Health Alert: U.S. and Brazil Travel Restrictions

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil (July 23, 2020) 

Location:  Brazil

Event:  U.S. and Brazil Travel Restrictions

Although both the United States and Brazil have restricted entry of some foreigners as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (see below), commercial flights between the two countries continue to run on a regular basis.  

Entry into the United States remains suspended, per Presidential Proclamation, for foreign nationals of all nationalities, including Brazilians, who were present in Brazil within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry.  The travel restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), most immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and specific categories of individual visa holders who are identified in the Proclamation.  Travelers to the United States from Brazil may encounter unexpected delays during the check in and boarding process and are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than normally recommended. 

Brazil has a current travel ban (with some exemptions) in place through July 29.  Exempted travelers by air must arrive at the following international airports:  São Paulo International Airport, Tom Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Viracapos International Airport in Campinhas, and Brasilia International Airport.  Exempted travelers must present a medical declaration, in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, from a health authority or doctor that attests they do not have COVID-19.  Please note that test results alone will not be accepted.  The Brazilian government recommends the traveler have the medical declaration with the date as close as possible to the day of departure.  

As flights are subject to change, please contact airlines directly for the most current schedule information.  The U.S. Mission in Brazil continues to encourage U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States to make commercial flight arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  The U.S. government does not currently anticipate arranging repatriation flights from Brazil. 

Actions to Take:

Review CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.  

Review the June 30 Brazilian government announcement extending Brazil’s travel ban. 

Get more information on the May 24 Presidential Proclamation and information about COVID-19 in Brazil

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy.