travel to brazil with baby

Brazil with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide

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Brazil , Out & About , South America , Travel Tips

September 27, 2019.

Imagine snorkeling in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Bonito’s Rio da Prata surrounded by colorful schools of fish. Or, hiking through Chapada Diamantina, an expansive land of red-rock mesas and verdant slopes punctuated by towering waterfalls, subterranean rivers, and quartzite cave systems. These are just the beginning when it comes to the adventures that you and your family will experience in Brazil with kids .

You’ll also enjoy plenty of sun, sand, and samba along the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and an invigorating exploration of Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador. From island hopping to Ilha Grande and Florianópolis to wildlife observation in the Pantanal, get ready for the Brazil family vacation of a lifetime.

Want to learn more about traveling Brazil as a family? Read on for our ultimate family travel guide.

Why You’ll Love Visiting Brazil with Kids

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Brazil is known for its incredible landscapes, from the life-rich Amazonia to Iguaçu Falls, a thunderous convergence of 275 different waterfalls. But that’s not all. 95 percent of tourists who travel to Brazil can’t wait to return. What’s more, 98 percent of visitors rate Brazil’s legendary hospitality the best in the world. Coupled with a vibrant culture, delectable cuisine (including Brazilian BBQ), and gorgeous weather, get ready for an unforgettable family vacation. Find out more about what to do in Brazil on a family vacation.

Traveling to Brazil: When to Go

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High Season: December through March, July, and Carnaval

Weather: A year-round destination, Brazil’s temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), apart from in the mountains and southern regions. A large nation, the climate varies from hot and dry in the arid interior to humid and sticky in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle.

National Holidays: Carnaval is a six-day festival that begins on the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday. Brazil sees ramped up crowds roughly one week before Christmas until one week after Carnaval. A lively time of year, many Brazilian families go on vacation during this season. What’s more, the greatest influx of tourists arrive.

Brazil Family Adventure: FAQs

Capital: Brasilia

Time: Brazil has three time zones. But more than half of Brazil is in what is called the Brazil Eastern Time Zone or the Brasilia Time Zone (GMT/UTC -3) including the Brazilian states most visited by travelers. The other time zone most visitors encounter in Brazil is the Western Time Zone (GMT/UTC -4 hours).

Language: Portuguese

Voltage: Brazil uses both 110 v in the cities and 220 v along the coast.

Adapter: Type N for US appliances

Visas for Brazil

Contact your nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa information based on your nationality.

If you hold a passport from the United States, Canada, Japan, or Australia, the Brazilian government recently announced visa-free travel. The new policy takes effect on June 17, 2019. For those traveling to Brazil who are nationals of countries not listed above, you must still go through the visa process.

If you do need a visa, we recommend iVisa’s visa service for peace of mind. Read on to find out more about visa requirements for Brazil: Mark Your Calendars: Visa-Free Travel to Brazil Begins June 17th.

Health & Vaccinations

Before every trip, make sure you and your family are up-to-date on routine immunizations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. All visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever are also recommended. Check with your doctor before travel.

Getting There

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The main international airports are Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro and Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo.

For a trip into the Amazon, the Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) serves Manaus, Brazil, and you can get direct flights from the US (Miami) via American Airlines and LATAM Airlines Brasil. For a vacation to Bahia, the Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA) serves Salvador.

During the high season in Brazil, which runs from December through March, airplane tickets into Brazil and lodging prove most expensive. This season peaks with Carnaval. If you’re looking to save as well as avoid crowds, consider a Brazil family vacation between May and September. The one exception to the rule is July, a Brazilian holiday month.

Flight time from Miami to Manaus: approximately 5 hours

Flight time from Miami to Salvador: approximately 8 hours

Currency in Brazil

We recommend that you use ATMs or only exchange at places authorized by the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB). Brazil’s currency is known as the real (pronounced “he-al”). Symbolized with the R$ sign. the country doesn’t accept other currency types. Visitors can exchange up to $3,000 USD.

Most establishments also accept international credit and debit cards. But use extra care when using credit cards and debit cards. Scams have been reported. To stay safe, only use well-known financial institutions and indoor ATMs wherever possible.

What to Eat in Brazil

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Ready for a smorgasbord of delectable food choices? Then, Brazil’s the perfect country for you. From Brazil’s renowned take on barbecue to delicious street food, you’ve got almost endless options. Read on to find out more about Brazil’s must-try food for kids:

• Brazilian Street Foods: What to Eat When Traveling with Kids
• 6 Brazilian Foods You Must Try

Safety in Brazil

Criminal activity proves more common in certain parts of Brazil such as its borderlands (except for Pantanal and Iguacu National Park) and impoverished inner-city areas. Avoiding public buses is also recommended by the US government. As with any location that you’re visiting while at home or abroad, remain aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Don’t venture out after dark and use common sense. For more information on safety during your Brazil family vacation, read on .

What to Wear in Brazil 

Brazil can be hot and humid because of its proximity to the Equator. Think muted colors and wrinkle-free fabrics that can be easily washed out in the sink when packing. Quick-dry fabrics are also your friends. Although counterintuitive, don’t forget a couple of long sleeve shirts and pants and always opt for loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes that can handle short hikes through the rainforest or trips to scenic waterfalls. For more on what to bring, check out our ultimate pack-and-go checklist .

Adventure Awaits Your Family in Brazil

• From Sushi to Carnaval: A Cultural Guide to Family Vacations in Brazil
• Rio with Kids
• 8 Interesting Facts About Brazil

The Best of Brazil’s Bahia

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Ready to learn more about the historically and culturally rich Brazilian state of Bahia? Check out these articles about its chief attractions:

• Traveling Brazil with Kids: The Waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina
• Brazilian Adventure: Visiting a Quilombo
• Things to Do in Brazil: A Capoeira and Drums Class

The Brazilian Amazon

© Eroc Stoen | Travel Babbo

What’s it like to travel into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon? Check out our latest articles:

• 8 Interesting Facts about the Amazon Rainforest
• The Rainforest for Kids: 3 Books Your Kids Will Adore

What Travel Bloggers Have to Say About Our Trips

@ Keryn Means

Ready for a Brazil family vacation with Our Whole Village? Check out our latest reviews from top family travel bloggers:

• Venture in the Wilds on a Brazilian Amazon River Cruise with Our Whole Village by Keryn Means for Walking On Travels
• The Amazon Rainforest with Kids: A Magical (Unplugged) Expedition by Eric Stoen for Travel Babbo
• A Life-Changing Amazon Rainforest Adventure with Our Whole Village by Laurel Perry for Ciao Bambino
• A Mother-Son Trip in the Brazilian Amazon with Our Whole Village by Keryn Means for Travel Age West
• What to Know Before You Book a Trip to Brazil with Our Whole Village by Keryns Means for Walking On Travels

An Adventure That’ll Make the World a Better Place

At Our Whole Village, we specialize in family travel with a purpose. What does this mean for you and your family? We carefully consider the consequences our journeys have on local communities and the environment. We work hard to ensure that your next exhilarating, authentic, immersive journey with us has a positive impact, too.

How? By working with a variety of local charities and organizations that give back to local communities. In Brazil, these include the Almerinda Malaquias Foundation (FAM) and the VivAmazonia School. We also carefully select the eco-friendly businesses and hotels with which we work to lessen our “footprint.” The result? A brighter future for these destinations. Check out these articles to read more about our “kind” approach to tourism.

• Family Adventures that Change the World
• How to Teach Ethical Travel to Our Kids

Book a Family Holiday to Brazil

When it comes to traveling with us, we take care of the logistics so that you can relax and focus on making lasting memories with your family. Then, get ready for a life-changing adventure that you and your kids will cherish for a lifetime.

Contrary to popular belief, travel with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve worked hard to craft our Brazil family adventures so that they appeal to every member of your family. We’ve also removed the guesswork. That means we’ve got everything covered from pick up (and drop off) at the airport to hotel accommodations, excursions, meals, and more.

We partner with local companies to build the perfect all-inclusive experiences for curious, adventurous families. We’ll manage every detail of your Brazil trip so that you can sit back and get your relax on. Contact us now to discuss the perfect Brazilian getaway for your family. 

Ready for Your Brazil Family Adventure?

Ready to learn more about a family getaway to Brazil? Join us on an 8-day Brazil Family Adventure to Chapada Diamantina and Salvador, an immersive, authentic way to experience all that Brazil’s rich culture has to offer. Or, find out more about our Amazon river cruise departures , the perfect unplugged vacation into the heart of the rainforest. 

At Our Whole Village, we create transformational trips for curious families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its peoples, and its cultures. Contact us today to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we handcraft for curious families just like yours.

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9 of the best things to do in Brazil with kids

Dec 2, 2023 • 7 min read

From Iguaçu Falls to boating in the Amazon, here's how to explore Brazil as a family © paul mansfield photography / Getty Images

A sunset cable car ride, a thundering waterfall, or exploring the world’s most important ecosystem by riverboat are just a handful of the lasting memories waiting to be made on a family vacation in Brazil . 

Pepper that in with treats of pão de queijo  (cheese bread) and brigadeiro (chocolate truffle) throughout the day, and you’ve got a trip that's perfect for kids of all ages. Here’s what you need to know about travel in Brazil with children.

Is Brazil good for kids?

Brazil is a fascinating country with an immense wealth of natural beauty and ecological interest for budding naturalists. If you have the kind of kids that will happily talk your head off about wildlife, they will love a trip to Brazil’s wilder regions .

On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a relaxing vacation to take a load off, Brazil’s got that too, with plenty of adrenaline pit stops mixed in to satisfy restless teenagers. 

Brazil is also an incredibly welcoming culture when it comes to families, and children are widely accommodated in restaurants and other public spaces. You should have no issues rolling a stroller down the boulevard in Rio and most won’t bat an eye if you need to breastfeed while out and about.

It’s generally easy to find playgrounds and other entertainment for kids, not only in parks but also in supermarkets. Brazil even celebrates Children’s Day, a mid-April holiday with fun fairs and other parties taking place all over the country.

That said, all travelers should keep safety top of mind when traveling in Brazil , kids or no kids. The most common risk to travelers in Brazil is petty theft, so be sure to leave expensive jewelry at home and keep your phone and other electronics tucked away.

Which region in Brazil is best for kids?

Brazil is a huge country and you’ll meet very few Brazilians who have traveled the length of the Atlantic coast and deep into the jungle and interior savannas, so there’s no need to try to see it all on one visit.

Beachside cities like Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis are great choices for a trip to Brazil with kids, but if you have teenagers don’t discount a visit to inland São Paulo’s Beco do Batman , a street art mecca embedded in a funky, artsy neighborhood. 

Whether your idea of an epic adventure is a trek through the jungle or snorkeling on a colorful reef, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore and a huge regional diversity when it comes to climates and ecosystems.

Beyond the dense rainforest canopies, you can also find mountains of sand in northeastern states like Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte — these dunes are usually never far from gorgeous and family-friendly beach resorts. 

On the coast between Rio and São Paulo, there are lots of beach vacation centers in Ubatuba and Ilhabela , and if you fly south to Foz de Iguaçu , you can visit a monumental waterfall, and take a quick trip across the border to add Argentina and Paraguay stamps to your passport.

Best things to do in Brazil with babies and toddlers

Visit the puppet museum in olinda.

Near Recife , Olinda is a historic city with a downtown that’s been recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

It’s known for its larger-than-life puppet processions during Carnaval and babies and toddlers can get an up-close look at these papier-mâché creations at the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes de Olinda , a museum where these colorful and charismatic figures are on display year-round.

Stay at a family-friendly beach resort

There’s perhaps nothing more Brazilian than taking off for the ocean and enjoying a long vacation with your toes in the sand. One of the most relaxing ways to travel with a baby or toddler is by staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts found all over the country.

Club Med is particularly highly regarded for its kids programs and in Brazil, it has two coastal resorts (near Rio de Janeiro and Salvador) and a lake resort near São Paulo.

Look out for capybaras

Native to Brazil, capybaras may be the world’s largest rodent, but they are also the most adorable. They are common wild animals and can sometimes be spotted in public parks, usually near bodies of water as they are semi-aquatic animals. 

While they look cute and cuddly, and their online reputation represents their calmer side, they can get aggressive. Make sure your child gives them space and do not approach them in an uncontrolled environment.

Best things to do in Brazil with kids

Take the cable car to sugarloaf mountain in rio de janeiro.

There really is no better view of Rio than the one you get from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car ride to the top is broken up into two parts, first stopping at Morro da Urca, where there are a few shops and restaurants, and then continuing up to the summit, where a mindblowing 360-degree view awaits to amaze the family.

Walk the planks of the waterfall at Foz do Iguaçu

Located at the meeting point of three countries, Foz do Iguaçu in the south of Brazil is the world’s largest waterfall system, comprising nearly 300 waterfalls.

It’s a marvel of nature and while boat rides are available on the Argentina side, the Brazilian side has impressive and secure boardwalks where you can get a view from the top of the falls.

Snorkel off the beaches of Porto de Galinhas

With such a long coastline, you can imagine that there are stunning places to snorkel all over Brazil, but one of the best is located in the north in the beach town of Porto de Galinhas , an hour south of Recife. It's lined with coral reefs and natural pools that you can easily walk to from the shore.

Best things to do in Brazil with tweens and teenagers

Travel on a riverboat ride in the amazon.

A trip to the Amazon offers an opportunity to get an up-close look at the world’s largest rainforest and its biodiversity. If you’re going to go to this adventure haven, you have to get on a boat. 

There are multiday cruises that embark from Manaus , but for something more budget-friendly , you can also go on short day trips that will take you to find pink river dolphins and visit the Encontro Das Águas , the two-toned meeting place of two rivers.

Go for a dune buggy ride in Nordeste

For adrenaline-seeking tweens and teens, a dune buggy ride in Brazil is an amazing way to explore. You can find buggy operators in areas where dunes are plentiful like Natal, Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses . Make sure to bring your bathing suit, in case you come across any scenic swimming holes.

Take a kite surfing lesson in Ceará

Where there are dunes, there tends to also be wind and that makes the northeastern region of Brazil one of the best destinations for kitesurfing in the world. Sign your teen up for a kitesurfing class in Cumbuco for a high-flying beach adventure.

Planning tips for family travel in Brazil

Renting a car is the easiest way to travel around Brazil , especially when you’re exploring multiple towns along the coast or in the northeast. However, if you are budget-minded or not keen on driving, many long-distance bus services are extremely comfortable and safe for families. 

Brazilians are generally very friendly to foreigners and kids are widely welcomed and accommodated. You can find many buffet and churrasco -style restaurants with rates for children — these are also great for picky eaters.

Healthwise, the risk of getting sick is low if you’re sticking to major cities and population centers, but it’s always a good idea to make sure everyone in the family is caught up on their travel shots, especially if you plan to visit densely forested and wetland areas like the Amazon.

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Exploring The World. Sharing Powerful + Practical Advice For Travelling With Babies

Visiting brazil with babies.

Traveling to Brazil with Babies

Firstly, I would like to start off with the fact that we absolutely love São Paulo. I have always been a huge fan of Brazil, especially the people, the music and the language. It is also a big reason why I learned how to speak Portuguese. So that I could connect with the people on a deeper level and demonstrate my interest in their culture. But let me just say at the beginning traveling to Brazil with Babies is not easy.

Brazil was also one of the biggest reasons why I thought I would start writing blogs with the intentions of trying to help & inspire people to travel with their kids. We faced a lot of challenges and found it to be quite difficult, despite the fact that I speak Portuguese.

Although Brazil is the probably one of the most accepting countries we have visited. When it comes to traveling to Brazil with Babies, there are a lot of improvements to be made to make it more baby friendly. I am lucky to have friends in Brazil so every time I have travelled there and have been staying with Brazilians and they have helped me find accommodation in various cities.

I would recommend doing the same. Reaching out to people/friends for advice and recommendations, as it is still a third world country and there are areas you should avoid. Please see here if interested in reading my Top 10 things to know about Brazil Blog 🙂

Recommended Travel Agency for Internal Flights

If you need any assistance with flights and accommodation in any city in Brazil please reach out to  Valtur Turismo . It is my friends company and she and her sister speak various languages and are able to respond in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

You will also need a Brazilian national ID to book the internal flights via  GOL . At the time of when I travelled to Brazil this was the cheapest site for booking internal flights. So you might want to use the travel agency to help book those flights if interested.

Visiting Ilha Bela

Getting around/transportation .

The island is approximately 330km south of Rio de Janeiro and 222km north of São Paulo. Therefore, you can look into options of flying into either city to get there. See Map for details http://litoralvirtual.com.br/litoral/acesso.htm

Ilha Bela, São Paulo

We traveled to Ilha Bela, on the island of Sebastião, which is in São Paulo State. I wouldn´t have necessarily have chosen Ilha Bela on my own, but it is very well known in Brazil for being a top place for destination Weddings. And that is exactly why we flew out there, to attend our Brazilian friends´ Wedding who lives in London. The scenery and nature there is just breath-taking, with35 km of beaches and a coastal Atlantic rain forest to explore, in addition to hundreds of cool waterfalls cascading into the ocean.

We decided to rent a car when we traveled there. Havana was 5 months at that time and it was quite an interesting journey with loads of nappy change stops hehe. Ilha Bela is generally 3 hours drive from Sao Paulo city, but took us about 4-5 hours with the traffic and nappy change stops. We had just started her on solids at that time and she was just getting used to the foods, which also affected her digestive system.

General Info About Visiting Brazil

In Brazil it is mandatory for children to be in a car seat so I recommend asking for one in advance when booking a rental car. Alternatively you can bring your own. It is not mandatory to have a car seat when taking a taxi in Brazil.

We did not really use taxis when we were in Ilha Bela so I cannot comment on that. If you were to stay in Rio or São Paulo I would say you are fine with taking the public transport or taxis, but for Ilha Bela I would recommend getting a car.

Formula & Baby Food

Just before leaving for Brazil we started introducing solids, primarily because she started gives us all the signals. As we were traveling and always on the go, it wasn´t possible for us to cook/boil foods and therefore during our time there we primarily stuck to fruit. For example, banana, mangos, etc. simple foods that you can easily mush and wouldn´t get in contact with tap water. We also tried to bring as many food pouches & weaning snacks in our carry-ons and suitcases as possible. I also highly recommend the Nuby Food Masher. That came in really handy during our travels throughout North and South America.

I wasn’t exclusively breastfeeding and was giving her 1-2 bottles of expressed milk or formula a day, in addition to some solid foods. We decided at an early age that my husband would give her a bottle or two of expressed milk or formula right at the beginning to help with the bonding. The fact that we brough extra formula and food did come in handy as my breastmilk production was affected. This can happen while traveling, as you are not eating the same foods as when at home.

We also tried to stick to giving her fruits as the Brazilians eat a lot of meat and fried foods and those weren´t really things we wanted to give her to eat. When it comes to the nutrition of their children Latin Americans also tend to cook fresh meals, hence why it is also difficult to find baby foods or formula. As we were tourists in Sao Paulo we didn´t know the city well and therefore didn´t know where the supermarkets were.

When a baby is hungry you can´t really wait 30m-1h for a fresh meal to be prepared unless you don´t mind the screaming, so I am happy we had brought a lot of baby food pouches and formula along just in case. Therefore, if you are planning on traveling to Brazil with your Baby or Toddlers, I would probably suggest going if you are purely breastfeeding/formula feeding or if your kids are eating the same food as you and can fully chew.

I am not sure if other Mom´s can relate, but although I was breastfeeding, during the weaning stages the breastmilk sometimes was not enough. Therefore I have learned, that ever since Brazil I try to have more than enough food & snacks with me.

