be required to produce proof of insurance prior to receiving treatment.  

Public mental health care facilities are basic and overcrowded with a focus on more severe chronic and acute care, using a pharmaceutical-based treatment approach.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Brazil has severe penalties for possession of or trafficking illegal drugs. These include long sentences in local jails.

• Carrying or using drugs

You must always carry proof of identity. Carry a photocopy of your passport with some original identification, such as your driver's licence or another government-issued identity document. 

Don't drink and drive, penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol level reading over 0%. 

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

Dual nationals must enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passport.

If you're a dual national male over 18, you'll have to do military service if you stay in Brazil for 12 months.

Contact a  Brazilian embassy or consulate  for advice.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't always accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Currently, you don't need a visa to enter Brazil for:

• artistic or sports activities

You can stay in Brazil for 90 days over a 12-month period. This will be counted from the date of your first entry to Brazil. You can also extend your stay for another 90 days. If you require visa advice or assistance, you should contact the Brazilian Federal Police or a visa agency.

In other cases, apply for your visa through an  embassy or consulate of Brazil .

If you plan to live in Brazil, you'll need to get a visa before arrival. The Brazilian Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws.

If you need a visa and arrive without one, authorities will send you back on the next available flight.

Entry and exit conditions may change at short notice. Contact an  embassy or consulate of Brazil  for details about visas, currency and customs. 

• Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

• Travel advice for Chile

Other formalities

Entry and exit stamps.

When you arrive, authorities will stamp your passport. This may be inspected by immigration authorities when you leave.

If you plan to leave Brazil and return during your trip, get an exit stamp in your passport from Brazilian immigration when you leave.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Brazil. Some airlines may want to see a copy when you depart to Australia or other countries.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel with children

Dual-national children must enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passports. 

Brazilian and dual-national children travelling in the company of only one parent must provide proof of consent to travel from the non-accompanying parent. If you can't produce proof of parental consent, local authorities will stop your children from departing Brazil. Unaccompanied children, or children travelling in the company of a non-parent, will require the consent of both parents.

Parental consent will usually be in the form of an observation note inserted into the child's Brazilian passport when it is issued by the Brazilian authorities. Alternatively, a Brazilian Embassy, Consulate or Juvenile Court can witness and notarise written parental consent or proof of residence outside Brazil.

If one or both parents are deceased, you'll require a death certificate notarised by a Brazilian Embassy, Consulate or Juvenile Court.

Parents of dual-national children should contact a Brazilian embassy or consulate for advice.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Authorities won't let you enter Brazil unless your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry. This may apply even if you're just transiting.

Some immigration authorities and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Tourists can receive conflicting advice from different sources. You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) when you arrive and depart. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash. US dollars are the easiest to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. 

Ask your bank in Australia if your ATM card will work and if it has an affiliate bank in Brazil, as some local machines may be unreliable.

Credit card fraud and ATM tampering are widespread. Check your bank statements for unauthorised charges. To combat fraud and theft, many ATMs may limit the amount you can withdraw per day. 

Local travel

Remote areas.

You're at risk of becoming lost or injured while trekking in remote parts of Brazil. This includes the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands.

Use an experienced guide.

Driving permit

You can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days after your arrival, as long as you carry a valid Australian driver’s licence. It is also recommended that you carry a translation of your licence. After this period, you will need to obtain a local driver’s licence.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Brazil than in Australia.

Hazards on the road include:

• aggressive driving
• poorly maintained roads
• large numbers of trucks and other slow vehicles on main routes

Traffic lights are often not obeyed, especially at night in larger cities. Don't assume cars will stop.

Carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes can occur. To stay safe while driving and guard against carjacking:

• keep vehicle doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• make sure your GPS route isn't via a favela — if in doubt, ask your hotel or tour guide
• be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic
• when stopped in traffic, including at traffic lights, be alert to threats and maintain extra distance from other cars.
• always approach your car with the keys ready
• don't stay in a parked vehicle

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• don't drink and drive – penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol reading over 0%
• guard against carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes

If you're in an accident:

• call 193 for the fire department if there are injuries
• call 190 for the police if there are no injuries
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Registered taxis, rideshares such as Uber and the metro are generally safe. To reduce your risk:

• only use licensed taxis or rideshare booked through apps
• find out what transport services are available at the airport before you travel; most airports have licenced taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas and allow payment before travel
• follow signage or advice of authorities to official taxi services only
• always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree on the fare before you get in a taxi
• ensure you enter the vehicle with the same plate number and name as shown in the app, and don't get into a taxi or rideshare if other passengers are already inside.
• avoid using motorcycle taxis

Public transport

Brazil has a well-developed network of inter-city buses, as well as metro systems in some of the major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Travel can be risky due to poor vehicle maintenance, local driving habits and petty crime.

