Issue 3 | Spring: Oct-Dec 2020
A Brief Note From the Ambassador
Dear U.S. Citizens,
I hope this message finds you and your families healthy and well as we approach the holiday season. What an unprecedented year it has been. While 2020 has been a year of unexpected and enormous challenges, I trust the holiday season will provide an opportunity for you to connect with family and friends, to take stock of the events of the past year, and to reflect upon the year to come, even if virtually. I am very grateful for the support I have received from family and friends over this past year. My team and I sincerely hope you are able to enjoy a special holiday season this year, even with all the challenges that remain as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
While things are certainly different, please know that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil are here for you. While our engagement is more virtual than ever before, our highest priority is to assist and support U.S. citizens in Brazil. Despite the pandemic, we continue to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens. We will resume normal operations safely and securely when the time is appropriate. The travel situation continues to evolve as well so we hope you find the travel highlights in this edition of the American Citizen Quarterly useful. Please register for the U.S. Department of State’s Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you haven’t already done so, to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information regarding travel to Brazil.
Another great way to stay current on the latest developments is to follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for access to content we have created just for you.
Please let us know if you need assistance or have any questions. You will find the contact information for the Embassy and all our consulates in Brazil here.
I wish you and yours a wonderful, healthy, and safe holiday season and all the best for 2021.
Sincerely,
Todd C. Chapman
U.S. Ambassador to Brazil
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Updates on Travel to Brazil
Brazil remains at a U.S. State Department Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19. Please follow health recommendations to keep yourself and others safe.
For those who choose to travel to Brazil, the Government of Brazil has recently updated restrictions on the entry of foreigners during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis:
- As of October 2, 2020, the Government of Brazil no longer requires foreign travelers to present proof of health insurance valid in Brazil in order to enter. While no longer a requirement, 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.
- While Brazil is open to travelers by air for short stays up to 90 days, Brazil has extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea through December 11, 2020. If you are in a border country and wish to return to the United States through Brazil, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.
- Effective November 3, 2020, Brazil no longer automatically extends the length of stay for permanent residents and legal visitors in Brazil due to COVID-19. Those who need to update or regularize their immigration status in Brazil should contact the Federal Police.
- Note that a tourist visa is not required for U.S. citizens to travel to Brazil for tourism, business, transit, or artistic and athletic activities for stays of up to 90 days.
- The Brazilian government will disregard presence during the period between March 16, 2020 and November 3, 2020 when assessing whether a stay exceeded the allowable length.
For more information, visit the U.S. Mission to Brazil’s travel alerts page.
Resiliency During COVID-19
As we head into the holiday season, it is important to build resilience and reduce stress, especially when it may be difficult to be near loved ones. See the CDC’s Managing Stress recommendations for some helpful tips.
As the COVID-19 pandemic goes on, focus on your own resiliency in order to remain rested and healthy and continue to employ the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended guidelines to minimize the risk of infection. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands often.
For local information, the Brazilian Health Ministry has made available a WhatsApp contact number and additional resources for individuals to learn more about COVID-19.