Baby Jet Lag

I wouldn’t say that we had problems dealing with jet lag as she was not entirely sleeping through the night yet. However, if interested in reading about a few tips that have helped us during our other travels since this trip please click here.

Most Brazilians don´t drink tap water so I wouldn´t recommend you do that either. I highly recommend buying bottled water and using that to mix with the baby formula as well if you are formula feeding. I would also recommend asking the hotel for a kettle so you can sterilise and clean the baby bottles and baby items.

Baby Products & Clothes

All baby products are quite expensive in Brazil. This goes from baby foods, diapers, wipes, toys, clothes, sunscreen, etc. so I would recommend if you travel to Brazil with your Baby to try to bring enough supplies for the entire stay. Try contacting the hotel or Air BnB  prior to booking to see if they are able to supply a crib.

The Weather

Average annual temperature is the 22 ºC, which makes Ilhabela a year-round favourite for travellers and especially destination Weddings. Ilha Bela is very popular during the summers and long weekends as people from the mainland tend to travel there for a break. Off seasons or during the week are normally less crowded.

Accommodation

If you stay in an Air BnB/apartment do note that it is quite normal in Brazil for them not to have sheets for the bed or towels. Yes, very strange, but it is true and you have to bring some along. We experienced this with our apartment in Ilha Bela. Thank goodness my friend was driving to meet us from another city in Sao Paulo and brought extra sheets and towels along for us. Not sure why this is, but apparently it is common practice in Brazil. Therefore I do recommend asking if they supply sheets or whether you have to bring them along. On that note, I would also recommend asking if they have hairdryers.

Mosquitos & Vaccinations

I would check with your doctor before traveling to Brazil to make sure your child´s vaccinations are up to date. In addition, I would recommend bringing a mosquito net and repellent. These would be my recommendations for any tropical country you are traveling to. Zika is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Zika virus. The geographical distribution of  Zika virus  (ZIKV) has expanded globally in recent years. Please see here for country specific details and risks.

Changing tables

If you are traveling from North America please be aware that you might not find many change tables. The same actually goes for if you are traveling around Europe as well. Therefore be prepared to change your child in public. Depending on where we were, we either changed her on the travel stroller in a corner somewhere, wheeled the stroller into a public washroom to change her or did it in the car. The name for change table in Portuguese is  fraldários.

Restaurants & Bedtime

You will notice that Brazilians are very friendly and tolerant of children. Most restaurants will have a high chair so do not be afraid to ask. Restaurants should also have kid meals, which normally consist of pasta or rice, meat and vegetables. Similar to other Latin American countries kids are normally up late. This is due to the fact that in Latin American countries they don´t normally eat dinner until 8-9pm or even later.

Every Baby is different

We normally put our daughter Havana to bed around 7:30pm and normally stick to that routine now that she is more of a Diva when she is tired. Generally when traveling once she hit 12 months and had a set routine we don’t try to steer off the routine too much. If abroad we tend to stay out max 2 hours past her bed time, but that’s what worked for us. Of course every child is different so best do what works best for you and your baby. When we were in Brazil, our daughter was only 5 months old and was having regular naps and therefore wasn’t affected by jet lag that much and the fact that we stayed out late.

We love Brazil

I know this blog was quite long compared to all my others, but there is just so much I felt that I needed to add to help any parent prepare for the holiday to Brazil with Babies.  Although it was more tiring than many other trips we really and truly do love Brazil. If you have any questions please drop me an email to [email protected]

Happy Baby Happy Travels

Marisa & Havana

CLICK HERE to read our 10 Things To Know About Brazil – Culture Tips Blog

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Traveling To Brazil With Kids: Top Tips & Things To Do

Brazil is a great place to take the kids on vacation. It’s a very child-friendly nation where you can be confident your little ones will be well looked after. Besides the fact that Brazilians adore children, there are loads of kid-friendly activities to do, the major tourist attractions tend to be very family-friendly and you’ll find plenty of child-friendly accommodations.

From waterfalls to kid-friendly beaches to snorkeling, short treks, ziplining, tropical rainforests and caves to explore; plus dance schools, vibrant live music, cable cars, train rides, and interactive museums, your family trip to Brazil can most definitely include your little ones. Brazil’s spectacular landscapes are matched by its warm hospitality and delectable cuisine. With careful planning and preparation, traveling to Brazil with kids will be a safe and rewarding journey filled with lifelong memories.

If your kids are fussy eaters, Brazilian street food could be your answer. You’ll find an abundance of delectable, portable dishes that your whole family can enjoy, and if you know what to order, your kids will relish all of the pleasures of “fast food” with an international twist.

Be sure to pack lots of high factor sun cream and mosquito repellent with DEET – it goes without saying that there are lots of insects in the rainforest.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro contains endless kid-friendly spots, making it an exciting family travel destination. Tijuca National Park − the 15-square-mile remnant of the Atlantic rainforest that once enveloped the region − teems with monkeys and colorful birds. Rio’s glorious beaches and the opportunity to ride cable cars, funicular railways, and rattling streetcars all add to the kid-pleasing experience.

No visit to Rio would be complete without a trip to see the iconic statue, Christ the Redeemer, and the city offers many ways to make this trip even more exciting for youngsters. Choose to ride the train along the steep rail that takes you through the heart of the Tijuca National Park to the statue. Chugging along in this little red train will delight your kids and along the way, they will enjoy the gorgeous scenery of lush jungle terrain, creeks, and waterfalls. As an added bonus, it’s not uncommon for live samba bands to entertain passengers onboard. For families who’d like to spend additional time exploring the park’s historical spots and natural landscapes, opt for a jeep tour of the park. Tijuca also contains a system of well-marked hiking trails.

Beaches are the perfect place to unwind and let the kids run free through the warm silky sand, building sandcastles and playing in the surf. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are giant sandy playgrounds, but pumping music and party-goers may not be what you are looking for when you’re traveling with young kids. The smaller, secluded Praia Vermelha is a small curve of coarse sand that sits right at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and is a popular spot for families with young children. Meanwhile Rio’s Leblon Beach hosts a Baixo Baby area that is exclusive to kids.

While you may be familiar with the images of the cable car making its dizzying ascent up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, nothing can prepare you for the eye-boggling views and the true splendor of Rio’s cityscape as it unfurls below. Your kids will love this thrilling ride.

At the city’s most scenic lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, you can rent a swan-shaped pedal boat. Or you may wish to stroll along Copacabana’s Avenida Atlantica, especially on Sundays when it closes one way for pedestrians, bikers, and skaters. You’ll find plenty of food vendors and street performers.

Salvador has an impressive history as one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. But it’s also a modern urban center offering delicious food, exotic music, and dynamic street performances. Give your kids the opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural traditions of West and Central Africa in Brazil by attending a Capoeira and drums class. Capoeira dates back more than 500 years to the start of the slave trade in Brazil and remains a testament to self-discipline, resilience, and courage in the face of oppression.

The fishing village of Praia do Forte, near Salvador, offers traditional family activities including an exquisite golden-sand beach with rock pools at low tide, horse-riding and bicycle hire. Be sure to visit the Tamar Project dedicated to the protection and preservation of sea turtles. Brazil is home to five out of the seven species of sea turtles; all of which are endangered species. The visitors’ center has tours led by biologists and vets, and not only will your kids have the chance to learn about why it is so important to help protect these turtles, they will also have the opportunity to interact with them, and they may even get the chance to help a newly-hatched turtle on its journey to the ocean. The Projeto TAMAR has more than 20 sites along the Brazilian coast from Pipa to Ubatuba to Florianopolis: www.tamar.org.br

Beautiful encounters in the Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest

With an unrivalled diversity of wildlife, The Amazon is a place of almost mythical status and a must-do when traveling to Brazil with kids. More and more family-friendly jungle lodges are popping up, and educational opportunities are plentiful if you choose a tour that teaches them about the different species of plants, flora and animals. The most popular activity in the Amazon is to explore the region by riverboat . Alternatively, you could choose a survival tour that will teach your family how to survive in the jungle.

The Iguazú Falls span the frontier between Argentina and Brazil, and what a sight it is: the largest waterfall system on Earth, a ceaseless spectacle of hundreds of foaming cascades. Walkways allow you to get close to the raw beauty and power of the falls. Just prepare to get wet, something your kids will love!

The southwestern town of Bonito is known for its gorgeous caves and river snorkeling adventures. Older children can join a flotation tour in a “Natural Aquarium” – the clear waters of the Baía Bonita Ecological Reserve near the southern Pantanal. Wearing a wetsuit and snorkeling gear, you can float about half a mile, immersed in the underwater world. The journey there leads you through various ecosystems, and at the end there is a zipline in the forest. This is a fantastic family adventure; don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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• Brazil With Kids: The Special Guide For Your Family Vacation!

23 Mar 2023

Making travel plans for kids and family needs a number of factors one needs to keep in mind. From the scanty beaches around to the impending negative connotation, it is not surprising for people to not keep Brazil as a priority in their vacation plans. If you have been traveling with children, it is important to keep a number of things into account. Brazil might not be the go-to destination for a number of people around but it actually is an amazing destination spot to visit with kids and family. So, head to Brazil with kids and get ready to have an enticing trip!

Best Time To Visit Brazil

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The weather and climatic conditions in Brazil are not typical what you expect around the world. Winter prevails from the months of May till September and is the perfect time to go hiking and camping around in Rio with kids.

Although, if you have been meaning to indulge in sightseeing and visiting the other prospects of Brazil with kids like that of the national parks and nature spots, experts suggest to visiting during the dry season from May to September as well. These months are peak months for travelers which is why you can expect quite the rush and need to plan your trip ahead of time.

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Things To Do In Brazil

Now that you more or less know the amazing time to visit Brazil in, the next thing is to indulge in the kind of activities and places you can visit while traveling to Brazil with your kids

1. Leblon Beach

As mentioned at the beginning of the article itself, Brazil is known to host some of the most beautiful beaches around. The astonishing thing about this place is the fact that it has a little to offer to every single person on vacation. If you have kids along with you, the Leblon Beach is believed to be the best visit while on a vacation to Brazil.

When with kids, the last thing you want is a beach that is filled with party goers and a whacky crowd. Family beaches are the best spotting to visit with kids and the Leblon Beach is definitely one of them. The Baixo Baby area in the beach is one of the best spots for your kids to have a quality time. They have organized activities and events for kids which is surely going to keep their hooked throughout the entire day.

Location: Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Must Read: Brazil Wildlife: A Mini Guide To Explore The Enchanting Carnival Land Of South America!

2. Christ The Redeemer

When in Brazil, you just can’t miss out on visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio. Whatever your age be, seeing this iconic statue is definitely something that, without a fail, has to become a part of your itinerary. Located in the Corcovado Mountain which is the highest peak around the city, tourists from all across the globe come to witness this magnificent masterpiece.

While the majority of the tourists tend to take the minibus tour to reach the place, if you have kids with you, take the train route instead. The trail along the Atlantic Rain Forest of Tijuca is definitely going to leave your kids baffled. If you are lucky, you might even end up have some entertainment on board with the local Samba bands.

Location: Parque Nacional da Tijuca | Cosme Velho, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22241-330, Brazil

3. Morro Da Urca

Let’s be real, hiking with the kids is possibly the last though on every parent’s mind. When in Brazil, even that problem can easily be fixed owing to the fact that except for steep and high mountains, they do have shorter ones too. Morro Da Urca is definitely one of those small and steep hills that fulfills all your need.

The hike to the top of the hill is only a thirty-minute hike which is pretty decent. You can enjoy a scenic panoramic view of the entire surroundings which is pretty amazing. If your kids feel tired and hungry following the trip, just indulge them in some snacks and fruits from the local vendors around. Don’t forget the cable car ride once you reach the top.

Location: Praia Vermelha, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil

Suggested Read: 6 Romantic Places In Brazil For Falling In Love Again!

4. Maracana Stadium

Brazil has been home to a wide range of sports activities and big global games. Owing to that fact, it is futile if you take your kids to Brazil and don’t even indulge in showing them a football game. The Maracana Stadium which was renovated recently is definitely on the top of the list for activities you can indulge in. It is actually the most famous soccer stadium and the view around with the Towering Mountains as the backdrop simply set the mood further.

Get the popular merchandise from the shops around or even indulge in getting a proper tour guide to help you guide around the place easily. Get tickets to a game and sit around with some locals and cheer along for the team playing. The experience is one of a kind, something that your kid is going to remember for quite long.

Location: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Porto 3, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 20271-130, Brazil

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Don’t get confused with the name. This is one of the places around Brazil that is listed under the top things to do in Brazil with kids. The main reason behind the same is not just the beaches around but the sea turtles that attract the kids’ attention. The Projeto Tamar is one of the most popular ongoing projects that prioritizes saving the sea turtles.

The Ubatuba Projeto Tomar has an amazing space for you to take your kids to. This actually does have a visitor’s and rehabilitation center which helps kids learn the need for saving sea turtles. Not just that, they also get to interact with them and get to know their importance better.

Location: Primeira Praia de Trindade, Trindade, Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Suggested Read: Restaurants In Brazil: These 10 Brazilian Eateries That Lend Fine Dining A New Meaning

6. Amazon Rainforest

Next on the list of places you should definitely take your kid to while in Brazil is the Amazon Rainforest. The wide abundance of reptiles, birds, animals and the lush greenery is everything your kid needs to experience while there. Make sure to choose a tour beforehand that is not just exciting but educational as well.

The guide around show the best spots and the amazing wildlife that is going to bring out the inner child in you. The survival tour is one of the most popular tours around that gives you a glimpse into the ways one can actually end up surviving in a dense forest.

Location: Rua G 130 | Vila Picinguaba, Ubatuba, State of Sao Paulo 11680-000, Brazil

Suggested Read: 9 Best Brazil Water Parks To Take Your Excitement Level- Up A Notch!

7. Sao Paulo

Last but not the least on the list is visiting Sao Paulo. This is like the main theme city which has a number of activities to keep the kids engaged throughout their visit. From amazing theme parks to zoos and science museums, you have a varying lot of option to look into. The Sao Paulo zoo, as well as the Sao Paulo Aquarium, account for one of the best things to do while there.

Suggested Read: 10 Brazil Theme Parks For An Enthralling & Reviving Holiday With Your Loved Ones!

8. Choperia Cachaçaria Pompéia

Majority of the people who visit this place for a family vacation have time and time mentioned one place for dining out. The Restaurant Choperia Cachaçaria Pompéia is located in the heart of the city and is themed as in the middle of a ranch. They have domestic animals and kids play area which adds to the theme even further. Make sure you don’t skip out on visiting this town with kids.

Further Read: Restaurants In Brazil: These 10 Brazilian Eateries That Lend Fine Dining A New Meaning

Brazil is known as an amazing tourist destination that has a little bit to offer to every single person. If you have been planning for a family vacation with kids, these amazing places in Brazil can make your entire trip one worth remembering. So, pack your bags and set out for your international vacation with kids right now!

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• By Jenna Francisco
• January 12, 2023

Brazil is a wonderful country to explore as a family. It has a bit of everything: incredible natural beauty, friendly people, vibrant culture and lovely beaches. If you’ve been considering a South America vacation with kids , Brazil is also a relatively safe choice, thanks to its infrastructure and developed tourism industry. The following tips for family travel to Brazil come from my annual trips there with my children over the past nine years.

Brazil Vacation Tips 101

Choose the right time to travel.

Brazil can be very expensive compared to other South American destinations, so it’s important to give careful thought to your travel dates. First, you’ll want to avoid the times when Brazilians have vacation: late December through January; July; and during the week before Easter and Carnaval. Flight costs go way up around Christmas and New Year’s as well as in July. An airplane ticket in April, for example, is about half the cost of one in July. Hotels and restaurants can also be quite pricey, especially during peak season. To avoid high prices and crowds, try to travel during other times of the year.

Take basic hygiene precautions

Brazilians take pride in their cleanliness. Many restaurants and shops have a hand-washing or anti-bacterial gel station near the entrance. Public bathrooms are often staffed all day with someone who cleans, and some restaurants even have floss and mouthwash for use in the restrooms! In general, the overall interest in maintaining a clean environment shows.

Tap water is safe to drink in some parts of the country. For example, in São Paulo, the tap water is potable and tastes fine, but you’re better off buying bottled water unless you know for sure that the water is good to drink.

The food in Brazil is generally clean and safe, especially in the heavily touristed areas of Rio de Janeiro and the south. However, because the country is so large, check the area where you’ll be staying first to find out if there are food safety concerns.

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Be proactive about staying healthy

Check the CDC website for detailed health information for each area you plan to visit. Visit your doctor at least a month before traveling to find out what vaccines are necessary. Depending on what part of the country you plan to visit, you and your kids may need typhoid, yellow fever or hepatitis A vaccines. Zika is less of a concern if you’re not pregnant or planning to get pregnant, but it’s still a good idea to discuss it with your doctor. Dengue fever is a more serious risk for both adults and children; a good insect repellent, such as one with Picardin or DEET, is essential in most parts of the country.

Limit the number of travel destinations within the country

Brazil is a massive country with most cities spread out hours from each other, so it’s hard to get from one place to another. Driving in Brazil is not easy and not recommended. Some travelers use domestic flights to travel between destinations; there is also an extensive bus system with nice long-distance buses. Unless you want to fly or take the bus from one place to another, it’s probably a good idea to base yourself in one region.

For example, you could choose to fly into Rio de Janeiro, spend several days there, and then spend a week on the spectacular beaches of the nearby Costa Verde (“Green Coast”). To get there, hire a driver or tour company, or take the bus. If you base yourself in the beautiful colonial town of Paraty, it’s easy to book a tour company to take you by boat to the nearby islands or by car to local towns and other beaches. Finally, once back in Rio, you could fly to another destination before heading home — perhaps Iguacu Falls, the southern coastal city of Florianopolis and its beaches, or Recife or Porto Seguro on the spectacular northeast coast.

Practice common-sense safety

In Brazil, it’s important to use some fundamental safety rules. Avoid going out at night, especially in big cities, and walk in populated areas. Try to blend in with locals as much as possible. Always keep a close eye on your belongings, even in places that seem perfectly safe.

Flashy jewelry and large, expensive cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you and your family. Leave your valuables at home, use a small camera and carry small amounts of cash.

Be vigilant about safety, especially cars, with your children. Brazil can be a very family-friendly, safe destination, but it’s important to practice a heightened level of awareness. If you’re unsure about the area where you’re staying, ask a local for tips.

Need-to-know South America travel tips for families

Expert advice for exploring Brazil and other countries in South America with kids

Learn a few phrases in the local language

Portuguese is the language of Brazil, but you’ll encounter many people, especially younger people in the tourism industry, who speak good English. Portuguese is similar to Spanish, so if you know some Spanish, that will give you a leg up. If you speak in Spanish to Brazilians, most will understand you, but that doesn’t mean that you will be able to understand them. Portuguese does not sound at all like Spanish, and many of the most common words are completely different.

The local people will appreciate your effort to communicate in Portuguese, so if possible, try to learn some basic phrases before you go. And take note that the most important word, obrigado (thank you), has a masculine and feminine form. If you’re male, say obrigado, but say obrigada if you’re female!

Enjoy the kid-focused attention

Brazilians adore children. You’ll have people approach you and ask about your kids, commenting on the color of their hair or their beautiful smiles. If your kids are being loud during dinner at a restaurant, strangers are more likely to give them an affectionate pat on the head than a dirty look. Although kids’ menus are not common, many restaurants have a playground staffed with a monitor to keep children entertained while you enjoy dinner, and most bathrooms are equipped with diaper-changing tables.