Be alert when using public transport, especially during busy times and at night.

Criminals often work in gangs robbing people gathered in the same place. Public transport hubs can be hotspots.

People have reported hijacking and  robbery  of tour buses in recent years.

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

International cruise liners visit Brazil.

Commercial riverboats are common in some parts. Keep your belongings close.

Tourist operators often use basic vessels for river outings in jungle areas.

You should always wear a life jacket. Boat accidents can occur.

Piracy happens, particularly in the north-east. Armed groups, including pirates and drug traffickers, travel rivers in the Amazonas state, where there is a low presence of police and local authorities. Cruise ships and lodges have been attacked. 

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues  piracy reports  on its website.

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Domestic and international flight delays are common. Airport strikes also occur.

Ask your travel agent if your itinerary allows for delays.

Be prepared for the possibility of extended waits at airports.

If you need to make or change airline bookings while in Brazil, ensure your payment method will be accepted.

Most major airlines, such as LATAM, Gol and Azul, accept international credit cards, although some may only accept them on their international websites. 

Travel and tour agents may also have restrictions. You may need to pay cash at the airline office or ask your Australian travel provider.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Brazil's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Operators may not speak English.

Tourist Police who speak English are available in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and at some major airports.

Rio de Janeiro Special Police Unit for Tourism Support Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159 Leblon, Rio de Janeiro – RJ Phone: +55 21 2334 6802 or +55 21 2332 2924

São Paulo Special Police Unit for Tourism Support Rua da Cantareira, 390 Centro, São Paulo - SP Phone: +55 11 3257 4475

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Brasilia , the  Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo  or the  Consulate in Rio de Janeiro . The Consulate in Rio de Janeiro does not provide notarial (document legalisation) services and only provides limited services, for example, interviews for an Australian Passport.

Australian Embassy, Brasilia

SES QD 801, Conjunto K, Lote 07 Brasilia - DF, Brazil ZIP/CEP: 70200-010

Phone: +55 61 3226 3111  Email:  [email protected] , or  [email protected]   Website:  brazil.embassy.gov.au   Facebook:  Embaixada da Austrália no Brasil   X:  @EmbAusBrasil Instagram: australianobrasil

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, São Paulo

Edificio Trianon Corporate – Cerqueira Cesar Alamenda Santos 700 9th Floor, Unit 92 São Paulo - SP, Brazil ZIP/CEP: 01418-100

Phone: +55 11 2112 6200 Email:  [email protected]

Australian Honorary Consulate, Rio de Janeiro

Av. Bartolomeu Mitre, 770 Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil ZIP/CEP: 22431-003

Phone: +55 21 3824 4624 Email: [email protected]  

The Australian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro does not provide notarial (document legalisation) services and only provides limited services, for example interviews for an Australian Passport.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Brazil?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel   

Amazonas state.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State, where Brazil shares borders with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela:  

• along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
• along any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
• along any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
• along the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State

Find out more about why  FCDO  advises against travel .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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If I have a U.S., Canadian, or Australian passport, do I need a visa to enter Brazil?

As of April 10, 2024, if you are traveling with a U.S., Canadian, or Australian passport, you will need a visa to enter Brazil , as required by the Brazilian government. You must bring a printed copy to present to the authorities. The visa is available in electronic format (eVisa) and you can obtain it online at the official Brazilian visa website . We invite you to review all the details on the Consulate General of Brazil website to prepare your trip in advance and obtain complete information on visa procedures and the steps to follow to complete this process.

Travel documents to Brazil

• Post author: Fabiane Freitas
• Post published:
• Post category: Travel Documents
• Post comments: 0 Comments

What documents do I need to travel to Brazil?

