Location: Brazil
Event: New Travel Requirements for Air Travelers to Brazil and Extension of Brazil Travel Restrictions on Land and Sea Borders
Effective December 17, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an indefinite period.
The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted but beginning December 30, all travelers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present the following to the airline before boarding:
1) Negative COVID-19 test: specifically, a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding; and;
2) Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV): filled out (in print or digitally) agreeing to sanitary measures that must be complied with during the traveler’s time in Brazil. Note: the Brazilian government has not issued the specifics of this document yet but it is understood that the form will be distributed prior to boarding the airplane to Brazil.
The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase health insurance before departing the United States or verify that their existing health insurance will cover them while abroad. The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills. 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.
Regarding land border crossings, non-Brazilian citizens or residents, except those exempt (see list below) and who are in a country that shares a land border with Brazil and need to cross the border to take a return flight to their country of residence, may enter Brazil only with prior authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the steps below:
- The traveler 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 traveler must go directly to the airport after crossing the land border.
Those in the following categories are exempt from the land border entry restrictions
- Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized
- Permanent residents of Brazil
- National Immigration Registry Card Holders (Registro Nacional Migratório – RNM)
- Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government
- Foreign officials, such as diplomats, accredited by the Brazilian government, and their eligible family members.
- 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 from aircraft for refueling or repairs; Flight crews
Actions to Take:
- Review the December 17 Brazilian Government announcement (in Portuguese).
- See the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for Brazil.
- If you have questions, visit the 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.