Relevant Links:

South America family travel 101: our best insider tips

A life-changing Amazon Rainforest adventure with Our Whole Village

Why visit Chile with kids

A great 10- to 14-day Chile itinerary with kids

Essential tips for a Patagonia family vacation

Nature, history and haciendas: Three unforgettable weeks in Ecuador with kids

Essential tips for planning a Galápagos family vacation

Editor’s Note: Photos by Jenna Francisco except where noted.

Start a Discussion

Such a nice blog! thank you for sharing your tips.

I have not traveled by bus in Brazil, but I know some people who have done it. I believe that there are different types of busses, so the more expensive ones will have nicer seats, etc. Brazil is a very large country, so for going from one major city to another, it’s usually best to fly.

Very nice tips, Jenna! Recommendations to travel with kids are always harder to find (: About travelling between cities, do you think it is nice to take a bus with children? Have you traveled that way? This options seems very good in sites like this: https://brazilbustravel.com/ . Thanks!

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Moms Around the World: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cultural insights and advice for parents planning travel to Rio with young children from a local mom in the know.

Although  Rio de Janeiro is the third largest city in South America (after Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo), you’ll still find an amazing amount of green space right within Rio’s boundaries. In fact, both the largest and second largest urban forests in the world are located in Rio itself.

Great places to take the kids in Rio de Janeiro

I have a 13-year-old daughter and two step sons from my second marriage, ages 8 and 4 years old. As anyone can imagine, it’s not easy finding activities for everyone to enjoy together. Thankfully, there is much to enjoy right in Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches, waterfalls, mountains, great museums, and cultural centers – and most of the places are very friendly to kids.

Also,  Jardim Botânico , placed by our Emperor Dom João VI. It has many different trees and flowers species. Kids can also run wild. It has a small park with picnic tables. There is an entrance and parking fee.

Best beaches for kids and families in Rio de Janeiro

Beyond Rio: Great places to take the kids in Brazil

For car trips, we go to  Buzios  to enjoy beautiful beaches; to  Sao Paulo  for nice meals, great museums and parks; to  Campinas  and  Campos do Jordao  for a country side trip; and to  Curitiba  for a little bit of cold and great views.

Best places for kids to experience Brazillian culture in Rio

Dining out with the kids in rio.

Most of the restaurants in Rio don’t have restrictions about kids. Lots of places have special plates or playground area for the kids. There is no different or special etiquette for kids in restaurants. As you may find, not even for just adults, Rio likes to be a relaxed place, where you can go to most of the restaurants with your beach T-shirt and  havaianas sandals .

Tips for getting around Rio de Janeiro with kids

Public Transportation:  The public transportation in Brazil is not that good. We have an intense traffic in Rio, yet the subway doesn’t go to many places in  Zona Sul , where the best things in Rio are. There are a few buses with air conditioning, which you will find important especially during the summer. But there are lots of them at Zona Sul, to most everyplace you need to go. This is certainly not the best choice if you have many bags or packs, or a stroller. The subway is comfortable and fast, with air conditioning, but it’s a short network of trains especially in the Zona Sul area. They have extended the network using complementary buses, that way, you can buy a specific ticket to get the subway and go further by bus. It’s also cheap.

Parenting culture and tips for new parents visiting Rio

Before I go, what would you say it’s like to be a mom in Brazil today? Has it changed very much since you were growing up?

Practical tips for parents visiting Rio with a baby, toddler or young children

Rio still has plenty of nature inside the city, which means we also have bugs, especially mosquitoes. So you should always have repellent in your bag. You can buy it in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. —

Shelly Rivoli

Award-winning travel writer and photographer, mom of 3, and great admirer of anyone willing to cook her dinner.

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Discover the Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Kids to Brazil and Enjoy Family Fun

Apr09,2023 • 4 min read

raveling with kids can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Brazil, with its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and rich history, is an excellent destination for families. From exploring the Amazon rainforest to relaxing on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has something for everyone. In this ultimate guide to traveling with kids to Brazil, we'll share tips and activities that will help you make the most of your family vacation.

Tips for traveling with toddlers to Brazil

Traveling with toddlers requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you have a stress-free trip: - Pack wisely: Bring essential items like diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for your little one. You may not be able to find the same brands you're used to in Brazil, so it's best to bring everything you need from home. - Bring a stroller: A lightweight stroller will be handy when exploring the cities or walking around the airports. - Be prepared for the weather: Brazil can get very hot and humid, so make sure to dress your child in light and breathable clothing. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect them from the sun. - Book accommodations in advance: Make sure to book family-friendly accommodations in advance to ensure you have a comfortable and safe stay. Many hotels offer cribs and high chairs for babies and toddlers. - Learn some Portuguese: Knowing some basic Portuguese phrases will help you communicate with locals and make your trip more enjoyable.

Fun activities for kids in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a city that never sleeps and is full of activities for children of all ages. Here are some fun activities that your kids will love: - Visit Sugarloaf Mountain: Take the cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of the city. Kids will love the ride, and the views are sure to impress. - Beach day: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beaches. Spend a day at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, build sandcastles, and play in the ocean. - Visit Tijuca Forest: Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest and offers many hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Kids will love exploring the forest and seeing monkeys and other animals. - Museum of Tomorrow: The Museum of Tomorrow is an interactive science museum that teaches visitors about the future of the planet. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and learning about science.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest with Kids

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, and it's an incredible experience to share with your children. You can take guided tours through the jungle, where you can see exotic wildlife, swim in rivers, and even visit indigenous villages. When planning your trip to the Amazon, make sure you choose a family-friendly tour company and pack appropriate gear, such as comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and raincoats. You can also educate your kids about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment.

Visiting the Christ, the Redeemer Statue with Kids

The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Brazil, and it's a must-visit attraction for families. The statue, which stands 98 feet tall, is located on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro and offers panoramic views of the city. You can take a scenic train ride up to the mountain, and once you reach the top, your kids will be amazed by the stunning views and the statue itself. Just make sure you arrive early to beat the crowds.

Taking a Family-Friendly Cruise Along the Brazilian Coast

Brazil has a vast coastline, and taking a family-friendly cruise is an excellent way to explore some of the country's most beautiful beaches and islands. You can choose from a variety of cruise lines, each offering different itineraries and activities. Some cruises offer kid's clubs, water parks, and other onboard activities to keep your children entertained, while others focus on cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.

Brazilian Cuisine that Kids Will Love

Brazilian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and there are plenty of dishes that your children will enjoy. Feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans, pork, and sausage, is a popular dish in Brazil and is sure to satisfy your kid's appetite. Coxinha, a deep-fried pastry filled with chicken, is another popular snack that your children will love. And don't forget about Brazil's famous churrasco, a barbeque-style feast that features various cuts of meat and sides.

Enjoying the Carnival Celebrations with Kids in Brazil

Carnival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place throughout Brazil, and it's an incredible experience to share with your family. While some carnival events may not be suitable for young children, many towns and cities have family-friendly celebrations that include parades, street parties, and live music. Just make sure you research the events in advance and plan accordingly.

Family-friendly hiking and outdoor activities in Brazil

Brazil is a country known for its diverse natural landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the stunning coastline. Families who enjoy outdoor activities will find plenty to do here. Some of the best family-friendly hiking and outdoor activities in Brazil include exploring the Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro, visiting the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, and taking a boat tour of the Pantanal wetlands in Mato Grosso do Sul. Families can also enjoy horseback riding, cycling, and rock climbing in various parts of the country.

Best family-friendly beaches in Brazil 

Brazil is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Families can find plenty of options to enjoy together. Some of the best family-friendly beaches in Brazil include Praia do Forte in Bahia, Praia de Pipa in Rio Grande do Norte, and Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco. These beaches offer calm waters, clean sand, and plenty of activities for kids, including swimming, surfing, and playing beach soccer. Families can also take boat tours to nearby islands and go snorkeling to discover the rich marine life in the region.

Brazil is a fantastic destination for families who love the outdoors and want to experience a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you are looking for hiking trails, beautiful beaches, or exciting outdoor activities, Brazil has something for everyone. With its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and rich history, Brazil is sure to provide an unforgettable family vacation experience.

Related Travel Guide

How To Survive Traveling Abroad With A Baby

A lot of things change when you have a baby (duh!), but travel does NOT have to be one of them.  Sure, people will say that you are crazy for traveling to a foreign country with a baby.  However, the experience can be easier than you’d expect, even better in some ways than traveling sans baby, and definitely better than sitting at home all day with a baby!

Are You Ready?

Bear in mind that we are seasoned travelers.  I’ve currently got around 30 countries and 4 continents on my list, and Li has 55 countries on 6 continents under her belt (not like we're counting 😉 ).  After all this travel, taking my baby with me didn’t seem intimidating at all.

If you’ve never done any foreign travel, immediately after birth might not be the best time to start – especially to some “weird” or “exotic” destination with unpaved roads and undrinkable water.  Consider taking your baby on some smaller, closer trips first.  Once you get those down, then consider a trip to a foreign country.

Traveling by Airplane With An Infant Is NOT that Bad!

Flights seem pretty daunting when you're trying to figure out this whole motherhood gig for the first time.  But in retrospect, you will find that traveling with a young infant early on is actually easier.    When they can't move and just eat and sleep, flying with them is actually fairly straightforward.   Yes – long flights are just terrible in general, but they aren’t necessarily that much worse with a baby.

Some aspects about flying with a baby are actually better , such as getting priority treatment.  You get to board first and are often given your meals first too.  In many countries, parents with babies get to skip ahead of flight check-in lines and passport lines too.

*It’s also the norm in many countries to let parents with babies go first anywhere.  In Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, and Greece, I was offered to skip ahead of lines in places like the supermarket and post office!

Here are some tips to make flying with a baby pain-free:

Don’t bring a lot of stuff.  Bring the RIGHT stuff .

• Food: You might not be able to eat the inflight meal if it comes at an inopportune moment. Bring some food and snacks for everyone.
• Empty bottle of water: A trick I use to save money while traveling is to bring an empty bottle of water to the airport. Once I get through security, I fill the bottle up in the bathroom. It saves me from paying astronomical prices for bottled water in the airport shops.
• Change of clothes for everyone . Obviously you want a change of clothes for your baby. But what if your baby has an explosive diaper or throws up? Do you really want to spend the entire flight covered in bodily fluids???  Hence why you need a change for everyone!
• Backup entertainment .  When you're traveling there will be new sights and sounds to keep babies entertained, but for the flight, you can bring a few things to occupy your kid, like a new toy, crinkly paper, or stickers for an older toddler.

Breastfeed or use a pacifier during takeoff and landing.

The part of flying that is really tough for babies is takeoff and landing.  The air pressure change will hurt their little ears and they are almost guaranteed to cry.  Compounding the problem is that you can’t get out of your seat to calm your child.

Sucking will help pop the baby's ears faster, plus calm them down.  So be sure to stick a boob or pacifier in your baby’s mouth then!

Stay hydrated.

If you are breastfeeding , you need to drink a lot more water than usual. Flying dehydrayes you, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water.  Have the cabin crew give you an entire bottle of water instead of those tiny cups.

Ask for help.

In the States, people are incredibly paranoid about kidnapping.  Most would probably freak out if a stranger offered to hold their baby.  But, in some places, it's not a big deal.

When traveling around Eastern Europe, strangers asked to hold my baby (or carry a bag for me, lift the stroller into the bus, etc.).

I got used to this.  So, while flying alone with my baby, I had no problem asking the person sitting next to me to hold her.  It was that or endure a 10 hour flight without a bathroom break!

Account for jet lag:

Jet lag always sucks, but it is even worse when you’ve got a baby to care for.  Don’t plan on doing anything on the day you arrive (except maybe shopping for diapers and wipes). If possible, plan for some help after the return flight.  That way you can sleep off the jet lag while grandma or a babysitter cares for the baby.

Choose a Baby-Friendly Country

By “baby friendly,” I don’t mean a country which has paved roads or even drinkable tap water.  Actually, I’ve found that undeveloped countries can be a lot more baby-friendly than rich countries.

Rather, consider the attitude of the people towards babies in the country.

For example, Austria does not like kids.  You will get nasty looks if your baby starts crying in a museum (sorry Austria, but it’s true!).

By contrast, Egyptians love kids and will approach you asking to take pictures of you with your baby.  But Egypt is not a place that I’d feel comfortable breastfeeding in public!

In many countries such as  breastfeeding in public is taboo.  Heck, up until recently, breastfeeding in public was illegal in Idaho ! such as, breastfeeding in public is even illegal. In countries like South Africa, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, breastfeeding in public is taboo .

Countries like France, Brazil, Mexico, Albania, Nepal, and China? Breastfeeding in public is incredibly common.  Heck, I’ve even seen moms breastfeeding while walking in Peru!  Be sure you check out the laws and standards for breastfeeding in public of the country you want to visit before going.

Safety Standards Are NOT the Same in Foreign Countries

In the United States, I wouldn’t consider driving anywhere without putting my baby in a car seat .  But in other countries, we might not even be traveling by car.

For example, in the jungle city of Tarapoto in Peru you won’t even find cars.  Instead, people use motorbikes.  The taxis are carts pulled by these motorbikes. After seeing a bunch of locals with their entire families loaded up on a single motorbike, those motor-taxis start seeming pretty safe!

And those are just the driving safety standards.  Let’s not forget about hygiene, the rusty nails sticking out of playgrounds, and other issues you’ll surely encounter. If you aren’t willing to accept these subpar safety standards, maybe you should reconsider where you are going.

Bring a Stroller and a Baby Carrier

Ever try to push a stroller on an unpaved road or sidewalk pocketed with holes?  How about up and down the steps of a Medieval fortress? Trust me – you’ll definitely want to bring a baby carrier (I use a ring sling) when traveling with a baby to foreign countries.

But you’ll also want a stroller.  Even if you are exclusively babywearing at home, your back can still get really tired after a full day of sightseeing.  Thus, the stroller is an energy saver.

Use the stroller on short trips around the city and places where you won’t want to hold baby the entire time – such as when going out to dinner.  Use the baby carrier for adventures on unknown terrain.

Figure Out Sleep Options

Hotels in Western countries will often provide you with a baby bassinet.  This is not the case in developing countries (and cheap hotels).

No, you don’t have to bring a portable bassinet with you while traveling.  But do consider how you will sleep.  Here are some options:

• Co-Sleep: This is probably the best option. You can even push the bed up against the wall and fill in the gap with some towels so you don’t have to worry about baby falling out of bed.
• Pay for an Extra Bed: If your budget can afford it, you can have your baby sleep in her own bed. Or, one parent sleeps with baby and the other parent gets the extra bed.
• Improvise a Bed: A hotel drawer lined with towels makes a great bed for an infant. Be sure to take the drawer completely OUT before you put your baby in it! 🙂

Locals Will Want to Touch Your Baby

As I mentioned, Americans are pretty paranoid about kidnapping.  Most would probably freak out if a stranger came up to their baby on the street and started touching and kissing her.

Locals in some countries will touch your kid. And, no, they are not trying to kidnap her!  Nor are they trying to inflict her with germs.

I don’t like strangers touching my kid, but I’ve embraced it. It’s actually a great way to meet locals you normally wouldn’t meet.

*This is actually more of a problem with my older daughter.  On our Egypt trip, locals were constantly asking to take a picture with her.  And random women would come up and kiss her head.  She posed politely for the photos, but got sick of it pretty quickly!

Travel Light

You’ll need to bring some extra clothes for the baby, and a blanket is useful too (especially for putting down over dirty train seats).  But don’t pack too much.  You’ll just complicate your life.

Especially don’t bother bringing toys while traveling with a baby.  You’ll find plenty to entertain baby – like peekaboo with your scarf, exotic fruits used as a ball, or a crinkly bag of chips instead of a rattle.

What you might need to bring though is diapers and baby food.  You’d be surprised how hard these are to find in some places!  In some places, all the baby food has sugar in it for some stupid reason!!!

Baby food pouches are great for travel.  As your baby eats them, you get extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

Travel Insurance and a First Aid Kit

This is not the time to skimp on travel insurance .  Make sure you know what is covered, and also check the location of clinics before you head out on your trip.

You’ll also want to pack a complete first aid kit.  It doesn’t have to be huge.  This travel first aid kit has served me in many developing countries.  You can see the list here .

You WILL Survive (and probably enjoy it)

I'm not saying that all aspects of traveling abroad with a baby are enjoyable.  I'd love to be able to go to bars, or even just enjoy a beer.  Not to mention do things like sleep in late, eat uninterrupted, and go on hikes without destroying my back…

But I absolutely love the adventure of traveling with a baby.  It is more than worth it and some of my best memories with my baby.

Have you traveled abroad with a baby?  Share your tips below!

Image credits: “ All Aboard ” ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) by  joshzam “ Oia Santorini-traveling with baby ” ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) by  currystrumpet “ Flower Hmong mother and baby ” ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) by  Linda DV “ Daisy, Daisy … ” ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) by  eyesore9 “ ”If breastfeeding offends you…” ” ( CC BY-NC 2.0 ) by  CeeKay's Pix “ Sleeping with Papa on the airplane ” ( CC BY-NC 2.0 ) by  Scott & Elaine van der Chijs “ Can you take me with you, Uncle JT? ” ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) by  Mikenan1 “ i’m pretty sure she likes being in my su ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by  SharonaGott “ IMG_3461 ” ( CC BY-NC 2.0 ) by  gholzer

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory October 19, 2023

Brazil - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to Country Summary.

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to  crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to  crime . (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
• Informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due to  crime  (see additional information below).
• Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to  crime  (see additional information below).

Country Summary:   Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.

If you decide to travel to Brazil: 

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Use caution at, or going to, major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night. Passengers face an elevated risk of robbery or assault using public, municipal bus transportation throughout Brazil.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Brazil.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to areas within 150 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay without advance approval from security officials due to crime. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as “Favelas”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados), even on a guided tour.  Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities.  Even in these communities that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice.  While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries or gates, or even names such as “favela”, “vila”, “comunidade”, or “conglomerado”, other such developments may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction.  In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding these communities, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities.  Except under limited circumstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to enter any informal housing developments in Brazil. Read the Safety and Security Section on the  country information page  and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for further information regarding favelas.

Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas .

Brasilia’s Administrative Regions (commonly known as “Satellite Cities”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Without advance approval from security officials, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (non-daylight hours) due to crime.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid on the date of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Yes, beginning April 10, 2025

None required, but see Health section

More than 10,000 BR must be declared to Customs

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Brasilia SES 801- Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 03 70403-900 - Brasilia, DF Brazil Telephone: 011-55-61-3312-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 011-55-61-3312-7400 Fax: (61) 3312-7651 Email: [email protected]

Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte Avenida do Contorno, 4520 / 2nd floor – Funcionários 30110-028 Belo Horizonte, MG – Brazil Telephone: +55 (31) 3338-4000 E-mail: [email protected] Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia

Consular Agency in Brasilia’s Consular District Manaus Consular Agency Edificio Atrium, Suite 306 Rua Franco de Sá, 310 69.079-210 Manaus, AM Brazil Telephone: 011-55-92-3611-3333 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia

U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre Avenida Assis Brasil, 1889 Passo d' Areia 91010-004 - Porto Alegre, RS Brazil Telephone:  011-55-51-3345-6000 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Recife Rua Goncalves Maia, 163, Boa Vista 50070-125 - Recife, PE Brazil Telephone:  011-55-81-3416-3050 or 011-55-81-3416-3080 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  011-55-81-3416-3060 or 011-55-81-9916-9470 Email:  [email protected]

Consular Agency in Recife’s Consular District U.S. Consular Agency Fortaleza Avenida Santos Dumont 2828, Aldeota, Suite 708 60150-162- Fortaleza, CE Brazil Telephone: 011-55-85-3223-4902 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Recife

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147, Castelo 20030-020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Telephone:  011-55-213823-2000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  011-55-21-3823-2029 Email:   [email protected]

Consular Agency in Rio de Janeiro’s Consular District U.S. Consular Agency Salvador da Bahia Avenida Tancredo Neves, 1632, Caminho das Arvores Salvador Trade Center-Torre Sul, Room 1401 41820-020 - Salvador, Bahia Brazil Telephone:  011-55-71-3113-2090/2091/2092 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro: (21) 3823-2029

U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo Rua Henri Dunant, 500 Chacara Santo Antonio 04709-110 - Sao Paulo, SP Brazil Telephone:  011-55-11-3250-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  011-55-11-3250-5373 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Brazil for information on U.S.-Brazil relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Effective midnight on April 10, 2025 , a visa will be required for U.S. citizens to travel to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of travel. For more information about visa requirements, visit the Brazilian government-authorized website, https://brazil.vfsevisa.com

You will need:

• A valid U.S. passport.
• A valid Brazilian visa or e-visa, beginning April 10, 2025 for tourists and currently for all other types of travel.
• Visit the Brazilian government-authorized website to obtain your e-visa: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com

Find a  Brazilian consulate abroad .           