You´re planning a trip to Brazil and now is wondering what kind of documents you must gather, right? Like every other country, Brazil has different documentation rules, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Figure all the information out could be overwhelming. We know it. That´s why we’ve selected the requirements you must be aware of before entry to Brazil as a tourist. If you are traveling for another reason, we highly recommend consulting an immigration and visa services to support you. Ok?

As you know, the passport is the only international identification document accepted outside of your country. To enter Brazil you must have a valid passport, considering its expiration date, at least, 6 months upfront of the day of arrival, plus one blank visa page.

Here’s an example: Your trip will take place in January 2021, but your passport will expire in May 2021. It´s valid for only 04 months. In that case, you must issue a new one to travel.

The passport is mandatory not only when you go through the immigration process at the airport, but also when you join tourist activities, checking-in at your hotel, or every situation that a piece of ID will be required.

If you feel afraid to lose it, make a copy of the identification page to carry-on and keep a photo of it in your virtual wallet. Then, you can leave your official passport in a safe at the hotel.

Find Your Country Embassy

Besides the copy and photo of your passport, another must-have thing is the contact information of your embassy or the local consulate of your country, in case of an emergency. If you lose your passport, for example, they can assist you in getting a new one.

Be aware that Brazil is a large country and there are some cities without diplomatic representation. Some countries, like the United States, have an embassy in Brasília, Brazil’s capital, and consulates in cities such as Recife, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre. If you’re visiting Manaus and you need diplomatic assistance, you must contact the consulate in Recife. The same thing goes for other countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and small countries, such as Luxembourg, Madagascar, Monaco.

Here you can find your official diplomatic representation in Brazil, accessing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Ministério das Relações Exteriores

Depending on your nationality, a visitor/tourist visa will be required. However, some visitors do not need a visa if their stay will be under 90 days. If your traveling for any purpose other than tourism, please, look for immigration and visa services to support you.

Visa Exempt

Since June 17th, 2019 the Brazilian government has implemented a visa-free policy for some nationalities such as Australia, Canada, The United States, and Japan. Travelers from these countries can enter Brazil for a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days.

Please keep in mind that even if staying less than 90 days, you must:

• Stay less than 180 days within 12 months;
• Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page;
• Hold proof of sufficient funds hold proof of return ticket;
• Hold all documents required for the next destination;
• Check with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change

Visitor’s from certain countries in Latin America (Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Paraguay) can enter Brazil without a passport, using only their national ID, as long as it is valid and it has an updated the photo.

Driver’s License

Planning on driving around the city or renting a car? Make sure you have your driver’s license updated. You can also get an International Driving Permit (IDP), that allows you to drive in several countries.

Now that you know what documents you need to travel, let us know in the comments below: What cities and when are you planning to visit in Brazil?

Fabiane Freitas

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Updated Requirements for Travel to Brazil    Updated April 10, 2024

Brazil is reinstating visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. As of April 10, 2025 , citizens from these three countries will need a tourist or business visa upon arrival to Brazil.

Here’s what you and your travelers need to know:

• For flights arriving to Brazil on or after April 10, 2025 , all passport holders from the United States, Canada, and Australia will be required to present an eVisa for business or leisure purposes to enter Brazil.   
• The average processing time for an eVisa can take up to 2 weeks , so please advise travelers to start the process with adequate time ahead of planned travel.

Visit the official Brazil eVisa site to start the application process.

For more detailed information on Brazil entry requirements, visit the Travel Planning Center on delta.com or or your preferred tool (e.g. TIMATIC or IATA TravelCentre) for determining required travel documents.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Brazil eVisa site
• Travel Planning Center

• About this Site
• Website Feedback

Vaccinations, documentation and requirements to travel to Brazil

Depending on the nationality and the purpose of the trip, you may need ID, passport or visa to be able to travel to Brazil. For this reason, we explain the different cases, as well as the recommended vaccination to visit the country and other requirements.

Below you have an index with all the points that we are going to deal with in this article.

Article Index

• 1. Required Documentation
• 1.1. ID and passport
• 1.3. Other requirements
• 2. Vaccination
• 3. Transport
• 4. Questions from users
• 4.1. Is it possible to travel to Brazil with little money?
• 4.2. How much is the passport worth to go to Brazil?
• 4.3. How do you get a passport to go to Brazil?
• 4.4. How do I get reals to travel to Brazil?

