Health Alert: December 14, 2020
Location: Brazil
Event: Extension of Brazil Travel Restrictions on Land and Sea Borders
Effective December 11, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an additional seven days, through December 18. The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted.
The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States. The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills. Commercial flights between the United States and Brazil operate on a regular basis. Although Brazil has opened its borders to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.
Foreigners who are in a country that shares a land border with Brazil and need to cross the border to take a flight back to their country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the
Federal Police and must follow the steps below:
- The foreigner must obtain an official note from the embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship (U.S. citizens should reach out to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance)
- When crossing the border, the air tickets for the flight to the home country must be presented to the immigration official; and
- After approval of the request, the foreigner must go directly to the airport after crossing the land border.
Those in the following categories are exempt from the provisions in this decree:
- Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized
- Permanent residents of Brazil
- National Immigration Registry Card Holders (Registro Nacional Migratório – RNM)
- Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government
- Foreign officials, such as diplomats, accredited by the Brazilian government
- Spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, father or mother, or caregiver of a Brazilian citizen
- Any person whose entrance into Brazil is deemed by the government to be in the public interest
- Travelers in transit in one of the following categories:
- Cargo delivery
- Passengers required to disembark for aircraft refueling or repairs
- Flight crews
Actions to Take:
- Review the December 11 Brazilian Government announcement (in Portuguese).
- See the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for Brazil.
- If you have questions, visit the U.S. Embassy website on COVID-19 or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General closest to you.
- Follow the U.S. Mission to Brazil on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy.
