Brazil: Officials update some COVID-19-related measures as of May 4 and announce plans to lift health state of emergency from May 22 /update 54

Event

As of May 4, authorities in Brazil continue to update certain COVID-19-related domestic measures and announced plans to end the COVID-19 health state of emergency from May 22. The end of the health state of emergency will likely result in the termination of several COVID-19-related restrictions in the country. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have lifted requirements to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to attend large events and enter certain businesses. Most states maintain minimal COVID-19-related measures.

Domestic Measures
Domestic restrictions can vary significantly by state or other jurisdiction. Most states no longer require facemasks to be worn outdoors and some have already lifted the requirement when indoors, such as in Sao Paulo State and the Federal District. State and municipal officials could continue to modify their local restrictions depending on local disease activity and government preparedness to respond to the disease.

International Travel Restrictions
All travelers aged 12 years and over entering from abroad are required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 more than 14 days before entry. Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt from all testing requirements. Citizens, legal residents, individuals with health exemptions, those traveling for humanitarian purposes, or from countries with very low vaccination rates are allowed to enter Brazil without proof of vaccination. Authorized unvaccinated arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 RT-PCR or antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before travel. 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. Proof of vaccination documents and test results must be in Portuguese, Spanish, or English.

Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by air, land, and water for visits of no longer than 90 days. Those entering via land and water borders are subject to the same vaccination and testing requirements as those entering the country by air.

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

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