Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Brazil

Mandatory Vaccinations for Entry

Yellow Fever

Requirement vs. Recommendation

For travelers arriving from most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Brazil does not mandate a Yellow Fever vaccination for entry. The country’s policy is based on your point of departure and transit history, not your nationality.

When it IS Required

An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever is required for all travelers over nine months of age who are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. You can consult the official list of designated countries provided by the World Health Organization.

Strong Recommendation

Despite not being a universal entry requirement, vaccination is strongly recommended if your itinerary includes travel to certain regions within Brazil where the virus is active.

• High-Risk Areas: The recommendation is particularly firm for travel to the Amazon Basin, the Pantanal, central-western states like Mato Grosso, and most northern states. It is also advised for visitors to Iguazu Falls. Yellow fever is a serious, and potentially fatal, viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes; the vaccine is your most effective line of defense.
• Timing: To ensure its efficacy, the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in a risk area.

COVID-19

Current Status

As of our latest information, Brazil has lifted all COVID-19-related entry requirements. Travelers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter the country.

Disclaimer

It is crucial to understand that international health regulations can change with very little notice. We urge you to verify the latest entry requirements directly with your airline and the nearest Brazilian Consulate or Embassy approximately one week before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth journey.

Recommended Vaccinations & Health Precautions

Routine Vaccinations

Consult Your Doctor

Before any international travel, it is wise to ensure all your routine vaccinations are current. A consultation with your primary care physician can confirm you are adequately protected.

Checklist

These essential immunizations include, but are not limited to:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Polio
• Your yearly flu shot

Travel-Specific Vaccinations

Based on your itinerary and activities, your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers. This virus can be contracted through contaminated food or water, making it a risk regardless of the standard of your accommodation.
• Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food and water, this vaccine is particularly recommended if you plan to visit smaller cities, rural areas, or are an adventurous eater.
• Hepatitis B: Consider this vaccine if there is a possibility you might require a medical procedure, get a tattoo, or have other exposure to bodily fluids.
• Rabies: This is recommended primarily for travelers who anticipate spending significant time outdoors in rural areas, engaging in activities like hiking or caving, or who may come into close contact with animals, including bats.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses (A Major Concern)

Beyond vaccinations, your most important daily health practice in many parts of Brazil will be protecting yourself from mosquito bites. These insects can transmit several serious illnesses for which there are no vaccines (with the exception of Yellow Fever). Diligent prevention is key.

Diseases of Note

• Dengue Fever: This viral illness is widespread throughout Brazil, including in major urban centers such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
• Zika Virus: A known risk in Brazil, the Zika virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women due to its link to severe birth defects. Special Advisory: We strongly advise pregnant travelers, or those planning to become pregnant, to consult with their doctor before finalizing travel to Brazil.
• Chikungunya: Another mosquito-transmitted virus, it causes high fever and severe, often debilitating, joint pain.
• Malaria: The risk of malaria is almost exclusively confined to the Amazon Basin states. It is not considered a significant risk in major coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or Recife.

Essential Prevention Strategies

• Use Insect Repellent: Consistently apply an EPA-registered insect repellent. Choose one containing a proven active ingredient such as DEET (20-30%), Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). Remember to apply it to exposed skin after you have applied sunscreen.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon (dawn and dusk), when mosquitoes are most active. For enhanced protection, consider treating your clothing with permethrin before your trip.
• Be Mindful of Your Accommodation: Ensure your hotel room or lodging has well-maintained screens on windows and doors, or is equipped with air conditioning, which deters mosquitoes. If you are sleeping in unscreened or open-air environments, sleeping under a mosquito net is essential.
• Malaria Prophylaxis: If your itinerary includes travel to the Amazon region, you must consult your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarial medication. These medications require a prescription and a specific regimen that begins before, continues during, and finishes after your time in the risk area.

Final Pre-Trip Health Checklist

4-6 Weeks Before Departure

• Schedule a Travel Health Consultation: Make an appointment with your doctor or a specialized travel medicine clinic. Discuss your specific itinerary in detail to receive personalized advice and get any necessary vaccinations or prescriptions filled (e.g., for antimalarials or traveler’s diarrhea).
• Check Your Travel Insurance: Carefully review your travel insurance policy. Confirm that it provides comprehensive medical coverage for Brazil and includes provisions for medical evacuation in case of a serious emergency.

Before You Pack

• Gather Your Documents: Pack any written prescriptions for medications you are carrying. If you have received the Yellow Fever vaccine, ensure your official yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card is stored safely with your passport.
• Assemble a Small Medical Kit: Prepare a personal kit with essentials such as pain relievers, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and an adequate supply of any personal medications you require for the duration of your trip.