Brazil: Authorities maintaining most COVID-19-related air travel restrictions as of Jan. 5 /update 49

Event

As of Jan. 5, officials in Brazil are maintaining most COVID-19-related air travel restrictions. Authorities have reopened land borders for nonresident foreign nationals. Those entering via land borders are subject to the same vaccination and testing requirements as those entering the country by air. Local authorities are maintaining most measures within their jurisdictions; however, the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia have both banned Carnival street parades due to COVID-19.

Domestic Measures
Domestic restrictions can vary significantly by state or other jurisdiction. Current domestic measures remain largely the same as those in effect during early November:

• Federal District (Brasilia): The mandatory use of facemasks in indoor spaces and public transport remains in place. Businesses remain able to open mostly without time restrictions. Individuals may be asked to prove that they are fully vaccinated or have proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test to attend certain events.

• Rio de Janeiro: Most nonessential establishments require individuals to present proof of being fully vaccinated in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Individuals must present proof of vaccination to enter nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and several other establishments, as well as tourist attractions. They must also present such documentation in order to use taxis or other forms of private transport. Within the city of Rio de Janeiro, most businesses may operate at full capacity. Facemasks remain mandatory when indoors.

• Sao Paulo: Most businesses face no restrictions on opening times and capacity. Events are allowed to take place; however, those attending large events may be required to present proof of being fully vaccinated. Some businesses may also ask individuals to show proof of vaccination to enter establishments. Restrictions vary between municipalities.

International Travel Restrictions
All permitted travelers entering Brazil must present either a negative result from a COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 24 hours before boarding. If travelers get on multiple flights but remain inside the airport during connections, the time count begins from the moment they board the first flight of their journey. Arrivals must also complete a pre-arrival health declaration form within 24 hours before boarding. These documents, including the test results, must be presented in either Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by land or air for visits of no longer than 90 days.

Additionally, all travelers aged 12 and over entering from abroad are required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 more than 14 days prior to entry. Citizens, legal residents, individuals with health exemptions, and those traveling from countries with very low vaccination rates are allowed to enter Brazil without proof of vaccination, but must quarantine for five days upon arrival; on the fifth day they must take an additional antigen or PCR test, and if the result is negative they can end the quarantine.

Travel from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe remains prohibited due to the presence of the Omicron strain of COVID-19. Only Brazilian nationals or residents, as well as foreign nationals who are close family members of Brazilian citizens or are granted permission from the authorities, may enter Brazil from these countries. Authorized arrivals who have been to the abovementioned countries in the 14 days prior to travel are subject to a 14-day quarantine. Most nonresident foreign nationals also remain prohibited from entering the country by water.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health (Portuguese)
Sao Paulo State - COVID-19 (Portuguese)
Rio de Janeiro State - COVID-19 (Portuguese)