Brazilian law requires any minor who is a Brazilian citizen (even dual nationals who are both U.S. and Brazilian citizens) to have permission from each parent to travel within Brazil or exit the country. When a minor travels with both parents, no written authorization is needed. When the minor travels with only one parent or without either parent, s/he  must have two original written authorization letters from each absent parent  and carry a copy* of the child’s birth certificate or have an annotation in his/her Brazilian passport authorizing travel alone or with only one parent. Brazilian citizen minors without authorization letters and a birth certificate* or an annotated Brazilian passport likely will not be allowed by authorities to pass through immigration or to board a flight departing Brazil.     

The U.S. Embassy and its consulates cannot intervene in Brazilian immigration matters or request that this requirement be waived for U.S. citizen travelers.

Written Authorization Letter:  If the absent parent is in Brazil, written authorization letters must be in Portuguese and notarized by a Brazilian notary. If the absent parent is in the United States or elsewhere outside of Brazil, the authorization must be done at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate using the form provided by that office. Again, please note that Brazilian law requires two original authorizations for each absent parent. This is important, because Federal Police may request and retain one authorization upon the minor’s entry into Brazil. Authorities may then request the second original document upon the minor’s departure.  Authorizations written in English or executed before a U.S. (or any non-Brazilian) notary public are not accepted by the Brazilian Federal Police.  Similarly, birth certificates issued outside of Brazil that are not  apostilled * and translated by a certified translator may not be accepted.

Brazilian Passport Annotation:  In lieu of carrying authorization letters, parents of dual U.S.-Brazilian citizen minors may instead request an annotation be placed in the minor’s Brazilian passport authorizing the minor to travel with only one parent, or to travel alone or with a third party. This annotation replaces the requirement for written authorization letters until the passport expires. Parents residing in Brazil should contact the Brazilian Federal Police for details on obtaining an annotated passport. Parents residing abroad should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. The annotated Brazilian passport must not be expired and must be carried along with the minor’s U.S. passport at all times for Brazilian Federal Police to accept it in lieu of an authorization letter. There is no comparable annotation available in U.S. passports.

Children who are not dual citizens of Brazil: Please note that, while Brazilian law related to travel authorization does not explicitly apply to non-citizens of Brazil, Federal Police have, at times, delayed the travel of non-Brazilian minors who lack appropriate authorization from both parents. For this reason, we recommend that families of non-Brazilian minors who may travel through Brazil without one or both parents execute written authorizations (following the instructions in the preceding paragraph) in advance of travel and ensure that the minor, or the minor’s traveling companion, carries the original or notarized copy** of the minor’s birth certificate.

An exemplar of the form used by Brazilian authorities to document parental permission for minors to travel without one or both parents may be found here.

*There is a useful pamphlet published by the Hague Conference called “ The ABCs of Apostilles .” The Brazilian competent authority that issues apostilles is the  Conselho Nacional de Justiça .

**If the birth certificate was issued in Brazil, copies must be notarized by a Brazilian notary. If issued outside of Brazil, copies must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator into Portuguese.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  The violent crime rate is high in most Brazilian urban centers. Public transportation, hotel sectors, and tourist areas report high crime rates, but these incidents can happen anywhere and at any time.  Be aware of your surroundings.

• Informal housing developments in Brazil (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or satellite cities), even on a guided tour, at any time of day due to crime. Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these areas. Even in favelas that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice. In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding favelas, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities.
• Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to crime.
• Any areas within 150 km of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime. (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
• Consider avoiding the use of public, municipal buses in Brazil at any time of day, and especially at night. Crime trends indicate an elevated risk of robbery or assault on public bus systems throughout Brazil. The U.S. government recommends against personnel using public, municipal buses in all parts of Brazil.
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone and avoid leaving with strangers.
• Before going on a date with someone you met on a dating app, tell a loved one who you are meeting, where you are going, and the details of the dating application account.
• Be wary about inviting individuals to your residence. If inviting a new acquaintance to your residence, speak to your door attendant in advance about your invited guest.
• Trust your instincts – if something does not feel right or if you suddenly feel ill, walk away from the situation.
• If you believe you may have been drugged, seek immediate medical attention. Some people can have life-threatening reactions to these drugs. After that, report the crime to local police and contact us at the numbers listed below.
• Traveling Outside Metropolitan Areas After Dark: Travelers are encouraged to organize their trips so that they can travel during daylight hours. Road conditions throughout Brazil can vary widely, and travelers must exercise caution due to debris in the road, horse-drawn carriages, unmarked speed bumps, and other infrastructure deficiencies.
• Armed hold-ups of pedestrians and motorists can happen, including at or near public beaches. Personal belongings, left unattended even for a moment, are often taken. If you are robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting. Resisting will increase your risk of injury.
• Carjackings and hold-ups can occur at any time of the day or night, especially at intersections and in tunnels. Some robberies involve individuals robbed at gunpoint and taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from one or more ATMs.
• Crime on public transportation occurs.  Registered taxis have red license plates and openly display company information and phone numbers.
• Credit card fraud and ATM scams are common in Brazil. Work closely with your financial institutions to monitor accounts and keep your credit card in view while it is scanned at a point of sale.
• Avoid using ATMs in unfamiliar, secluded, or lightly protected areas. Be aware that criminals often target ATMs and businesses in the early hours of the morning when there are fewer witnesses and law enforcement response times may be delayed. If you opt to use an ATM, select those that are located inside of secure facilities, such as an airport, hospital, bank, or government building. 
• Avoid openly displaying your cell phone.  When using a ride share service or taxi, wait for its arrival in a secure area.
• Avoid large groups or events where crowds have gathered. Public events of any nature, including concerts and sporting events, can unexpectedly turn violent.
• Travel to any areas within 150 km of the international borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay, except in limited circumstances with the appropriate U.S. Department of State approvals. Individuals with ties to illegal criminal networks operate along Brazilian borders. Travel to the Foz do Iguaçu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.
• Enter any informal housing developments in Brazil (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or satellite cities), except in limited circumstances with the appropriate approvals.
• Enter Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours.

To reduce the chance of becoming the victim of a crime, in addition to the above recommendations, please review the below precautions:

• Limit the personal belongings you carry with you. Carry your money in your front pockets and limit the number of credit cards you carry. Make copies of all of your personal documents – including your credit cards, license, passport, etc. – and keep them in a safe place. This will be helpful if you lose your documents.
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract the attention of thieves. If you need to wear expensive jewelry or carry a camera, conceal it until you arrive at your destination.
• Be aware of the street environment and avoid contact with those who may be looking for robbery targets. Seek a safer location. Go into a store, bank, or simply cross the street.
• Do not walk on beaches after dark. Assaults are common.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas, particularly near popular tourist locations in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Demonstrations  and strikes are common in urban areas, may occur unexpectedly, disrupt transportation, and may escalate into violence.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Check the website of the Embassy or Consulate nearest you for current information on demonstrations.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime: 

U.S. citizen victims of crime should contact the local authorities to file a Brazilian police report before departing Brazil. In most instances, you can report crimes to the tourist or civil police. U.S. citizens should also inform the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

• Police number - 190
• the U.S. Embassy at 011-55-61-3312-7000
• the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre at 011-55-51-3345-6000
• the U.S. Consulate General in Recife at 011-55-81-3416-3050 or 011-55-81-3416-3080
• the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro at 011-55-21-3823-2000
• the U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo at 011-55-11-3250-5000

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Replace a lost or stolen passport
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Provide information on  victims' compensation programs in the U.S .
• Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Brazil is divided among four services:

• 190 - Policia (Police)
• 191 - Policia Rodoviaria (on interstate roads)
• 192 - Ambulancia (Ambulance)
• 193 - Bombeiros (Fire Department)

Victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault:  Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for assistance after contacting local authorities.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are inconsistent. Inquire with property management about the presence and functionality of safety equipment, such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Hazardous areas/activities are normally identified with appropriate signage in major urban centers but may not be in other locations. Tourism industry staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate and timely medical treatment is consistently available only in or near major cities. First responders can face delays accessing areas outside of major cities to quickly provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Firearms: Brazil forbids importing, exporting, and possessing firearms without prior authorization of the Brazilian Government. U.S. citizens are subject to arrest and prosecution in Brazil for possession of unauthorized firearms or firearm components anywhere in the country, including airports. This prohibition extends to spent shell casings or ammunition, even if inside luggage during transit, regardless of whether those items were legally purchased in the United States or elsewhere.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Water Hazards:  Many of Brazil’s beaches have very dangerous riptides, even if the water looks safe. Ocean currents and waves are unpredictable, even in popular beaches frequented by tourists. Shark attacks are reported in the waters of some beaches in northeastern Brazil, particularly near Recife. Always observe posted warnings and never swim while under the influence of alcohol. Follow local authorities’ guidance and refrain from swimming alone in areas marked with red warning signs or at beaches where there are no municipal lifeguards or first responder services.

Electricity Blackouts:  Power failures in large urban centers are common and sometimes followed by increased crime. Most tourist hotels are equipped with generators, minimizing the impact of a blackout, but you should remain cautious.

Natural Disasters:  Flooding and mudslides occur throughout the country and can be fatal. Monitor news and weather reports and adhere to municipal advisories before traveling to areas prone to flooding or landslides. Many of Brazil’s larger cities have frequent heavy rainstorms that cause flash flooding and can disrupt traffic.

Customs Restrictions : Contact the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of Brazil's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding import and export regulations. Please also refer to our  information on customs regulations .

• Brazilian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporarily importing or exporting items such as firearms, antiquities, mineral samples, tropical plants, wildlife, medications, and business and communication equipment. 
• In the Amazon region, there is special scrutiny of exporting biological material. People raising, growing, or exporting biological materials without permits can be charged with “biopiracy.”

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  Brazil does not have legal restrictions on same-sex marriage, relations, or events coordinated by LGBTI organizations. However, according to the 2019 Human Rights Report, violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals was a serious concern, with local NGOs reporting 297 LGBTI persons were victims of hate killings. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Brazilian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care. However, accessibility to public transportation and the ability to accommodate the needs of physically disabled persons are limited in most areas. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Testing: Brazil is a very large, diverse country with varying medical resources, both private and public, throughout the country. Many private labs perform COVID-19 testing at various prices, typically between $20 and $100.  PCR, serology-based antibody tests, and antigen tests are available.  Turn-around time varies widely depending upon location. Please verify turn-around time with your chosen lab before taking the test.  Express results within 2-4 hours are available in many locations at an increased fee, including in the Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo and Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro. Testing is available in the private sector without a doctor’s prescription, but a prescription may be required for insurance payment.

In the public healthcare system, each Brazilian state has its own COVID-19 testing plan. We recommend that you  contact local/state authorities for more information.  Typically, a COVID-19 test is ordered by an emergency room physician and then sent to a public lab. Turnaround time is much slower and can take up to seven days, but tests are generally free.  Information on testing sites and procedures is available through the  official app of the Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Brazil once they register with the public Unified Health System (SUS) . According to the Ministry of Health, available vaccines include AstraZeneca/Oxford (Fiocruz), CoronaVac (Butantan), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), and Pfizer (BioNTech). For more information on local availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website and also contact local health authorities .  

For emergency services in Brazil, dial 192.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in state capitals and other large cities. 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Government of Brazil  to ensure the medication is legal in Brazil. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though the yellow fever vaccine is not required to enter Brazil, travelers wishing to be vaccinated should consider receiving it prior to travel, as local supplies are limited. Please note that the yellow fever vaccine should be administered ten days prior to travel for it to be effective.

Also note that, while yellow fever vaccine is not required to enter Brazil, some neighboring countries (French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Bolivia, and Paraguay) do require travelers with recent entries in Brazil to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

All travelers to the country are advised to carry documentation, such as a vaccination card, that they have been appropriately vaccinated for yellow fever.

The following diseases are prevalent in Brazil:

• Chikungunya
• Leishmaniasis
• Travelers' diarrhea
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis

In recent years, outbreaks of these diseases have also been detected in certain areas of Brazil:

• Yellow fever

Elective Surgery : Although Brazil has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Brazil, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified. Some “boutique” plastic surgery operations offer luxurious facilities but are not hospitals and are unable to handle emergencies. 

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Brazil.

Non-traditional Medicine: Several U.S. citizens have died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Brazil. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities if seeking such services.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Public Transportation:  Consider avoiding the use of public, municipal buses in Brazil at any time of day, and especially at night. Crime trends indicate an elevated risk of robbery or assault on public bus systems throughout Brazil. The U.S. government recommends against personnel using public, municipal buses in all parts of Brazil.

Public buses are one of the main modes of inter-city road travel. Buses can range (depending on route and price) from luxurious and well-maintained to basic and mechanically unsound. Bus hijacking can occur at random.

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving on Brazil's roads poses significant risks. Poor driving skills, bad roads, and high-density traffic make road travel more hazardous than in the United States. Road maintenance is inadequate in many areas and some long-distance roads through the Amazon forest are impassable much of the year due to flooding. 

Apart from toll roads, which generally have their own services, roadside assistance is available only sporadically and informally through local mechanics. The fastest way to summon assistance in an emergency anywhere in the country is to dial 193, a universal number staffed by local fire departments. This service is in Portuguese only.

Traffic Laws:  Travelers planning on staying for more than 180 days should obtain an Inter-American Driving Permit to carry with their valid U.S. license if they plan to drive in Brazil. Such permits can be obtained through AAA or other sources. Please note:

• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Brazilian federal law requires child seats for all children under the age of 7 ½. From age 7 ½ years to 10, children must only ride in the back seat.
• Drivers must yield the right of way to cars on their right. Compliance with stop signs is rarely enforced, so many motorists treat them as yield signs. It is common for drivers to turn or cross one or more lanes of traffic without warning.
• Drivers often flash their lights or wave their hand out the window to signal other drivers to slow down. 
• Pedestrian crossings are only observed in some places, such as Brasilia. 
• Drivers must have their daytime running lights on during the day and headlights on at night on Federal Highways.
• Under Brazil’s Lei Seca (“Dry Law”),  you cannot operate a vehicle with any measurable blood-alcohol level. Checkpoints are often set up in urban areas, and randomly chosen drivers are required to perform a breathalyzer test. Those in violation are subject to legal penalties and having their vehicle impounded. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Brazil’s  national tourist office  and  national authority responsible for road safety . 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Brazil’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Brazil should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Brazil was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Brazil . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report. 

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Travelling Abroad With A Baby: The Ultimate Guide

Travelling abroad with a baby can feel like an overwhelming experience for any parent. You want to make sure that your little one is comfortable and happy while also navigating through the logistics of international travel. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

As a mom who has been in your shoes, I understand the unique challenges of travelling with a baby. I know that you want to create amazing memories with your family but that you also want to make sure that your baby’s needs are fully met. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.

In this guide you will find plenty of travel tips and tricks – from researching your destination and booking family-friendly accommodations to packing essential items for your little one and and advice on how to keep your baby entertained during the flight.

From my own experience, I have also learnt that travelling can be unpredictable, so I’ve tried to include advice on handling unexpected situations like delays, lost luggage, or illness.

My goal is to help you feel confident and prepared so that you can focus on enjoying your family trip rather than worry something might go wrong for the entire trip.

I know that travelling abroad with a baby may seem daunting right now, but always try to remember that it is such a great opportunity to create unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re planning a family beach vacation or a trip to see loved ones abroad, let me help you make your next family adventure stress-free and enjoyable.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL WITH A BABY

As a mum who travels a lot with my little one, I totally get how daunting it can feel to plan you first trip with your baby. In fact, as a keen traveller, I already started to worry about this during my pregnancy.

But trust me, it’s worth it! With a little extra planning and preparation, you and your little one can have an amazing time exploring new places together.

First things first, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for both you and your baby.

In this section, I will therefore share some helpful tips based on my own experiences travelling with my little one.

CHECK THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS

Let’s start by getting all your paperwork in order. Before you start packing your bags for your family trip, it’s crucial to check that you have all the necessary travel requirements and documents for your baby and the rest of the family.

Every country has its own rules and regulations, so it’s essential to research and plan accordingly. The information can usually be found easily on the web.

The most important document you will need to bring for your little one is a passport, so make sure to apply for it as early as possible. Keep in mind that obtaining a passport for your baby can take several weeks, so it’s best to get started right away.

You might be worried about taking a photo for your baby’s passport. But it isn’t as complicated as you might think. The guidelines for passport photos for babies are far less rigid than for adults. T

Some countries may also require additional documents such as a visa or a birth certificate for your baby, so be sure to check for these requirements before you go.

Apart from travel documents, it’s also important to check if the country you’re travelling to has any specific health requirements for your baby.

Some destinations may require a certificate of vaccination or a letter from your doctor stating that your baby is in good health. Taking care of these details beforehand will ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your little one.

VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH CHECKS

When travelling abroad with your baby, their health and well-being is probably (and should be) your top priority.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure to talk to your paediatrician to ensure that your little one is up to date on all necessary vaccinations for the country you’ll be visiting. This will help protect your baby from potentially harmful diseases that may be present in the region.

Additionally, it’s crucial to be prepared for any potential health issues that may arise during your trip. Research the medical facilities in the area you’ll be visiting and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Packing a small first aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever reducers is a good idea and can also be helpful in case of minor injuries or illnesses.

With these precautions in place, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any situation that may come your way.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BABY

When you start packing for your family trip, make sure to include all the essential items your baby might need to have a comfortable and stress-free journey. Items that immediately come to my mind include diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and baby food if your baby is already on solids.

Travelling with a baby, is one of those rare occasions, where I believe that it is better to pack more than you think you’ll need. This is even more important if you’re traveling to a country where these items may be difficult to find.

Another important factor to consider is the weather and climate of your destination. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your baby, such as plenty of layers for colder weather or lightweight clothing for warmer weather.

You might also need your baby carrier, stroller and car seat, depending on the type of trip you are taking. So take some time to think about all the baby gear you might need to take with you. Or read our thorough guide on all the travel baby necessities for some inspiration and to get you started.

When travelling abroad with a baby, space can be a real challenge. Luckily, fold-away pushchairs are a game-changer! They’re compact, easy to store, and fit into even the smallest car boot. Plus, they’re a lifesaver when it comes to flying. Some models even come with car seats that attach to the pushchair, giving you the best of both worlds (and one less item to carry).

When choosing a fold-away pushchair, be sure to opt for a model that is suitable for your baby from birth with a seat that lies flat. Keep in mind that some models are only suitable for babies from six months when they can sit up. With the right pushchair, you can make travelling with your little one a breeze!

