Location: Brazil
Event: Updated Brazil Travel Decree/Lifting of Air Entry Restrictions
Effective July 29, Brazil updated its decree to allow entry of foreign visitors traveling by air. However, Brazil has extended for an additional 30 days the entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea (through at least August 28).
Per the new policy, foreign travelers by air to Brazil, for a short stay of up to 90 days, must present to the airline company, prior to boarding, proof of purchase of health insurance valid in Brazil with coverage for the entire period of the trip. Failure to provide this could result in the denial of entry by Brazilian authorities.
Foreigners who are in a land border country and need to cross the border to embark on a flight back to their country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the below steps:
- 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 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
Commercial flights between the United States and Brazil continue to run on a regular basis. 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 the entire July 29 Brazilian government announcement (in Portuguese).
- 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.