Required Documentation

Depending on the nationality of the visitor and the reason for the trip, to enter Brazil the DNI, passport or a visa may be required.

ID and passport

These are the countries for which the DNI (National Identity Document) is a valid document when entering Brazil for a maximum period of 90 days, as long as it is as tourists:

• Venezuela (60 day permit)

These territories, which are the members of Mercosur (Southern Common Market), can request an extension of another 90 days in the Brazilian Federal Police, but it cannot exceed 180 days per year.

In the case of Argentina, it has undergone changes in its Identity Document. Therefore, it is no longer possible to use the old ID, the green one. However, its inhabitants can use both the celestial DNI and the card that comes with it.

There are other countries that, despite not needing a visa, are required to have a passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of the trip:

• A : Albania, Germany, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia and Austria
• B : Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Belarus and Bulgaria
• C : Cyprus, Vatican City, South Korea , Costa Rica and Croatia
• D : Denmark and Dominica
• E : El Salvador, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Estonia
• F : Philippines, Finland and France
• G : Georgia, Grenada, Greece, Guatemala and Guyana
• H : Honduras , Hong Kong and Hungary
• I : Ireland, Iceland, Seychelles Islands, Israel and Italy
• J : Jamaica
• K : Kazakhstan
• L : Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Luxembourg
• M : Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta , Morocco, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia and Montenegro
• N : Namibia, Norway y New Zealand
• P : Netherlands, Panama, Poland and Portugal
• R : United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania and Russia
• S : Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and Suriname
• T : Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and Turkey
• U : Ukraine

Travelers from these countries can stay in Brazil for 90 days, with the exception of Singapore and Kazakhstan, whose maximum is 30 days. In addition, these territories do not need a visa if the trip is for business, with the exception of the Bahamas, Barbados, Guatemala, Liechtenstein and Malaysia.

In addition to the passport, the citizen must present an air ticket of round trip , proof that you have sufficient financial means for your maintenance in Brazil (the minimum is 170 reais per day, which is equivalent to about 80 euros) and proof that you have accommodation, which can be:

• The reservation of a hotel already paid; or that the means to pay by credit card are guaranteed.
• Una Letter of Invitation of a Brazilian individual to stay at his home. You must inform the term of stay and go with a notarized signature before a Brazilian notary and a proof of residence.

The rest of the countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Panama, yes they need a visa to go on vacation to Brazil.

The documentation required to obtain the tourist visa is the following:

• Visa application form
• Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, valid for at least 10 days at the time of travel
• Photocopy of round trip ticket. If this document is not possible, it is required to show the status of bank accounts and / or credit cards
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Proof of financial solvency. You must present the credit card and the bank statement of the day and the last three months
• Payment of the consular fee (whose price varies depending on the nationality of the traveler)

If you plan to travel to Brazil to work, the entry requirement is a temporary or permanent residence visa. For this you need an employment contract. The Brazilian company must deliver this contract signed by both parties to the Immigration Secretariat of the Ministry of Labor.

Once the secretariat grants the work permit, the company must send you the contract so that you can apply for the visa at one of the Brazilian consulates in your country of origin.

Also, if you want to go to Brazil like student , it is necessary to request another type of visa. This document is valid for one year, extendable for equal periods, provided there is good enrollment and good school performance. In addition to the necessary papers for the tourist visa, the following documents must be presented:

• Two passport-size photographs
• Medical certificate
• Criminal record
• Proof of registration

Other requirements

A under 18 years you are going to Brazil alone or with one of your parents, you will need to carry an official travel authorization that is accepted by both parents. If the child goes with both parents, it is not necessary.

In the case of Spain, you do not need any authorization, since the possession of the passport by the minor already implies approval. If the child or baby has dual nationality and there is a Brazilian nationality, it needs authorization from both parents.