Another option for carrying little ones whilst traveling is to use a sling or backpack carrier. Slings can be a comfortable way to keep your little one close to you while leaving your hands free, while backpack carriers are a great option for older babies who want to look around and explore. Just be sure to choose a carrier that is appropriate for your baby’s size and age, and practice using it before your trip to ensure a comfortable fit.

By packing everything your baby needs, you can ensure that your trip will be enjoyable for both you and your little one.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference when you travel with your baby. Make the wrong choice and your trip could become very challenging. Make the right one and your trip has a much better chance at being trouble free.

Look for hotels or apartments that offer amenities like cribs, highchairs, and kitchenettes to make your stay more comfortable.

Choosing a central location can also be helpful, especially if you’ll be exploring the area with your little one.

Before booking your accommodation, be sure to ask about any additional services they offer, like babysitting or laundry services. You should also read reviews from other families to see if they had a good experience.

Note that some places require you to book a family hotel room for fire reasons. We nearly got caught out by this when we first travelled to France.

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

If you’re planning to fly with a baby, it can be nerve-wracking to imagine all the possible challenges that you might face.

I remember the first time we flew with our son. I remember the first time we flew with our son. He wasn’t even one year old. In fact, he was only a 3 month old, so really still a newborn baby. I was so worried that our baby son would cry throughout the entire flight and was desperate not to upset the other passengers.

But fear not! I soon learned, that with a little bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can breeze through the journey without any hiccups (or very few).

As a fellow mom who has now flown with her little one on several occasions, I’m here to share some valuable tips that can help make your trip stress-free.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLIGHT

To ensure that your little one is well-rested during the journey, try to find a flight that suits their sleep schedule. While in the past, my priority was to maximise our time at the destination, now I try to find flights that align with my baby’s sleep schedule.

This means we usually opt for mid-day flights that give us enough time to get ready in the morning without being too early, and allow my little one to nap during the flight. Priorities change when you travel as a family.

It’s also important to avoid flying when your baby is unwell, particularly if they have an ear infection or are experiencing ear pain. This is because the pressure changes during take off and landing can cause discomfort and pain in young children. In my experience, this always leads to crying with little ones, which can be stressful for both you and your baby.

It’s better to wait until your baby has recovered before flying, unless you have no other choice.

PACKING FOR THE FLIGHT

When it comes to packing for the flight, specifically your hand luggage – remember that less is more. Even for a long haul flight. From my own experience, I’ve found that packing light is key when travelling with a baby. It can be tempting to bring everything you think you might need, but in reality, you won’t use half of it.

Pack only the essentials in your diaper bag, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a few toys to keep your baby entertained. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag that you can barely carry, especially when you have to tend to your little one.

A lightweight blanket or swaddle is also a must-have item in your hand luggage. Airplane cabins can get chilly, and you want to make sure your baby is cozy and warm throughout the flight. This can also double up as a nursing cover if you’re breastfeeding your baby.

Also, don’t forget to bring a few plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers and clothes. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you have nowhere to throw away a dirty diaper, especially during a long flight. Bring a couple of bags to ensure you have enough for the entire journey.

KEEPING YOUR BABY ENTERTAINED

Finding ways to keep your baby entertained during a flight can be tricky, but there are plenty of tricks to keep them happy and engaged.

Bringing along some favourite toys, like a teething toy or a soft book, can be a great way to keep them occupied.

Additionally, downloading some of their favorite TV shows or movies on your phone or tablet for older babies can be a lifesaver during a long flight. I am not ashamed to say that we discovered the wonders of the amazon fire tablet for kids early on into our family travels .

However, to avoid disturbing other passengers, be sure to pack a pair of headphones to keep the noise level down or set the device to mute. Babies are mainly interested in the colourful pictures anyway.

FEEDING YOUR BABY DURING THE FLIGHT

Ensuring your baby is well-fed during a flight is vital to keep them comfortable and hydrated.

If you are breastfeeding, try to nurse your baby during take off and landing, as it can help stop your baby’s ears from popping due to the change in air pressure. We found that this family travel tip also work with a bottle. In fact these days we give our toddler juice or gummies to eat. It’s all about that swallowing movement.

If you’re formula feeding, remember to pack enough formula in your carry-on bag for the entire flight. Be sure to bring a bottle warmer and a few extra bottles to make feeding easy.

If your baby is already eating solid foods, pack some snacks like rice cakes, Cheerios, or pouches of baby food to nibble on.

In summary, flying with a baby requires some extra planning and preparation, but it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

By choosing the right flight, packing smart, keeping your baby entertained, and feeding them during the flight, you can ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your little one.

ENJOYING THE TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Taking a trip abroad with your baby can be very different from travelling alone. Gone are the days when you would cram your itinerary full to the brim out of fear of missing out.

Travelling internationally with a baby requires some forethought. So, in this section we will provide tips on how to make the most of your trip whilst keeping your baby happy and comfortable.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITIES

When planning the itinerary for your trip , it’s essential to select options that cater to your baby’s needs and are compatible with your schedule.

Look for activities that are adaptable and won’t disrupt your baby’s daily routine.

Opt for attractions and activities that are age appropriate. Some of our go-tos when our son was still a baby were visiting a wildlife park or aquarium, going for a hike, or spending a day relaxing on the shore.

You might also want to consider booking tours or activities that are tailored to families with young children.

The best tip that I can give you, is to plan ahead but still be ready for any unexpected situations that may arise during your travels with your baby.

With some patience, flexibility, and creativity, you can create an unforgettable and hassle-free trip for your entire family.

GETTING AROUND WITH A BABY

Travelling abroad with a baby requires some extra thought when it comes to transportation. No matter what mode of transportation you choose to use, we would highly recommend you plan ahead (before you have left your house).

If you are planning to use the local public transportation, make sure to bring a stroller that’s easy to fold up and transport. You don’t want to be caught out by an underground tube that is packed to the brim.

If you are planning to rent a car, remember to request a car seat for your little one or bring your own. Personally, we like to take our son’s car seat with us, as we know for sure it’s safe and fits him.

If you choose to hire a taxi, make sure the car has enough room to fir both you and your baby in comfort.

In summary, take some the time before your holiday to consider your transportation options to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your baby.

NAVIGATING MEAL TIMES

When you’re traveling with a baby, mealtime can be tricky.

To make things easier, try to locate baby-friendly restaurants that have highchairs or booster seats, so that you can eat hands free. It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Additionally, if your little one has been weaned, it’s always a good idea to pack some snacks for your them, such as fruits, crackers, and baby food. This way you always have something to hand for your baby to munch on.

Be sure to pack some spill-proof cups and utensils as well to avoid any messes.

DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies when traveling with a baby.

Pack a first aid kit with essentials such as bandages and antiseptic cream, as well as any medications your baby may need.

Keep a copy of your baby’s medical records and have the contact information of a paediatrician on hand in case of any medical issues.

It’s also important to keep important items like passports and tickets in a safe and easily accessible place in case they get lost.

Remember to stay flexible during your trip and be willing to change plans if necessary to accommodate your baby’s needs. Prioritize your baby’s well-being above all else. Make the most of your trip, capture plenty of memories, and take lots of photos!

RETURNING HOME AFTER A TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Congratulations, you’ve reached the final section of our ultimate guide on traveling abroad with a baby!

By now, you’ve probably had an incredible time exploring new destinations and making unforgettable memories with your little one. However, as your adventure draws to a close, it’s essential to get ready for your journey back home.

PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHT HOME

Preparing for the return flight is just as pivotal as preparing for the outbound one, particularly when traveling with a baby. To make the journey back as seamless as possible, here are a few tips to consider:

Pack wisely: Remember to pack all the essentials in your carry-on bag, such as extra diapers, wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothes for both you and your little one. Keep in mind that you may have acquired some souvenirs during your trip, so leave some room in your luggage or consider shipping items home.

Check in online: Save time at the airport by checking in online. Choose seats that will provide you and your baby with the most comfort and convenience. If possible, upgrade to a seat with extra legroom or request a bassinet for your baby.

Time your flight: Try to book a flight that works well with your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. This can help ensure that your baby is well-rested and content during the flight. Avoid connecting flights if possible, as they can add stress and extra time to your travel.

DEALING WITH JET LAG

Travelling to a different time zone with a baby can be tough, but there are some tricks to help your baby adjust to the new schedule and reduce the effects of jet lag:

Spend time outdoors: Exposing your baby to natural light during the day can help regulate their sleep cycle and reset their internal clock. We like to plan in plenty of outdoor activities like walks in the stroller or trips to nearby parks to get some fresh air. This tip also forks for adjusting to the new time zone when you first arrive at your destination.

Stick to a routine: Keeping to your usual routine, especially with feeding and sleeping times, can help your baby adapt to the new time zone faster.

Be patient: It may take a few days for your baby to fully adjust to the new time zone, so try to stay calm and patient. Your baby can sense your stress, so staying relaxed will help them relax too.

Travelling abroad with a baby can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be prepared and informed. We hope the tips and advice in this guide will help you feel confident and excited to embark on your next adventure with your little one. Wishing you safe travels!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH A BABY

Can You Fly Internationally With A Newborn?

Yes, it’s possible to travel internationally with a newborn, but it’s important to plan ahead and keep a few things in mind. As someone who has flown several times with a baby, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to research the airline and destination country’s policies on traveling with newborns. Some airlines require babies to be at least 2 weeks old, while others may need a doctor’s note confirming that the baby is fit for air travel. You’ll also want to make sure that you have all the necessary documents for your baby, including their passport, visas (if required), and any other essential paperwork. The process of obtaining a passport can take some time and you can usually only apply for a passport after your baby is born. Your baby’s health and comfort during the flight should also be taken into consideration. Bear in mind, that doctors usually advise parents to wait until their baby’s immune system has had a chance to mature before flying. So be sure to speak with your paediatrician before the trip to ensure that your baby is healthy and ready for air travel. Finally you will want to consider your own recovery after giving birth before planning an international trip with a newborn before even reaching your due date.

What is the best age to travel internationally with a baby?

There really is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best age to travel with a baby overseas really depends on a number of factors such as your baby’s temperament, health, and developmental stage, as well as your own comfort level with traveling and the destination you have in mind. That being said, many parents find that the best age to travel with a baby overseas is between six and nine months. At this age, babies are generally more adaptable and can handle longer periods of time away from home. They are also usually still breastfeeding or taking formula, which makes feeding easier while traveling. Additionally, babies in this age range may not be mobile yet, so you won’t have to worry about chasing after a crawling or walking baby in an unfamiliar place. However, I would like to stress that every baby is different and there are many factors to consider when deciding the best age to travel with your little one. For example, if your baby has health issues, you may need to wait until they are older and stronger before traveling. Similarly, if your baby is a fussy or difficult traveller, you may want to wait until they are more settled and can handle the stress of travel better. Ultimately, the decision of when to travel with a baby overseas is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and preferences. I would recommend consulting with your paediatrician before making any travel plans, as they can provide advice based on your baby’s specific needs and health. And always remember to take it easy and enjoy the journey, no matter what age your baby is when you travel!

How do I keep my baby safe while travelling?

Travelling with a baby can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, your number one priority is (and should be) to keep your little one safe and sound throughout the journey. That’s why it’s crucial to take all those extra precautions to ensure their safety. First and foremost, it’s essential to properly secure your baby in their car seat during any car rides. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment. When checking into a hotel or any other accommodation, take the time to baby-proof the room and remove any potential hazards. To create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, consider bringing a portable crib or playpen. This will give your little one a familiar and secure place to sleep, no matter where you are in the world. By prioritizing safety, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Is it safe to use car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies?

It can be tempting to use the car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies when travelling with a baby, but safety should always be your top priority. So before blindly using these items, take the time to do some research and make sure they meet the highest safety standards. Always check that the car seat or crib has been properly installed and is in a good condition. If you’re uncertain about the safety of the provided equipment, it’s always better to bring your own to ensure your baby stays safe and secure. We certainly always opt to bring our own with us.

What do I do if my baby gets sick while we are traveling?

When your little one falls ill during a trip, it can be concerning. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. This could involve finding a local doctor or hospital or reaching out to your paediatrician for guidance. It’s always wise to pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like fever reducers, cough syrup, and bandages, just in case of any unexpected health issues. It is also why we always make sure to get travel insurance before any trip.

What vaccinations does my baby need before travelling abroad?

It’s crucial to check with your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip to determine what vaccinations your baby may need. The recommended vaccinations vary depending on your destination country and your baby’s age and health status. Some vaccinations may require multiple doses over several weeks or months, so it’s important to start the process early to ensure your baby is fully protected before your trip.

What documents do I need to travel with my baby?

When travelling abroad with a baby, you will need to bring several important documents. These usually include your baby’s passport, visa (if required), and any medical certificates required by your destination country. It’s essential to check the requirements well in advance of your trip to allow enough time to obtain any necessary documents. Remember to also check the expiration dates of your baby’s documents, as some countries require that passports be valid for at least three or six months after your travel dates.

Can I bring my baby’s stroller on the plane?

When travelling with a baby, bringing a stroller can be a lifesaver and save your back from a lot of pain. However, whether you can bring your stroller on to a plane depends entirely on the airline. In our experience most airlines will at least let you check it in as luggage. Some airlines may require you to check in your stroller at the gate, while others may allow you to bring it on board and store it in an overhead bin or designated closet – as long as it folds up small enough. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight and compact stroller that’s easy to fold and transport. This will make your trip a lot easier. PS: We bought a stroller specifically for our holiday, that folds up nice and compactly, because our main stroller was way to clunky. We also like to use it when we are eating out at a restaurant.

How do I handle airport security with a baby?

Going through airport security can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it can feel especially challenging with a little one in tow. To help ease the stress, here are a few tips that can make the whole process a bit smoother. First and foremost, pack all liquids you need for your baby (like formula, breastmilk or food pouches) in a clear plastic bag and keep them separate for easy screening. Note that the usual restrictions for liquids do not apply for your baby’s items. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your baby’s birth certificate or passport handy to confirm their age and identity. When you get to security, don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or questions you may have to the staff. You will normally be asked to carry your child in your arm as you walk through the metal detectors. Remember, patience and flexibility are key, and taking a deep breath can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and relaxed.

Can I bring baby food and formula through airport security?

Travelling with baby food and formula through airport security is allowed, so no need to worry! If you feel particularly anxious about this, give the airport a ring before your trip. They will be happy to answer any of your questions. Just be sure to pack the food, formula or breastmilk in a clear plastic bag and inform the security officers during screening. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pack a little more baby food / formula to cover any potential delays during travel.

Can I breastfeed on the plane?

Yes, most airlines allow breastfeeding on the plane. However, it’s a good idea to bring a nursing cover or a lightweight blanket to ensure your privacy and your baby’s comfort during feeding times. Covering your little darling in a lightweight breathable fabric will shelter them from distractions (of which there are many on the plane) and keep them focussed on nursing. If you are formula feeding, consider bringing pre-measured formula and a portable bottle warmer to make feeding on the go easier.

How do I deal with a crying baby on the plane?

Crying babies can be stressful for both parents and other passengers on the plane. However, it’s important to remember that crying is a natural way for babies to communicate their needs, especially during a flight when they may be uncomfortable or experiencing ear pressure changes. Try to stay calm and comfort your baby with gentle rocking, feeding, or a change of position. Bring along some favourite toys or books to distract your baby and consider taking short walks up and down the aisle to soothe your baby and give them a change of scenery.

What should I pack in my carry-on bag for my baby during a long flight?

As a parent, you never know what to expect when it comes to travelling with a baby. That’s why it’s crucial to pack your carry-on bag / nappy bag wisely and prepare for any situation. In addition to the usual necessities like diapers and wipes, I always make sure to bring extra food, formula, and snacks to keep my little one happy and fed. I also pack a few of their favorite toys and books to keep them entertained during the flight. It’s important to remember that accidents happen, especially when travelling with a baby. That’s why I always pack a change (or two) of spare clothes for both me and my baby, as well as a small blanket to keep us warm on the plane. I also bring a few plastic bags to store any dirty clothes or diapers, making clean-up a breeze.

How do I find baby-friendly accommodations when travelling?

Travelling with a baby requires careful planning, especially when it comes to finding the right accommodations. To ensure a comfortable stay, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for options that offer baby-friendly amenities, like cribs or playpens, and consider whether the location is suitable for travelling with a stroller. It’s also important to check if there’s a kitchenette or microwave available for preparing baby food. Reading reviews from other parents who have stayed at the accommodation can also be helpful in gauging its family-friendliness. If you have any specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hotel or rental property directly. With a bit of research and communication, you can find a place that meets your family’s needs and ensures a comfortable stay.

How do I manage sleep schedules when travelling with a baby?

Travelling with a baby can wreak havoc on their sleep schedule, but there are ways to ease the transition. One helpful tactic is to gradually adjust their sleep schedule a few days before your trip, so they’re closer to the new time zone when you arrive. Another option is to maintain their routine as much as possible while on the trip, like keeping their usual bedtime routine or nap schedule.  Above all, it’s vital to be understanding and patient since your baby might need some time to adjust to the new environment and routine.

How can I make sure my baby gets enough sleep while we are traveling?

One key to ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep while traveling is to maintain a sense of consistency. Stick to your typical nap and bedtime routines as closely as possible, and don’t forget to bring along comforting items like a familiar stuffed animal or cozy blanket. If you can, consider booking accommodations that provide a separate sleeping area for your little one so that everyone can rest peacefully throughout the night.

How do I navigate cultural differences when travelling with a baby?

Travelling to a foreign country with your little one can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to be mindful of the cultural differences you may encounter. To ensure a smooth trip, take some time to research the cultural norms and practices around parenting in your destination country. This can help you avoid any unintentional cultural faux pas and allow you to better appreciate and respect the local customs. For instance you might want to bring a lightweight blanket to cover yourself and your nursing baby in a country where modesty is a concern. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary supplies, such as formula or baby food, as these may not be available in the country you’re visiting. Especially if your baby has very specific requirements. Remember, embracing new cultures and customs can be a wonderful learning experience for both you and your baby.

As I wrap up this ultimate guide on travelling abroad with a baby, I want to remind you that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous about travelling with young babies. But, as I mentioned a couple of times above, with some planning and preparation, your trip can be a wonderful experience for both you and your little one.

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the world through your baby’s eyes is a joy and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Always remember to prioritise your baby’s needs and plan ahead. But also think of your own wellbeing and don’t overwhelm yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

By following the travel tips and tricks in this guide, you can make travelling abroad with your baby an enjoyable experience.

So go ahead and plan that trip you’ve been dreaming of with your little one. With the right mindset and preparation, you can both have an amazing time exploring new places, meeting new people, and making unforgettable memories together.

ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

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How I've kept traveling -- even after having a baby

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Before I had a baby, I had traveled to almost 60 countries and was on a plane every other week.

A huge fan of solo travel , yoga retreats with friends and adventurous escapes with my husband, I was always on the move. Thanks to the ability to work remotely, travel was easy. Then COVID-19 hit, and shortly after, I got pregnant .

So life changed, and so did travel.

But now that travel is picking up again , I'm back at it — with my eight-month-old in tow.

Here's how — and why — I've navigated travel with a baby.

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Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

I live in Europe and my entire family lives in the United States . Like it or not, my child will have to constantly go back and forth between the two continents, and I want this to become second nature for him. I started flying with my child when he was three months old. He's already on his 15th flight and 4th high-speed train ride -- and has a few road trips under his elastic waistband.

Have some flights been really easy? Yes. Have some flights been harder? Also yes. But it doesn't matter all that much either way, because we have to travel if we want to spend time with friends and family back in the United States. And most of the flights, with a few small exceptions, have been great.

