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Brazil, a country that has been open with virtually no restrictions since July 29th, will now demand a negative PCR test from all arrivals starting on December 30, 2020.
The PCR test isn’t just for tourists either.
All arrivals, both foreigners and citizens, will be obliged to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before departure of the inbound flight. Any foreigner/tourist who does not present proof of the negative test before the flight may not be permitted to board.
In addition to the new PCR testing requirement, the Health Ministry has added a Traveller’s Health Declaration form (known as a DSV) that all passengers must complete either digitally or in print form.
The form will ask the traveler health questions and have them to sign their compliance to all health measures while visiting the country.
Brazil has been dealing with a second-wave surge in cases that has brought case totals back up to the record levels seen in late July of this year. While no public statement has yet been made by the government on why they are choosing to now implement the PCR requirement, it seems it’s a way to better control the most recent surge, which currently has Brazil’s Covid-19 intensive care bed occupancy rates exceeding 80%.
Publication of the modified entry requirements are detailed by Ordinance No 630 of December 17, 2020, in cooperation with the chief ministers of the presidency, the justice and public security, and the health ministry, which comes into effect December 30, 2020.
While the addition of the PCR test comes as a surprise, no changes have yet been made within Brazil that might affect travelers.
Currently, Brazil has no mandated curfews, inter-regional travel is still permitted, retailers and restaurants are open, and hotels are accepting guests. Some cities and regions have varying rules and regulations, but in large the country has relaxed many of their mandated restrictions. However, with tightening rules at the border, regional measures might be next.
The U.S. Embassy in Brazil posted that while Brazil still remains a Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to Covid-19, “Grocery stores are currently well-stocked and services are expected to continue to increase. U.S.-Brazil commercial flight routes continue to run and frequency of flights has recently increased.”
Restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and even gyms may be open, but Brazil has already had to cancel some of their biggest tourism draws. Rio’s Carnival in Brazil was officially canceled for the first time in more than 100 years which will result in the loss of 2 million tourists to Brazil.
Read More: See all of Brazil’s entry requirements for visiting during the pandemic, where American and Canadian tourists can currently travel, and companies that offer travel insurance that covers covid.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Joe
Wednesday 17th of March 2021
Did anyone got in to Brazil with an PCR test only and not one RT-PCR ?
D
Tuesday 9th of February 2021
Is the PCR test that’s checked ok first embarkation point true for domestic only? If I fly SFO - Houston - São Paulo, would the PCR test start at SFO or the first embarkation point departing to Brazil in Houston? I have a 10 hour layover and my PCR will expire by flight from Houston to São Paulo. Do you know who I’d contact to verify?
d
Tuesday 9th of February 2021
FYI for anyone who reads this, the Embassy stated that it’s up to the airline. It appears Brazil doesn’t have a definitive answer and to contact United. :/
D
Friday 29th of January 2021
I was in Brazil in December prior to the PCR requirement and heading back in March. Do you happen to know if they are asking for PCR results upon entry to the border? The embassy site shows 72 hours before departure -- will entry be prohibited if my PCR is longer than 72 hours when arriving in Brazil?
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 29th of January 2021
It's checked on the first embarkation point of your journey and checked again on arrival, but the time only counts from the first embarkation point
Bryan
Monday 21st of December 2020
PCR sounds good, but it has no practical purpose. First of all, anyone could be infected after they take the test. The only common sense approach is to test for symptoms at the airport. Colombia and Mexico have this right.
Aaron
Monday 21st of December 2020
So, a PCR test is sufficient? The Embassy's website states RT-PCR, tested no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Before I contact the Federal Police, does anyone happen to know if the regular PCR test is acceptable? I'm leaving for Brazil from Alaska on December 31, but my flight actually leaving the US doesn't take off until 24 hours later, and I don't know when the 72 hour clock starts... This will be important for me given the testing turn around times. Please help, and thank you!
D A BYCROFT
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Did you find an answer?