On the other hand, entry to the country is allowed with pets . The requirements for cats and dogs are as follows:

• Rabies vaccination in the previous 90 days. If the animal is less than 90 days old, a letter must be prepared stating that it has not been in any area where rabies disease can be found.
• If you are from the European Union, you must carry out a serological test, as it will be requested when you return from the trip.
• International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) that reflects that the pet has all the sanitary guarantees necessary for the trip.
• The CVI should include current vaccines and veterinary treatments that the animal has undergone in the last three months.
• 15 days before the trip, effective broad-spectrum treatment against internal and external parasites.
• 10 days before, clinical examination carried out by a veterinarian in which it is proven that there is no evidence of parasitosis.

In the case of ferrets In addition to these conditions, you must have a Zoosanitary Export Certificate, as well as an import permit previously provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture.

Vaccination

At present, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (known in other countries as MINSAL) does not require any vaccination from travelers who decide to visit the country. However, vaccination against yellow fever in people older than nine months.

This disease is not dangerous in some territories such as Fortalea, Arrecife, Rio de Janeiro or some areas of Sâo Paulo. However, for other tourist places, such as the Cataracts from Iguazú or the Amazon, it is advisable.

The vaccine must be given ten days before the trip to the risk region. However, if it is not the first time it is applied, it is not necessary to do it in advance. In some cities, airports and buses in Brazil they offer it for free.

If you are going to go to the Amazon, you should know that there is a risk of malaria or malaria. There is no vaccine for this disease, but there are prophylactic drugs. As the disease is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito, it is recommended to wear light clothing and long sleeves, and to apply repellent.

Another disorder present in the country is dengue. It is also transmitted by a mosquito, which is small, long-legged and dark in color with white stripes. The risk increases in the summer months and the rainy seasons.

In 2016 there was a boom in the zika virus in the country, which is dangerous for pregnant women or those who plan to be pregnant in the short term, since it can cause microcephaly in babies.

Brazilians have also had to get vaccinated in the wake of the tourism boom. In 2014, the year of the Soccer World Cup, residents and tourists were advised to do so against measles and rubella, diseases present in some of the countries participating in the championship.

To avoid any disorder, it is best to drink bottled water or water that has been previously boiled, as well as not buying street food and avoiding dairy in rural areas.

If you need more information on this topic, we recommend reading the following article: Vaccines to travel to Brazil: diseases and health requirements .

As indicated by the AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenues of Argentina), drivers from a Mercosur country (Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, etc.) must have this documentation to travel to Brazil in car or motorhome:

• Identification document
• Document that qualifies the traveler as a tourist
• If the driver is not the owner of the car: «Cédula Azul» in the name of the driver or authorization to drive and leave the country of origin with the vehicle (in this case the «Cédula Verde» may be required). If the driver is the owner's spouse or a relative of up to the second degree, authorization is not required, but that family link must be proven
• Title or official document of ownership of the vehicle
• Proof of current insurance in Mercosur
• The car must be registered in the National Directorate of the National Registries of Automotive Property and Pledge Credits

For drivers who use cars with CNG fuel, it is important to know that this type of fuel is not available in all the states of the country, such as in Pará or Roraima.

People arriving in Brazil in plane or cruise ship, they should not present any special document, only those already indicated above and the ticket to be able to get on the means of transport.

Questions from users

Is it possible to travel to brazil with little money.

If you book the flight well in advance, it will be cheaper than if you do it at the last minute. In addition, there are some platforms on the Internet that allow you to stay for free with some guests from the country, such as Couchsurfing o nightswapping .

In any case, even if you get the trip for little money, remember that you have to demonstrate financial solvency to enter the country. You must have at least 170 reais (€ 80) for each day of stay.

How much is the passport worth to go to Brazil?

The price of the passport does not depend on the destination, but on the country of origin. Therefore, in each State it is different. In the case of Spain, it has a cost of € 26. For Mexico it is 2.315 pesos (valid for 10 years) and for Guatemala, 30 dollars.

How do you get a passport to go to Brazil?

Depending on the country, the passport is issued in some offices of the Police or in the Ministry of Foreign Relations. You must request a prior appointment and bring all the necessary documents (National Identity Document, passport-size photograph and money or proof of payment of the fee).

How do I get reals to travel to Brazil?

There are different options. One of them is to exchange money at a bank in your country before traveling. You can also do it at the exchange houses in Brazil. Likewise, it is possible to pay by credit or debit card. Finally, you can withdraw reais directly at an ATM in the country.

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