Even you don't need to travel with a baby, just know it's possible. It may not always be easy, but you can absolutely do it if you want to.

I want him to experience the wonders of the world instead of material things

My apartment was recently broken into. As violating and frustrating as it was, I realized that I was able to get over the things they took from me (cash and jewelry) relatively quickly, even though some of the jewelry pieces were family heirlooms.

When I'm still traumatized emotionally about having my space invaded, the robbers couldn't take from me what I most valued: my family and our shared experiences, especially the ones we've had traveling.

My hope is that my son will grow up understanding these same lessons and placing value on experiences and connections instead of things. And the best way to show this is by modeling the same behavior for him, which is often what motivates me to plan that next family vacation .

Because it's fun

Playing with my son in the peaceful Caribbean ocean waves, watching him stare at the Chicago skyline with awe or seeing him smile at the iconic Eiffel Tower are memories I'll never forget. Although he definitely won't remember these trips, we will — and we'll have lots of photos to show him one day.

How I make travel with my baby easier

Traveling with a baby isn't always easy. From diaper blowouts during landing and bleary-eyed nights with a jet-lagged infant to nasty stares from passengers if my overtired son shrieks during take-off, traveling with a baby has its downsides and complications. Here are some hacks I use to make it easier.

I bring someone along to help

I know I'll travel alone with my child as he gets older. However, for now, whenever possible, I try to have another adult in tow to help out — whether that be my partner, a family member or friend.

While I'm not expecting a friend to deal with a crying baby or his meltdowns, it's helpful to have someone along to help carry luggage, make sure I don't forget my jacket in the airport, hold the baby while I head to the restroom or help me fold up the stroller at TSA .

These little things can really make a difference when traveling. Once my child can at least walk on his own, I'll start traveling with just the two of us.

I pack as light as possible

It's true that kids — and especially babies — can need a lot of stuff. And there are things I really don't want to be stuck without on a long plane ride like diapers or snacks (more on this in a moment).

When traveling with my baby, I try to bring everything I need but don't go overboard. I swear by lightweight travel strollers and always take along a baby carrier and diaper backpack for a hands-free airport experience.

I like to book rental properties with as many baby and kid amenities already present as possible, such as a crib, high chair and more to avoid taking extra stuff along. I've also used rental companies in destinations for key items such as car seats, too.

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

What you can carry with you when flying is obviously very different than what you can lug along on a road trip, which offers you more space and added flexibility. That being said, these are key items I always take in my carry-on when flying with a baby:

• Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case).
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy or blanket.
• Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay).
• Formula/breast milk/pump.
• Snacks (for you and/or your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).
• Anything that can help your baby fall asleep.

For more on what to pack and how to prepare for traveling with a baby, read this article .

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I love using my points and miles to fly in business class with my baby .

He's actually better behaved than other passengers in some cases. Also, having the extra space to stretch out makes a real difference for all of us, especially on long-haul flights where sleep is essential for the entire family.

I have also dipped into my stash of points and miles to buy three seats in economy, taking a car seat along so my baby can safely sit in his own seat, even though that isn't required at this age. The bassinet was once an option if I had enough points or miles for just two seats, although now my baby has surpassed the weight limit.

If you want to use the bassinet, always call the airline to see if this option is available and what the weight/size limits are, which can vary by airline or even route .

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

I'm well aware that my baby probably can't understand what I'm saying. But as he gets older, he is starting to recognize words, and I want "airplane" to be one of them as quickly as possible. Whenever we travel, I softly and carefully explain to him what's happening several days in advance each day before the trip.

I tell him we're going to fly high in the sky on a plane, that we need to be calm, quiet and happy. I tell him that we'll be spending time with many other people in a small space, so we need to not scream or kick the seat in front of us and bother other passengers.

I explain that we're visiting a certain destination or specific family members or friends, where we'll be sleeping and for how long we'll be gone.

One day, he'll slowly begin to associate these explanations with the journeys that follow them. Kids ask a lot of questions and want to understand what's going on, so I hope explaining things to him will help him feel safe and in control as he gets older, as well as excited to fly and to travel.

I fly or take a train trip at least every two months with my son

I realize that as someone who's worked remotely for more than 10 years, I'm afforded the flexibility to travel frequently and take my son along with me. I'm teaching my child how to eat properly and sleep well, and will pretty soon potty train, so I'm training him to travel, too.

With the convenience of low-cost air carriers and high-speed trains here in Europe (and a solid stash of points and miles), it's easy to get my baby on a plane or train every few months to get — and keep — him used to travel and make it part of a familiar routine.

I minimize travel stress with early arrivals, elite status and lounge access

Running through the airport with a baby and luggage is stressful and not at all how I want to start a trip.

I find the calmer I am, the calmer our whole family is — especially my baby, who tends to absorb my energy and mental state. Getting to the airport with lots of extra time helps me feel relaxed and in control — and these feelings transfer to everyone in my travel party, especially my son.

Having elite status and lounge access doesn't hurt, either, as I can avoid long lines and hang out in the lounge if I have time to kill before flying.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer lounge access, and considering my home airport of Madrid Barajas (MAD) has several really nice Sala VIPs that are part of the Priority Pass network, I find this credit card perk a valuable one.

My Oneworld Sapphire status makes flying on airlines like Iberia much more comfortable, too, allowing me to use the business class check-in area, board first and check a bag at no added cost.

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

While my son sleeps fairly well on planes, I prefer to plan flights strategically at times where he'll already be fed, calm and rested. Although I can't always make this happen, I do so whenever my schedule and flight schedules permit it.

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

When traveling, I always try to organize my days so that my baby can either nap at the hotel or vacation rental, or while we walk in his stroller.

Cobblestoned European streets are particularly helpful in coaxing my son to sleep in his stroller, as the vibration is relaxing for him. I also bring everything along possible to encourage sleep while on the road — a portable sound machine in the stroller, a portable night light, his lovey, a tent for the beach , our own sheet for the travel crib to remind him of home — really anything that will help him to nap and sleep, keeping him and the whole family calm and happy.

Bottom line

While I'm not hopping on a flight every other week like I was in those pre-pandemic, pre-baby days, having a baby hasn't ruined travel for me.

I know it can be more restrictive and more expensive, but I now look at travel in a whole new way. I see it as an opportunity to bond as a family, give my son new experiences and help him grow into a flexible, excited young traveler .

My hope is that starting with these experiences while he is young will make travel a habit for him, just like going to school or playing with friends — something he is familiar with and learns to love and do with joy.

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What to know about traveling internationally with a baby

There's no doubt that babies can complicate travel plans. (There's a reason parents call it a trip, not a vacation!) Still, plenty of people travel outside of the U.S. with their infants. Some have family and friends they want to visit, while others figure it's easier to travel to far-flung destinations with a baby (who still sleeps 16 hours a day) than with a toddler (who wants to spend the flight walking up and down the aisle).

Whatever your reason, your trip will go more smoothly if you make a few preparations before booking your tickets and boarding your flight. Here's what you need to know about traveling internationally with an infant.

Requirements for traveling internationally with an infant

As you're planning your trip, take care of these must-dos:

Check travel advisories

Before booking, check the  U.S. Department of State's website Opens a new window for international travel advisories. You can also look at travel health advisories for your destination at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website Opens a new window as well as information on required vaccinations by country. Although most countries have lifted COVID-related restrictions, you can quickly check requirements for international travelers on the United Nations' Destination Tracker Opens a new window .

Talk to your baby's doctor

The American Academy of Pediatrics Opens a new window advises talking to your pediatrician before flying with a baby . Some doctors recommend delaying unessential travel for the first few weeks after birth (sometimes until babies are at least until 2 to 3 months old ). Babies are prone to catching infections – especially those who were born prematurely or have certain health conditions.

Once they clear your baby for travel, your pediatrician can verify that your baby is up to date on vaccinations, recommend preventative medications to pack, and determine whether your baby requires any additional immunizations. If your destination is experiencing measles outbreaks, for example, your doctor may adjust your baby's MMR vaccine schedule.

Depending on where you're traveling, your doctor may recommend – and some countries require – vaccinations for other infectious diseases (such as yellow fever or rabies) that aren't part of the standard childhood vaccine schedule. Book your appointment at least four to six weeks in advance of your trip, because it can take time to build up immunity after a vaccination.

Make sure your baby has a passport

For international travel, your baby needs a passport . Make two copies of each family member's passport, and leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative. 

If you're traveling as a solo parent, consider bringing documentation proving you're a legal guardian – as well as letter of consent (preferably notarized) from the other custodial parent saying "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission." If you have sole custody of your child, you might want to bring a copy of the custody agreement. 

12 tips for international travel with an infant

Consider travel insurance. Travel insurance ensures that you're not out of luck if, say, your baby gets an ear infection the day before you're scheduled to fly. (Keep in mind that your credit card may already offer travel insurance.)

Bring your baby's car seat. Though babies and toddlers under age 2 are allowed to fly free (or at a discount) sitting on your lap , it's safest if you buy an airplane seat for your baby. That way you'll be able to use your car seat on the plane , as long as it's approved for aircraft as well as motor vehicles. (It likely is – just check for a sticker on the car seat confirming this.) What's more, your car seat will come in handy at your destination – or at least on the car trips to and from the airport.

Request a bassinet. If you're on a long-haul flight, and especially if you forgo buying a seat for your baby, consider reserving a baby bassinet. Most airlines offer free portable baby bassinets that attach to the bulkhead for longer international flights. These beds, which generally accommodate babies up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long, allow your baby to snooze during the flight. There are usually only a couple of bassinets available per flight – so be sure to call early, ideally when you book your tickets, to request one. 

Bring the basics. Depending on where you're traveling with your baby or toddler , you may not find your usual brand of formula, diapers, or baby food – although you'll usually identify a decent equivalent. At the very least, be sure to bring a two- to three-day supply of these products in your checked baggage, so you aren't pressed to find a pharmacy as soon as you arrive. If you're really attached to specific products, pack enough for your full trip, plus a couple days' worth of spares. (Here's what else to put on your baby packing list .)

Don't forget adaptors. You don't want to scramble to find a store that sells adaptors for your breast pump or sound machine when you're scheduled to be at the beach. Throughout Europe and in many countries worldwide, power outlets and voltage are different from the U.S. Be sure to check the requirements at your destination, and buy a few appropriate adaptors before you leave.

• Pack a change of clothes. Having a couple of full-body changes of clothes in your carry-on bag, including socks, is essential. There's a good chance you'll have to deal with at least one leaky diaper or major spit-up on a long-haul flight .

Stock your carry-on. Besides a change of clothes, pack all of the essentials you'll need for the duration of your flight – bottles, formula, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, baby food – plus a few spares for potential delays. Think of it like your usual  diaper bag on steroids. Airports in the U.S. allow you to carry on liquids (such as water, pumped breast milk, and baby food) that surpass the usual 3.4-ounce limit, but be prepared to remove them from your bag when you go through the security checkpoint. For your return trip, you'll need to verify whether there are liquid limits in the country you're visiting.

Bring a carrier. A baby carrier is extra convenient for infant travel, especially when you're boarding your flight and when you're trying to help your baby fall asleep.

Pack sleep essentials. Sleep can be tricky when you're traveling with a baby. As much as possible, try to stick to the bedtime routine you follow at home. Pack anything your baby relies on to sleep, such as a sleep slack , night light, or sound machine. And while many hotels and rental apartments have play yards available, check beforehand to make sure your baby will have someplace safe to sleep.

Prep for jet lag. It may be worth gently adjusting your baby's sleep schedule before your trip, especially if you're traveling to a different time zone. Starting a few days before you leave, begin moving your baby's bedtime 15 minutes earlier or later every night to closer match your destination. (This trick can help you with jet lag, too!) Moving your baby's bedtime by even one hour before you travel can make a difference. When you arrive, try to stick to your baby's usual nap, meal, and bedtime schedule, adjusted for the local time zone, right away. Here are more tips for handling time changes with a baby .

Dress your baby in layers. Airplanes are usually chilly, but it's hard to predict just how cold. Dress your baby warmly in layers that you can remove or add if it's warmer or cooler than expected.

Leave yourself lots of time. Like most tasks, traveling with children takes a lot longer than traveling solo. The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving three hours early for international flights, but you may want to get to the airport even earlier. That way you won't panic if, say, your baby has a massive diaper explosion on the car ride to the airport. Arriving extra early also helps ensure you can secure that baby bassinet you reserved when you booked your flight.

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Flying with baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2017. Precautions for international travel: Information for parents. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Precautions-for-International-Travel.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Tips for safe and stress-free family travel. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Travel-Safety-Tips.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Travelers health: Vaccine recommendations for infants and children. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/family-travel/vaccine-recommendations-for-infants-and-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2018. Prepare for jet lag before boarding the plane. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-prepare-for-jet-lag-before-boarding-the-plane/ Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Traveling with children. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Flying with children. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

USA.gov Opens a new window . 2023. International travel documents for children. https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

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27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

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Home » 27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

Are you wondering where to travel with a baby?

Our youngest daughter, Avalee, was just 2.5 months old when we embarked on our very first trip with her. Our first trip with her took us to Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.

After Indonesia, we ventured further afield to Australia and explored Perth and Sydney.

We then set off to Asia visiting Japan and Europe for a big extended road trip that included France, Switzerland, and Italy – all before Avalee had reached her first birthday! As seasoned family travelers (we have 3 children) we’ve learned a lot about what works best when traveling with babies in tow.

With input from other parents who have traveled with their babies too, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to travel with a baby along with practical tips based on our experiences on how to choose the perfect baby-friendly holiday destinations. 

Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. Now is a great time to make memories with your little one and travel the world!

It might not always be easy to travel with a baby, but in my opinion, it is always worth any challenges.

Here is a list of the best baby-friendly countries to visit to ensure your trip will run as smoothly as possible.

27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in the World

Wondering where to travel with your baby?

We love traveling with our baby as we scout out the best places to visit with an infant.

In our opinion, the best countries to visit with a baby in USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Italy, and the UK, but you can find more ideas on our list down below.

But first! Sign up for our ‘Wanderlust Storytellers Family Tribe’ newsletter to get loads of helpful information about how to travel with a baby! 

1. Tuscany, Italy

For one of the best holiday destinations with a baby or even older kids, head to beautiful Italy!

Children are adored in this country, and you will find that Italians will often go out of their way to help parents. And expect them, to come to say hello to your little ones too.

Italy is one of the best places to go on holiday with a baby. It is easy to find some beautiful family-friendly accommodation options.

We chose Tuscany for our list because it has plenty of stroller-friendly destinations.

I recommend you choose either Florence or Lucca for a home base. Both cities are great for strollers, although we recommend a stroller with large cushioned wheels to handle bumpy or cobble-stone roads.

Florence has plenty of playgrounds for older babies and toddlers, and the restaurants typically can prepare a small plate for younger kids or a simple pasta dish (when Avie was a toddler, she often had simple pasta and butter).

If you decide on Florence, be sure to have a look at the best neighborhood to stay in Florence .

You can also find many beautiful small towns scattered through Tuscany that will allow you to explore this region of Italy without the masses of tourists.

Recommended attractions in Tuscany that you should see with your baby include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Boboli Gardens.

If time permits, you should also visit Capo Sant’Andrea on Elba Island (make sure to take baby beach shoes if you are planning to spend some time on the beach).

Personally speaking, Italy is arguably the best place to travel with baby options for us so far, as well as one of the best baby-friendly travel destinations and baby-friendly countries.

• Bring your baby carrier along, as you will often find stairs at the main attractions in Italy.
• Always have a baby change mat on hand, as change tables in public restrooms are rare.
• You can rent a stroller in Italy, and check out sites such as TravelBaby.It and BabyGuest.com.
• Pre-book your taxi online , that way, you can request a baby car seat for the transfer as well.

Where to Stay in Tuscany with a Baby:

We recommend basing yourselves in either Florence or Lucca (cheaper) and then planning your day trips from there.

Best Place to Stay in Florence with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: For a fantastic stay I would choose  MyFlorenceHoliday Gold Bridge . Their family room includes a cot and high chair and has a kitchen area where you can prepare bottles etc. The hotel is located 100 meters from Ponte Vecchio.
• Best VRBO: I love The Time Machine apartment which is located next to Palazzo Vecchio. It has 2 bedrooms and includes a travel crib, high chair, and dishes & utensils for kids- it also has a lift to the apartment which is on the second level.

Best Place to Stay in Lucca with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: The 4-Star Hotel Ilaria has a triple room that includes a cot. This popular hotel is located in the historic centre of Lucca.

Further Reading:

• Visit Tuscany with Kids (Tips and Information)
• See our full blog post with helpful information about traveling to Italy with a baby
• Watch our Video on YouTube: Italy with a Baby or Toddler .
• Florence with Kids

Wondering where to travel with a baby in Asia?  Japan is one of the best places to travel with an infant in Asia.

This destination is very baby-friendly. You can easily choose from some of these great destinations in Japan perfect for first-timers .

“ Baby Cafes ” located throughout Tokyo have childproof areas and food for mom and dad to purchase.

There are also family rooms throughout (mainly in the larger supermarkets) around, the larger cities where moms can nurse or change their babies.

Baby supplies are available from pharmacies, and let’s not forget how clean the country is (you won’t see rubbish anywhere!).

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller at home.
• You will typically find beautiful baby rooms in the larger supermarkets.
• Public restrooms should have change tables and a parent-friendly toilet with a baby highchair, so you have somewhere to pop baby while you do your business.
• Choose Airbnb over small hotel rooms.
• For toddlers, we can highly recommend some popular theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

READ MORE: See our helpful post on how to visit Japan with a baby

3. London, England

London is one of the best places to travel in Europe with a baby.

This city has parent rooms and changing facilities readily available, making it a great place to visit with a baby.

Many sights can easily be accessed by public transportation or on foot. We love how easy the city is to navigate with a stroller; simply use the   step-free Tube map to navigate the underground with your stroller.

Breastfeeding in public is accepted and considered perfectly normal. Children under five can travel for free on public transport, and there are plenty of family-friend restaurants.

If your bubs is a bit older, he/she might also really enjoy outings to a  baby disco, one of the children ‘s  theatres, the city farms, zoos, or a day out at one of the many parks.

• Top 10 Things to do in London with Kids
• Make sure you download NCT’s Babychange app, which will show you all the baby-changing facilities in your vicinity, and the Wowmum app, which lists baby change areas, as well as child-friendly activities, parks, and more.
• Book your taxi online. Book Taxi London is a reliable website that you can use to quickly and easily book your taxi (you can even select to have a car seat for your little one)!

After one of the most affordable places to visit with your baby?

With rice paddies, waterfalls, beaches, and great people, Bali certainly has it all.

This dreamy vacation is very baby-friendly, and nannies or babysitters are super affordable.  You can also very easily rent baby gear and equipment for super low prices if you need them.

Hotels and resorts will be equipped with baby cots and high chairs, and with a bit of effort, you can also pre-book transfers with baby car seats.

Avoid Kuta and head to more family-friendly areas such as Canggu, Ubud, Legian, Jimbaran, or Nusa Lembongan.

We love to combine some time in Ubud to soak up the peaceful rice paddy atmosphere with some luxury and relaxation at one of the beachside areas such as Canggu or Jimbaran.

Bali might be the best place to travel with a baby for those living in Australia.

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller behind
• Always have a baby change mat on hand
• Book a cheap nanny to tag along with you on your outings
• Pre-book your transfers if you wish to have a baby car seat
• Don’t forget to bring along your  sun tent for baby , as well as some handy and essential  beach items for baby

5. Tulum, Mexico

One of the best travel destinations with a baby if you are after some beautiful beaches and warm weather. This city can make for a very relaxing vacation.

