Brazil: Authorities update COVID-19-related restrictions in several states as of Aug. 17 /update 41

Event

Authorities continue to update domestic COVID-19-related restrictions in most states as of Aug. 17. Measures in force across the country include the following:

Bahia: Authorities have lifted the nightly curfew. Most other restrictions remain in place, and parties remain banned. Certain events of up to 300 people in municipalities with lower COVID-19 activity may be permitted. Restrictions vary by municipality.
Federal District (Brasilia): Most nonessential businesses can open with some capacity limits and restrictions in place. Social distancing requirements were eased for religious events, and the capacity limit for sports events has increased to 30 percent.
Ceara: The statewide nightly 23:59-05:00 curfew is in place. Most businesses may operate at a limited capacity; restrictions vary by municipality.
Parana: The statewide nightly curfew is in effect 23:59-05:00. In most parts of the state, businesses may operate with limited capacity; restrictions vary between municipalities. Events of up to 500 people are permitted with capacity limits in place.
Rio de Janeiro: Within the city of Rio de Janeiro, most businesses and retail stores are restricted to operating at limited capacity. Parties and clubs remain banned.
Sao Paulo: The state of Sao Paulo lifted capacity limits and restrictions on opening times for most businesses from Aug. 17. Events with dance floors and concerts without assigned seating remain banned. Masks remain mandatory in public spaces, and authorities advise individuals to avoid large gatherings.

Travel Restrictions
Restrictions for travelers entering Brazil have remained largely unchanged. As of Aug. 17, nonresident travelers who have been in India, South Africa, or the UK within 14 days before arrival are banned from entering the country. Citizens, legal residents, and family members of Brazilian nationals and essential travelers with permits who have traveled through those countries within the past 14 days will be allowed to return to Brazil. However, these travelers must complete a two-week quarantine period upon arrival.

All travelers entering Brazil by air from other destinations must present a negative result from an RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and must complete a pre-arrival health declaration form. Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by air for visits of no longer than 90 days.

Most nonresident foreign nationals remain prohibited from entering the country by land and water. Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, and foreign residents working for international organizations or traveling for trade or humanitarian purposes are exempt from the ban. Apart from the overarching land border closures and as part of a joint agreement, the land border crossings with Paraguay - specifically those at Foz do Iguacu, Ponta Pora, and Mundo Novo - are open. The government has also reopened sections of the land border with Venezuela to allow the entry of individuals in need of humanitarian assistance.

State and municipal officials could continue to modify their local restrictions depending on local disease activity and government preparedness to respond to the disease. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements before arrival. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.