Last Updated
Brazil has officially reopened its borders for international tourism, effective immediately, July 29, 2020.
In a complete surprise move, Brazil’s government made the decision to lift the current travel ban that has been in place since March.
The current ban was set to expire at midnight on July 29th at midnight, and most believed it would be extended due to the epidemiological situation. However, the government abolished the ban and lifted all restrictions on foreigners arriving by air.
Since Brazil has been the second hardest hit country by Covid-19 in the world, many believed it would be one of the last nations in South America to open, especially with its neighbors, like Argentina and Colombia still very much sealed up tightly.
The new rules will allow international tourists to arrive by air, but not yet by land or sea.
“The foreign passenger on a visit to the country for a short stay, of up to ninety days, must present to the transport company, before boarding, proof of purchase of health insurance valid in Brazil and with coverage for the entire period of the trip, under penalty of being prevented from entering the national territory by the migratory authority due to provocation by the health authority “
says the official government ordinance that was published today.
As this story is just breaking, we do expect to update this article as more official information becomes available. Here is what we know so far:
Countries allowed to visit Brazil:
ALL
All nations that could normally visit Brazil ‘pre-covid’ are once again permitted to visit.
Entry Requirements for Brazil:
- A valid Visa. (If your country requires a Visa to visit Brazil)
- Proof of travel insurance. You must have proof of travel health insurance that covers covid for the duration of your trip. You will need to show proof of this before departing at the airport, and again upon arrival.
- Arrivals should expect temperature checks, as Brazil has recently been testing new temperature screening systems since May.
Are there testing and/or quarantine requirements to enter Brazil?
No. At this time the government has not announced any mandatory testing or quarantines for any tourists visiting Brazil.
Are all airports reopen in Brazil?
No. There are still bans for international flights landing at airports in 5 states of Brazil. The 5 states are:
- Mato Grosso do Sul
- Paraíba
- Rondônia
- Rio Grande do Sul
- Tocantins
Airports in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are both open for international arrivals.
Flights are now authorized to: Brasilia (BSB), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) or Sao Paulo Viracopos (VCP)
Since the start of the pandemic Brazil has totalled 2,555,518 cases, with 677,911 of those cases being active now. The total deaths registered in the country have been over 90,000. (source: World Health Organization)
Read More: Read about countries that are now reopen for American tourists, which companies offer travel insurance that covers covid
Disclaimer: Brazil’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but 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.
Sources: Government of Brazil / CNN Brazil /
For the latest news on countries reopening and discussions, join our Facebook community
Anu
Sunday 22nd of November 2020
Can I travel to Brazil from US for a short trip. I have Brazil visa and US Green Card.
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 23rd of November 2020
Brazil is reopen for tourism
Beulah Okonkwo
Saturday 17th of October 2020
Who wants to go to Brazil under current covid conditions there! Not safe!
Gelen
Tuesday 6th of October 2020
Insurance companies need to state "Brazil" as coverage - it is not standard travel insurance, upon entry i was forced to purchase "Brazil insurance" because translated copy did not specify Brazil. I found out the hard way bribes make things easier. Tourists become a huge target as soon as walk about airport, tourists are targeted like its hunting season. Make sure you have RFID protection too, and never use open Wifi here (First hotel I stayed at asked for credit card verification from the teller, and then following day he made fraudulent claims using my card) People are desperate here, every day I am being confronted in the streets, and banditos are still literally camping at tourist sites and walking trails. Police need to increase presence ten fold and clean up their act if Brazil expects tourism to revitalize their economy.
Marta
Thursday 10th of September 2020
I'm trying to understand something here: you are allowed to travel under condition of purchasing health insurance. The problem is that non of the Insurance companies have covers for countries with orange allert (avoid non essential travel). How can I travel then?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 10th of September 2020
There are many insurance providers that will cover travel to Brazil, you just have to find one that works for you.
Luiza
Thursday 30th of July 2020
I am impressed with your concern in placing Brazil with one of the countries with the highest number of people infected by covid 19. You only omitted that Brazil has the largest number of cured people in the world, and that it only entered the contagion route because its borders were open at the carnival for international tourism. So understand and respect our government, chosen by more than 50 million Brazilians DEMOCRATICALLY.