Many family-friendly beaches and hotels accommodate those traveling with babies, as they often provide cribs and strollers.

If you are wondering if it is safe to travel to Mexico with a baby, you will be glad to know that it is.

What you will need to consider is taking enough baby formula if you are not breastfeeding your little one as the variety of formula available is limited.

If you do use baby formula, make sure to use bottled water when making your baby’s milk.

If you do take a baby stroller, take one that can fold up and will fit easily into any taxi that you may take whilst on holiday.

If you are planning on venturing out and about, a baby carrier is a great choice as you will be hands-free, and is perfect for any hikes are strolls on the beach.

Top places to visit include Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Playa Paraiso.  Mexico offers some of the best baby-friendly travel destinations for those in the USA.

6. Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to travel to with a baby in the United States is Chicago. This city is so baby friendly making it hands down one of the best cities to travel with a baby and one of the best travel destinations with baby options.

The great thing about Chicago is that it has a ton of baby sights, attractions, and tours to enjoy.

Taking your baby out and about during the day is great for you and the baby and in Chicago, they celebrate that.

The town of Chicago has free stroller tours at some of the area’s major museums, including The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Besides the museums, you can also visit the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier.

If you are explicitly wondering where to travel with a newborn, this would be one of our top picks.

7. Montreal, Canada

After stroller-friendly places to visit with a baby? One of the nice things about Montreal is that it’s very stroller-friendly.

Numerous kid-friendly festivals occur throughout the year. Popular attractions include Jean-Talon Farmer’s Market, Clock Tower Beach, and The Botanical Gardens.

If you visit Montreal outside of these festivals do not worry because there is still lots to do. Experience much of the cultural scene in Montreal by visiting many of the galleries and museums. Kids under 12 can go free to many of these local Montreal attractions.

In summer there are many parks and open green spaces that you can enjoy as a family. Enjoy a picnic and the many playgrounds that can be found in the parks.

Montreal boasts a large variety of baby-friendly and welcoming cafes and restaurants, so when it comes to enjoying a bite to eat, you and your baby can relax.

8. Tasmania, Australia

Definitely, one of the most baby-friendly countries to visit.

Australia is another brilliant country to visit with a baby. While there are many baby-friendly places to travel to in Australia, we love Tasmania.

This Australian state is an excellent destination for children of all ages. You can easily find high chairs in restaurants, which typically have special kids’ menus to keep toddlers happy.

You can easily find all baby supplies in small or large grocery stores. Hotels have cots available (typically free of charge), and destinations are all stroller-friendly.

One of the nice things about Tasmania is that you don’t have to haul a stroller with you on your flight if you don’t want to because plenty of stroller rentals are available.

Many activities here are nature-based, including a visit to the Bay of Fires and Russell Falls. A great activity during the summer months is to head to one of the beautiful sandy beaches for some much-needed relaxation.

9. Wales, United Kingdom

Wales is another one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe!  People love babies in Wales and will bend backward to ensure you enjoy your time here as much as possible.

Hotels will provide everything from cribs to baby gates and can even recommend babysitting services if you need some alone time. Good places to visit with your baby include Cardiff Castle, Tenby Harbour, and Bodnant Garden.

When you are out and about enjoying the lush Welsh countryside, be sure to take a baby carrier with you.

If you plan to spend more time exploring the Welsh villages and towns, a baby stroller will definitely come in handy. If you can, a stroller that folds up compactly is best as you are guaranteed it will be able to travel in your taxi.

10. San Diego, California

This is one of the most baby-friendly destinations on the list. There are a lot of boardwalks, walking trails, and plenty of beaches.

If you take a stroller with you when you travel to San Diego with a baby, you will be able to move around with ease.

If you are looking for some great baby-friendly activities then a visit to the Birch Aquarium, Mission Beach & Boardwalk, or the San Diego Botanic Garden are all great choices.

Be sure to also make your way to the San Diego Zoo. This huge zoo has so much to see and do and is a huge amount of fun for everyone.

If you visit during warmer months, be sure to pack sunblock and a swimming costume so you can take a dip at the many beaches.

Pack some kids’ beach toys or grab a set from one of the local shops on the boardwalk as all kids love to play in water and sand and most of all build sandcastles.

For kids big and small, head to Legoland which is under an hour’s drive from San Diego. The best part about the rides at Legoland resorts is that they do not have height restrictions so even the shortest of visitors can enjoy the rides when visiting.

Is it any surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby? This island is a dream vacation for many due to the many resorts that cater to families.

So it is probably no surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby!

If you do not want to explore the island and just need to relax and take it easy, then staying at your beach resort is great as you can lunge around the pool or on the beach.

Head to the beach for some sand and fun and when baby is tired and ready for a nap, the room is only a short walk away. If you want to do an activity that is a bit more strenuous, many of the resorts do offer activities at the resort that you can enjoy.

The best way to get around this island is with a rental car. You will be able to see plenty of amazing sights that will allow you to take unforgettable pictures of yourself and your baby.

Exploring Hawaii by car also means that your baby can take a nap when traveling and not be tired to enjoy the sights.

Baby-friendly places include Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Valley of the Temples.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Not many people associate good places to travel with a baby, including South Africa. However, those who’ve been to Cape Town know it’s one of the best places to visit with a baby or even older kids.

Cape Town is also one of the best cities to visit with a baby because baby facilities are readily available everywhere.

There are plenty of picturesque views and things to do, visiting the penguins, heading out on a boat to see the seals, or having a picnic in a vineyard.

If you want to travel around Cape Town then make sure to rent a car. Many places that you will visit may be an hour or so drive out of the City center.

You do not need to take a car seat with you as many of the car rental companies will be able to offer you car seat rental.

Cape Town is known for its many wine farms. If you think that visiting is not great for kids, you will be pleased to know that many of the wine farms cater to all ages, with most offering children their own version of a “wine-tasting menu “with treats and kids’ drinks.

Nearly everywhere you visit a baby chair will be available to use. Most wine farms have play parks for kids to enjoy with swings, slides, and jungle gyms. If you are traveling with older kids.

Head to one of the many beaches, the most renowned being Camps Bay and enjoy a sunset picnic.

You can find our full guide on how to travel South Africa with a baby here. We visited South Africa with our youngest and two older kids and spent 5 weeks exploring various parts of the country and we loved it!

Further Reading

• Grab some ideas of what to do in Cape Town with kids here.

13. Taipei, Taiwan

Another popular destination for family travelers in Taiwan. This destination is very safe and the people of Taiwan are very welcoming of babies and children.

Many places in Taiwan have mothers’ rooms, similar to those found in Japan, but this city is a great place to travel with a baby because of its many attractions.

Unlike other places, you can easily strap a baby into a stroller and walk around, as the terrain isn’t tough to maneuver making it super easy to get around and explore.

This allows families to see a lot of exciting sights like Longshan Temple or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The city of Taipei is exciting and colorful and at night looks a lot like Times Square in New York.

Head to the 101 Building which cannot be missed when you arrive in the city. You can go up this building and it is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance rather than queuing.

Head out of the city and you will find the Silver Stream Cave which is a temple carved into the rock face behind a stunning waterfall. The nerve-wracking walk-up is definitely worth the trek and be sure to pack a baby carrier for this to make the walk easy.

Belize is one of the most baby and kid-friendly places to visit. It has so many different attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy.

One of the other biggest perks for families visiting here is its affordability.

The country is also English-speaking, so you don’t have to worry about the need to whip out your language translator while trying to balance a baby on your hip.

There are a lot of great places to take your little one in this country, including the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the Mayan Ruins.

If your trip to Belize is to have some downtime and not be out and about too much, be sure to stay at one of the many resorts that offer guests all they need from horseback riding to pools and a health spa.

You can easily find what you need in the stores in Belize however if your baby is drinking formula, it is best to take your own with you as you may not be able to find the same make in Belize.

15. Ecuador

Ecuador may not be the first place you think of when traveling a with baby however you will find that this country is very welcoming of children and is affordable for a family vacation.

Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in South America , so you can’t go wrong with this destination!

The safest way to get around Ecuador is by renting a vehicle. Although there is a lot of public transport like taxis and buses, seatbelts are not always readily available and the maneuvers that the drivers take along the winding roads are quite hair-raising!

When it comes to mealtimes and feeding, you will be pleased to know that breastfeeding is very acceptable and normal. If you need baby formula, this is readily available however you may not find your usual brand.

The terrain is challenging to get around with a stroller, so you will need to use a baby carrier instead. You can even take a backpack carrier as this will be the easiest way to get around and carry your baby.

It’s worth exploring the city as much as possible with your baby as there’s a lot to see. This includes The Otavalo Indigenous Market and the Manabi Coast.

It can get pretty noisy at night too so you may want to bring along something to create white noise. Top tip – book hotels and places to stay that is away from main roads to help reduce the noise at night.

Wondering where to travel with your baby in Greece?

Those who visit Greece can tell pretty quickly that the culture is family-oriented. Often children can eat free at restaurants, stay free at hotels and ride public transportation for free.

While we recommend you leave the cliff-top towns such as Santorini for another year, you could visit many other beautiful destinations in Greece with your baby in tow. 

There are many islands that you can visit in Greece offering you and your baby warm beaches to enjoy like the infamous Mykonos.

Another great place to visit in Greece is Crete and the great thing is that this is not the first place most people think of visiting in Greece.

This makes it a great destination as it is not crowded and Crete also has a range of activities to do with kids.

Greece is also a very safe place to visit so it is a definite for any family vacation. If you want to explore by walking, a stroller may be difficult to use so a baby carrier may be best. Or a stroller with larger wheels will be ok.

Make sure you and your baby visit the Plaka District of Athens and The Castles Of Rhodes.

How To Get Around

Of course, the best way to get around Rhodes is with the locals. Get your local Rhodes taxi here.

And if you are staying in Athens (check out our list of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Athens here ), the best way to get around town is by taxi! Book your taxi here !

• The Best Places to Visit on a Family Holiday To Crete
• Where to visit in Greece for first-timers

17. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is full of incredible sights to explore; it would be a shame not to discover the elegant harbors because you have a baby. Instead, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

One of the best things about Stockholm is that you can walk almost everywhere. It is an incredibly safe city and is the perfect size for a family to explore.

Sweden is one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids , because there are plenty of age-appropriate entertainment spots, such as;

• Old Town – the quaint part of town with fantastic toy stores
• Vasparken – a massive park with a lovely playground
• Skansen – a giant ocean-air museum and zoo

It is a legal requirement for all city buses to ensure space for wheelchairs for disabled people and prams for children. This makes it easy to get around if you push a stroller.

A trip to Stockholm is one of the best baby-friendly vacations you can plan.

Tip: One of the best ways to check out Stockholm is from the water. Take a look at our list of best Stockholm boat tours here.

The USA is one of the best baby-friendly vacation spots in the world. There are so many different places in the USA that it is a hard choice of where to go when visiting the USA with a baby and young children.

Washington, DC, is such a vibrant, beautiful city, and it promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. It is an icon of democracy, full of history and progressive happenings.

There is so much to see and do – a lot of which is free. The best time to visit Washington, DC, with your baby is during spring (March to May), as the temperature is pleasant, with the pink cherry blossoms blooming around early April.

Avoid July and August, which can get uncomfortably hot and cause your baby to fuss.

The city has an excellent public transport system, making getting around easy. While the law doesn’t require car seats for cabs, you can pre-request one for a taxi or Uber.

Florida is another great place to visit and has so many family-friendly resorts to choose from. Florida is well known for all the amusement parks for toddlers such as Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park, etc.

Your young children and even baby will love the splash pads inside Magic Kingdom

Take a trip to Utah to see Zion National Park. There are short hikes inside the park which will be enjoyable for the whole family.

If you do decide to hike in Zion National Park, make sure to take a baby hiking carrier. Find more tips for visiting Zion National Park with kids here.

The same applies if you visit Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

North Carolina has many fun activities for the family. There is the North Carolina Zoo which is bound to make your little one smile.

Spend a night or two under the stars in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are many activities that you can do from swimming to fishing and boating. Make sure that you put safety first and use life vests for water sports and activities.

If you happen to travel to New York, make sure to take a stroll around central park. It is perfect for walking with a baby stroller or baby carrier.

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Due to the chilly temperatures, Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are often overlooked when deciding where to travel with a baby.

However, the city is breathtakingly beautiful, and if you bundle up your baby, you can enjoy the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, and fascinating history without the fuss!

Boasting surreal landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena, your little one may be lucky enough to capture a memory.

Reykjavik is fast becoming a trendy tourist destination, so there have been increased tour options. Many of these tours are family-friendly and remove all the fuss when planning your trip.

Make sure you pack in a few extra warm goodies, and you and your baby are good to go.

20. Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is known as a paradise getaway, and no reason having a baby should change this experience. Runaway Island in Jamaica prioritizes an atmosphere of relaxation and is one of the top places to travel with a baby.

As a fabulous family vacation destination, Runaway Bay boasts many villas, resorts, and accommodation options focused on the family. Many of these resorts offer family-sized rooms that can comfortably sleep up to three children.

Many of these resorts also help arrange the services of a nanny or babysitter to help you better relax on the beach. Some resorts even have a baby club where trusted employees mind your child during nap time.

If we can give you one little piece of advice, it’s to pack a lot of sunblock (keeping in mind that babies under six months can’t use sunblock). Chances are, your little one will enjoy the sun, sand, and clear waters as much as you.

21. Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a quaint village in Portugal full of culture, history, and, most importantly, families. The laid-back destination promises one of the best vacations with infants possible.

There is a tangible warmth in the air reflected in the locals’ cheery expressions, and it is sure to be a holiday you will never forget.

If you don’t choose to push your stroller on the wide, open streets, you can be comforted that child seats in taxis are not mandatory, making taxi cabs easily accessible.

There is a wide selection of parks, calm beaches, and historical sites to explore. One thing to remember is that the rich traditions in the seaside village mean that local restaurants don’t necessarily serve chicken nuggets and the like.

However, if your baby wants to venture from their formula, you can rest assured that the local food isn’t particularly spicy and generally quite soft.

22. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado, is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

The breathtaking images of gorgeous mountains, vast open spaces, and reflecting lakes may make you think Vail is better suited to adults; however, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

There is an entire baby brand named ‘Travel Vail Baby’, which serves as proof of how excellent the destination is for infant-friendly vacations.

The baby and toddler equipment rental company provides cribs, strollers, high chairs, hiking backpacks, and bouncy seats (among many other items) to help parents enjoy Vail’s jagged peaks and slopes.

When ascending to higher altitudes, your baby should be fine, as babies older than three months old adjust to altitude much better than adults.

Handy Tip: The Vail Public Library has incredibly fun baby storytime!

23. Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona with your baby is a sure way to begin stimulating their creativity from a young age.

From the eccentric design of the Gaudi buildings to the intricate stained glass windows of the cathedrals, your baby will be so busy absorbing the environment that they’ll have little time to cry.

If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, travel in the summer when you can enjoy the multiple parks and outdoors. Babies are often happier and more relaxed when moving about.

With so many sights and attractions, you can be sure your little one will be happy as a clam.

Top tip: Make sure to pack a sling or baby carrier. The streets in Barcelona are cobbled, and the bumps could make your baby uncomfortable.

24. Nice, France

Nice is a romantic and magical destination filled with bustling alleyways, quaint little shops, and outdoor restaurants.

One of the best parts about traveling to Nice, France, with a baby is the excellent promenade which offers surreal views while pushing a buggy.

As Nice is such a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that the hospitality industry accommodates babies.

From heating bottles to providing changing facilities, you can visit Nice quickly without any baby hassles.

The French Riviera offers sun, sea, and delectable food; it would be a shame to miss out on this. The charming city is easy to travel to with a baby, especially if you follow our tips on how to travel through France with a baby .

25. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of the most accessible places to visit with a baby. The cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer the entire family and caters to its attractions.

In addition to fantastic shopping, music, and food experiences, there are a lot of free and budget attractions to enjoy.

Seoul has plenty of indoor playgrounds, known as Kids’ cafes that are great for toddlers under two years old. These are a great option during the extreme seasons when the weather can be icy or uncomfortably hot.

The city’s very efficient public transportation system and a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation options make day-to-day living in Seoul very easy.

If you prefer to walk, you’ll be pleased to know that Seoul is also fairly stroller friendly.

One piece of advice is to not breastfeed in public. The Koreans don’t make a habit of the practice, so choosing to do so will attract unwanted attention.

Although there are baby nursing stations in larger subway stations, department stores, and restaurants.

26. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin City and the rolling green hills surrounding the area are on the top of many people’s bucket lists – for a good reason.

There is a stunning culture of friendliness in the city, and the beautiful design of the city mimics the breathtaking landscapes on the outskirts.

Dublin is well-supplied with formula, food, nappies, and clothing for your little one. Most restaurants will go as far as to prepare a bowl for your child and offer high chairs and baby-changing facilities.

Getting around Dublin is very easy. In addition to speaking English, the city is also easy to navigate, and baby car seats are available for a small additional cost. There is even a child-friendly taxi service .

There are many baby-friendly activities to discover in the city, including live Irish music performances.

Be aware that Dublin has quite a vibrant pub culture, and while children are allowed in the pubs and bars during the day, they are not legally allowed entry after 9 pm.

27. Thailand

Thailand is such a great destination to travel with a baby as it is so baby friendly. We love traveling to Thailand and have done it many times with our daughter when she was a baby and a toddler.

The Thai people and culture are so welcoming it makes this country a perfect destination for families who want to travel to a beach destination with a baby.

Another perk is that there are quite a few 4+ star hotels that are more than willing to accommodate your baby’s needs.

Many of them include indoor pools and even water parks. If you are after great cultural travel destinations with a baby, you can’t look further than Thailand. Here is a list of the best resorts on Koh Samui for families .

Some of the best places and great destinations to travel with a baby in Thailand are Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui .

How to Choose Infant-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Wondering how to choose the best place to travel with an infant? Find below some of our requirements when we decide where to travel next.

1. Is the Transportation Safe?

An important consideration when we choose holiday destinations with our baby is whether transportation will be safe for our little one.

For example, you might consider whether taxis and private transfers offer infant travel car seats. 

If they don’t, it might be best if you rent a car and add a child car seat onto the rental costs, or you might prefer to bring your own – find a post on the best infant travel car seats to travel with here.

(However, it is essential to check if your car seat can be adequately secured in a different country as they all have different systems to install car seats).

How safe are these to use if you plan to take public transport? Some countries are crazy when it comes to driving.

Think about what you are comfortable with and choose the best vacation that ticks your boxes.

2. Is the Climate Baby-Friendly?

Look at the average temperatures and how much rain the destination will get at the time of year you plan to visit.

We made the mistake of traveling to Asia during their hot season, and our baby developed a heat rash from the constant heat; it made life more challenging than it needed to be as she was unhappy and pretty grumpy.

We also went to Japan when it was freezing, and it was tricky to keep our little baby warm and snug in the temperature.

3. Keep Travel Time Short

Keep flight time as short as you can. It is much easier to fly with a newborn who sleeps a lot, in comparison to a baby who has just become mobile.

It might be a good idea to pick infant-friendly travel destinations closer to home.

An 8-hour flight overseas might be okay, but a 15-hour long-haul flight will be much more challenging (If you are traveling long-haul, you might appreciate our long-haul flight checking list for babies ).

So while we list baby-friendly holidays from around the world in our list below, it will be essential to consider the ones closer to your home.

Also, think about how long your transfers are once you land, and keep your travel days nice and short so that there is plenty of downtime for your baby.

4. Which Countries Are Safe?

The best countries to travel to with a baby are the ones that are safe for little kids. Have a look to see if there is any unrest in the destination you will be visiting.

Look at which vaccines you might have to get (and whether your baby can even get them).

It might be best to avoid rural and remote areas of a country until your baby is a bit older.

We visited Bali when our daughter was only six weeks old, but we stayed clear of the monkey forests and spent a lot more time on hotel grounds than we would typically have done to keep the trip safe for her.

5. Consider Health Care

Think about the amenities and healthcare facilities you would typically be comfortable with at home.

Are there good hospitals, and will the medical staff be able to understand you?

6. Baby Facilities

Another thing that will make traveling with a baby easier is choosing a destination with baby facilities readily available.

Can you find hotels that have baby cots available? You might prefer to travel with a crib; you can find our top recommendations for a lightweight travel crib here.

Are high chairs available in restaurants, and are there baby change rooms?

If not, you can always travel with your own high chair – find a post on the best high chair for travel here.

You can also find a list of all our recommendations for baby travel gear to make your life easier while on holiday here.

Consider how easy it will be to purchase baby diapers, formulae, baby food, or baby medication.

If you have to travel with baby food, you can find a post about TSA baby food and formulae rules here.

Also, think about your baby’s age; the best places to travel with a newborn will not be the same as the best places to travel with a 1-year-old, because a 1-year-old is mobile.

If your baby is at the age where they are eating and drinking water, it is also essential to consider how safe the water and food are to eat in the country you are visiting.

Hopefully, all the tips above are helpful and will guide you to choose one of the best baby-friendly holiday destinations from our guide below.

Jolene’s Pro Tips for Traveling with an Infant

• Do it your way: People seem to think that if you go somewhere and you stay in your resort you are doing it wrong! But there is nothing wrong with a holiday with your baby where you do nothing but stay on the resort grounds.
• Have plenty of time to rest: Everything needs to happen slower when you travel with a baby. Plan to have only half days of exploring and half a day to relax, plan to have relax days after big travel days.
• Stay longer in one hotel: Our baby took a few days to adjust to a new hotel/crib. Which meant we had a few rough nights before she settled back into sleeping better. So we learned to stay in one spot for at least 5+ nights.
• Beach vs City trips: We personally found it much easier to go on a beach vacation in comparison to exploring towns and cities in a country. Life moves slower on islands and so that is where we prefer to be with our baby.
• What works for someone else might not work for you: Babies are all different, just because someone else had an incredible road trip holiday with their baby, does not mean your road trip will go smoothly. Our baby hated the car and the stroller, so road trips or days exploring all day long in a stroller were not fun for anyone!

Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Vacation With A Baby

So hopefully, if you have been wondering where to travel with an infant, you have made a list of the best holiday destinations with a baby you would love to visit.

The best destination with a baby will be different for each of us as it depends on your current location, as well as what sort of current baby ‘comforts’ you might be used to.

Most parents feel most comfortable when they choose destinations that offer the same level of baby care as the country where they live.

Ultimately you can travel anywhere in the world with a baby; after all, babies are born in each country worldwide.

But the most comfortable holiday where you will be less stressed out will be the country that matches your current baby’s facilities, amenities, and healthcare standards.

And as a last resort, go with your gut instinct. If the destination doesn’t feel right, it might be best to leave it until your child is older.

• Wondering what to take along on your trip? Here is our guide to handy travel accessories for baby that you should take on your holiday.
• First time flying with your baby? Grab our top tips on how to survive your flight with an infant .
• Wondering whether you should take a car seat on your flight? Here is a handy guide to help you decide .

Leave us a Comment:

• Which of these destinations on our best countries to travel with a baby list do you want to see the most?
• Can you add other best places to holiday with a baby?

Jolene Ejmont

20 thoughts on “27 best places to travel with a baby (safe + baby-friendly)”.

Hi, totally understand where you are coming from, but we visited Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands with our 2-month-old baby and her normal vaccines that she needs to get anyways was sufficient to keep her safe. And that was on doctor’s advice. We have also just visited Vietnam (she is 2 now) and again her normal routine vaccines was enough for her to go. Always best to choose a destination that you are comfortable visiting though and make sure you pop into your travel doctor for advice as well.

I would add Reykjavik

Oh Great tip Ana! Can you tell me why you found it baby friendly? 🙂

I love this! You guys have had some pretty awesome places – all the pictures are simply beautiful. That has to be one of the most memorable, not many people get to say that they have accomplished that! Great Job! and one more question How difficult is it to travel with a 2 month old baby?

A 2-month-old is EASY 🙂 They sleep a lot, they fall asleep anywhere and when they cry you can breastfeed. The hard months arrive once a baby is mobile.

Very interesting article about traveling of the baby. The traveling helps a baby to grow their physical and mental health. Baby strollers and prams are essential things during travel. Thank you for your well-written article.

Thanks for your comment Donna. Do you have a favorite destination that you love visiting with your baby?

I love to travel with my baby. Very interesting & informative post. Just lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing.

We traveled with our 7 month old to Florence and Tuscany and had an amazing time. People are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you get an Airbnb be careful for stairs!

Hi Matt, we love Italy because Italians love our kids! 🙂 We are actually heading to Italy for a 13 week trip early in 2019 – so excited!! Great tip with the stairs, I think it is important to ask that question in all European countries.

Great article. Thanks for sharing this post about best places to travel with baby. It’s very informative and helpful.

Korea is also really great for young children. Lots of kids’ cafes, people love children, most people in the big cities speak at least some English, safe, clean and quite cheap (compared to Japan).

Autumn (September/October) is the best time to come, summer is too hot, winter is too cold and there is often dirty air in spring. The autumn leaves are beautiful and sky is usually blue. The best area to visit is Gangwondo, to the north east.

Thanks for all those wonderful tips 🙂

I would suggest Portugal as well. People there love babies. If you’re pregnant or have a baby you have priority anywhere, from the queue at the supermarket to being seated at a restaurant. The country is beautiful, especially if you don’t just stay in the hyper touristy places like Algarve. Alentejo has great beaches and skies that go on forever and the further up North you go the cheaper it is, with some great hidden gems for both culture and nature.

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing and for giving some info on why you found it to be perfect for babies! We have actually had a few recommendations of Portugal, so might have to add it to the list 🙂

Jolene thank you for your list, we waiting for our baby and looking forward to starting travel with our boy.

Glad you like the info. Hope you have a great time once you can travel again 🙂 All best.

Thank you for the comment. Much appreciated it!

Thank you for the comment

Hi! Great post! Where would you recommend to travel with a 6 month old in December (internationally)? We would like the weather to be around 70F if possible as we are traveling from Minnesota and crave warmer weather in the winter months. Thanks!

Comments are closed.

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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

• Dengue in the Americas February 28, 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, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)
• Oropouche Fever in Brazil February 06, 2024 There is an outbreak of Oropouche fever in the Amazonas and Acre states of Brazil. Travelers to these states of Brazil should take steps to avoid bug bites.

⇧ 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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U.S. tourists will require a visa to travel to Brazil starting next year

S tarting April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia will face new requirements to enter Brazil, according to the latest regulations implemented by the Lula da Silva's government.

The change in visa policy, initially planned for 2024, aims to standardize entry processes into the country and affects visitors for tourism or cruise travel, who will now be required to apply for an eVisa (electronic permit).

The initiative is a shift from Jair Bolsonaro's migratory policies and a return to the traditional principles of the country, which were based on reciprocity and equal treatment. Bolsonaro had abolished visa requirements for citizens of these countries without receiving the same treatment in return, citing the goal of promoting tourism and business.

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that "Brazil does not unilaterally grant visa exemptions for visitors without reciprocity."

The new eVisa for Brazil will cost $80.90 and will be valid for 10 years, allowing multiple entries into the country while limiting stays to 90 days per year.

To obtain the eVisa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

• Providing a letter of intent specifying travel dates and purpose.
• Confirming accommodation and proof of residence.
• Presenting return tickets or a signed return declaration.
• Demonstrating income through bank statements from the last three months or the six most recent pay stubs, with a minimum average income of $2,000.

The company VFS Global will handle visa processing for Brazil, with the average processing time expected to be five business days. Brazilian authorities recommend initiating the process at least two months before the planned travel date to avoid inconvenience or delays.

The visa policy adjustment occurs amid a significant increase in international tourist arrivals in Brazil. In the first nine months of 2023 alone the country welcomed nearly 6 million foreign visitors, with U.S. citizens being the second-largest group, surpassed only by Argentine visitors.

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U.S. Travelers Won’t Need a Visa to Visit Brazil Just Yet — What to Know

The new visa requirements were most recently set to go into effect on April 10 of this year.

Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Images

Brazil has postponed its travel visa requirements for American visitors until 2025 just as it was set to go into effect. 

The new visa requirements for tourists from the United States, which has been postponed several times and was most recently set to go into effect on April 10 of this year, will now go into effect on April 10, 2025, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil . A visa will also be required for tourists from Australia and Canada, Visit Rio shared with Travel + Leisure.  

"We applaud the government's decision… to delay the visa," Joao H. Rodrigues, the U.S. representative for Visit Rio, said in a statement shared with T+L. "In the first two months of 2024, the arrival of Americans in Brazil was 11% higher than in the same period of the previous year. Without the visa requirement, we expect to maintain the growth in the arrival of foreign tourists from these international markets visiting Brazil and [especially] Rio de Janeiro."

When it does take effect, American travelers will need to obtain an electronic visa to enter the country. The e-visa will cost $80.90 per person and will be valid for 10 years, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil.

The decision to bring back these visa requirements comes about five years after the country eliminated visa rules for U.S. travelers exploring for up to 90 days.

While Brazil is bringing back visa rules for American travelers next year, several countries are dropping them or making it easier for U.S. tourists to visit. Turkey, for example, dropped visa requirements earlier this year for travelers visiting from both America and Canada. And China made it easier for Americans to visit by eliminating the requirement for U.S. travelers to submit proof of a round-trip air ticket, proof of a hotel reservation, proof of their itinerary, or an invitation letter to apply for a tourist visa.

There are also several other countries where American travelers are not required to obtain a visa before going, including many European, Caribbean, Central American, and South American countries.

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A guide to São Paulo, the Brazilian city defined by its creative subcultures

In Brazil’s largest city — an ever-evolving metropolis of intertwined cultures — diasporas from across the globe use music, art and dance to make their mark.

I’m still two blocks away when I hear the samba beat, subverted by a deep, assertive bass. At the far end of a pedestrian lane paved in white tiles, a Beaux Arts villa called Casa de Francisca glows red and purple from within. Its tall second-storey windows are flung open to reveal hundreds of party-goers. Behind the villa, there’s São Paulo’s historic centre, the silhouetted at night.

Once home to a musical instrument shop, then a radio broadcaster, before becoming an empty shell, the building now has more people inside than it’s ever hosted before. When I enter, it feels as though they’re testing the structural integrity of its Corinthian pillars. A fusion of black, white, mixed, Indigenous, macho and gender-fluid people, the crowd bounce and shout out lyrics, white shirts billowing, trilbies toppling. Their eyes are on the DJ booth where Angola-born writer-musician Kalaf Epalanga is spinning kizomba — a sweeping genre embracing Afrobeats, Portuguese pop, fervent hip-hop and plaintive soul. When Kalaf eases into a slower tempo, couples pair off in sweaty synchronicity, or make out under the tiered chandelier. Two tall mirrors on the stage reflect the scene back to me.

Emerging from Angolan clubs in southwestern Africa during the war-torn 1980s, kizomba culture has rippled through the Afro-Portuguese diaspora like waves across the Atlantic. It’s difficult to define because it’s considered an attitude — a matrix of Latin rhythms, new wave synthesisers and early techno, but also fashion bravado and survival spirit that’s found a footing in São Paulo. The Afro-pop Cape Verdean crooner Djodje is kizomba; so, too, is the Rio-based Afrobeats DJ Joss Dee. The literal meaning of kizomba in the Kimbundu language, one of several spoken in Angola, is ‘party’.

In this city of around 12 million — the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking centre and Brazil’s most populated city by a country mile — Kalaf has a huge fanbase. And this celebration of kizomba, held in partnership with Kalaf’s fellow artist, friend and countryman Nástio Mosquito, is their way of testing the waters for a permanent Kizomba Design Museum in the city, with Casa de Francisca one possible home for it. The pair are clearly on to something.

After his set, we sit down together and Kalaf puts it to me like this: “The African diaspora in the Western world take whatever jobs are available from the bottom of the pyramid,” he drawls. “They’re immigrants, invisible all week long. No one knows their story. But come Friday they’ll get their best outfits from the dry cleaner, call the barber, take pride in their presentation. That’s why we call it kizomba design.” Nástio, his afro wilder than Kalaf’s and prematurely grey, says it’s quite the opposite to fado, a Portuguese music genre of melancholic songs and rhythms that originated in the 19th century. “Fado was all longing and pain. Kizomba celebrates. It shows there’s a different way to live under stress. It says: ‘We have today, so let’s dance, let’s drink, let’s f**k.’”

The following morning I see them both about 20 minutes away at Megafauna, a sunlit bookshop where they’re hosting a standing-room-only kizomba symposium. The books stacked to the ceiling represent a diverse range of authors that reflect São Paulo’s true mosaic. From the 16th century until 1888 — horrifyingly late for abolition — Brazil took in more enslaved people from Africa than any New World country. And, since the postwar industrial boom, many of their descendants have ended up in São Paulo. More than half of all Brazilians are Black or mixed race. Yet, they still largely live on the margins. “A lot of Brazilians are disconnected to their roots,” Nástio tells me, “but they’re gaining agency.”  

Megafauna sits on the ground floor of the rambling Edificio Copan, a 38-storey S-shaped tower built in striking ribbed concrete by the late, great Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1960s. There’s an art gallery upstairs, a cafe next door chiselled out of a raw concrete shell, a vintage boutique and 1,160 apartments in the floors above. The artists have chosen this landmark to lure their audience from the four corners of town. “It’s important that our culture can access places like this,” says Nástio.  

This quarter of the historic centre has suffered its share of neglect. Though São Paulo’s crime rate is lower than that of more touristy Rio de Janeiro, Kalaf admits “this is not a city to play with”. He tells me to be vigilant, and to hide my phone in the streets from thieves on bikes. Still, he loves the kizomba vibe around Edificio Copan. “São Paulo doesn’t have the beautiful nature of Rio. It’s rough around the edges, so people only have each other and the culture to embrace.” Kalaf isn’t just referring to Africans like himself but the whole spectrum of people taking over the pavement outside Edificio Copan. “The immigrant influence defines the fabric of the city. It quickly gives you a glimpse of what Brazil represents,” he says. “I have the same feeling in New York — this big Babylon with people from all over the world.”

Topical & tropical

I see what he means over lunch at Z Deli, a leather-booth diner in a mid-century building near Edificio Copan. Z is run by one of the 20,000 Jewish families who sought asylum in São Paulo over the 20th century. A 10-minute walk away is the Jewish Museum, a former Byzantine-style synagogue opened in 2021 to exhibit Brazilian-Jewish artefacts. Similiarly, Z’s menu showcases a distinct hybrid flavour that straddles continents. I order what I think is a pastrami sandwich. What I get is shredded meat and spring onions on a bed of fries with a dollop of mayo, a jar of hot sauce and a local Guaraná-brand ginger soda. Brazilian and Jewish cultures would seem to have little in common besides fate.

And yet, simmering in São Paulo, they come together with fascinating synergy. Just east of downtown, past an awkwardly placed motorway, is Liberdade, spiritual home to hundreds of thousands of Japanese Paulistanos — the largest community off Japanese soil. I head there with Fernando Filet, a tall, tanned tour guide who leads me beneath red lampposts shaped like paper lanterns. Liberdade’s tight knot of streets can’t contain the crush of pedestrians buying Hello Kitty-themed pasteles (dumplings) and Amazonian-fish yakitori, so vendors spill out onto a viaduct.  

Looking down at the traffic below, Fernando shares a description from the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited while filming his shows No Reservations and The Layover. “He said, ‘São Paulo feels like LA threw up on New York’.” Fernando quotes this to all his clients because Bourdain — who loved the city — had a point. You don’t tend to hear bossa nova paeans about the criss-crossing highways and graffiti-scrawled streets sprawling out from Liberdade. They’re functional but fun, smelling of Italian trattorias and Lebanese falafel huts. Then, as we approach broad, busy Avenida Paulista, they smarten up. Flanked by audaciously designed brutalist towers, Avenida Paulista has a retro character and unconventional beauty that appeals to me. Fernando points out a cool 1970s building by starchitect Paulo Mendes de la Rocha, which flares out over the pavement like a bellbottom.  

But I prefer the street’s São Paulo Museum of Art, or MASP, a giant glass box hoisted in the air by stout concrete legs painted a shouty shade of red. When its architect Lina Bo Bardi immigrated to Brazil from Italy in the late 1940s, she imported Italian modernism and the notion of public gathering spaces. “She was a woman of the people,” says Fernando. On the piazza, framed by MASP’s red legs, the community spirit is palpable, filled with skateboarders toting boom boxes and families on promenade. Fernando urges me up to the vast glass gallery overhead, where paintings by globally renowned artists such as Modigliani and Picasso sit alongside emerging Brazilian ones, their works encased in glass and planted in concrete foundations. From here we can peer out of the glass walls and watch the late-afternoon sun meet the skyline.  

I could spend a week basking in grand-gesture museums like MASP, but I’ve promised my new kizomba mates I’d check out the scene in Barra Funda, north of downtown. On a sunny morning I meander among its charming painted stucco terraces. There’s an antique shop under a deep awning and a bakery festooned with azulejo tiles selling Portuguese custard tarts. An electric-green maritaca parrot wolf-whistles from the shoulder of an old man as I duck into HOA Galeria.  

Brazil’s first Black-owned art gallery, HOA is hell-bent on shifting the narrative of Latin American art from the colonial to the personal, experiential and revolutionary. Inside, it’s somehow brighter than outside, all blazing brushstrokes and thrumming video. The same goes for Mendes Wood around the corner — a gallery where endless vaulted rooms grab you and keep you rapt with installations exploring Blackness and otherness, by brilliant artists finally getting a platform. In fact, there’s a gallery every 500 metres — and judging by the cocktail of languages I overhear, visitors have come from everywhere to appreciate them.  

Covid had an unexpected positive impact on this neighbourhood, once known for Korean immigrants and industry. Home life pivoted to the pavements and when the city opened up again, restaurants, bars and galleries moved into the area’s once-empty warehouses. People took notice. Just off Rua Barra Funda, I watch the young, beautiful and tattooed file into Mescla, a cafe with communal tables and a Bolivian chef experimenting with Cuban, Andean and Mediterranean cooking. In an area spoiled for wine bars, everyone lines their stomachs here.  

That evening it’s back to Casa de Francisca to watch rapper Dino D’Santiago, a Portuguese artist of Cape Verdean descent, fire up the crowd into absolute, arm-swinging rapture. I can’t help but get up out of my vintage cinema seat. “We’re rocking the place,” Nástio says, when I can hear again. The crowd snaps into perfect sync for the Electric Slide line dance. They know every move, every word. Kalaf says that’s not surprising. “All these people have the same cultural touchstones, and they don’t experience their stars playing in town.”

I ask him about those two big mirrors flanking the stage. He tells me that self reflection is part of the design emblematic of kizomba. “This culture is fragile,” he says. “Our traditions are ephemeral, oral. Our story is nowhere, but when we look at ourselves and we look at each other, we can see it.”  

Related Topics

• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• FOOD CULTURE
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES
• ARCHITECTURE

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Brazil again extends visa exemptions for US, Canada and Australia, this time until 2025

Brazil’s government has extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.

The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.

His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.

That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.

“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.

The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.

Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.

The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.

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