Update: Although not advised, tourists traveling by air are welcome to Brazil. However, every person, Brazilian or not, must present a Covid-19 negative test.
Brazil reopening borders for international flights
Although unexpected, the Brazilian government lifted the travel ban for international tourists that been in place, as in most countries, since March.
The decision is surprising because the country registers a high number of infected every day, and it hasn’t been past what specialists call the “first wave.”
Most people believed they would extend the ban for another month, given the epidemiological situation.
Yet, tourists are free to arrive in Brazil by air, but there are some rules to follow. More on that below.
Mind you, this story is just breaking, so I do expect to update this article as more official information becomes available.
Brazil is opening its borders, so it is safe to travel to the country now?
Whether it is safe to travel to Brazil or not at this moment, I honestly can’t say.
Many people wonder whether it is safe to travel to Brazil in the current situation since the country has been the 2nd hardest hit nation in the world—only behind the United States, says CNN.
That will strongly depend on a few things. For instance, where you’re going (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro were hit the hardest), if you wash your hands thoroughly/often, if you don’t touch your face, if you’re not among many people, etc., etc., etc.
But know that there are hundreds of fatalities every single day, so you should ask yourself if you want to enter the country in this period.
Current entry requirements for Brazil
As I said, tourists are free to arrive in Brazil by air, only Brazilians and residents may arrive by land or sea.
Anyone arriving in Brazil, Brazilian or not, must present the following documents before boarding:
- Traveler’s Health Declaration: you agree to sanitary measures during your time in the country. Please contact your airline for the document.
- Negative Covid-19 test: specifically, a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding.
The Brazilian authorities used to request proof of travel health insurance that covers covid for the entire duration of your trip. While that’s no longer a requirement, I strongly advise you to purchase one. For a few dollars a day you can travel without having to worry about a hospital bill…
Tourists are only allowed to stay up to 90 days and must present the following documents to the airline company before departure:
- A valid visa for Brazil, if your country requires it.
- Outcoming flight ticket respecting the 90 days maximum stay.
Says the official government ordinances (1, 2) published on July 29th and December 17th, 2020.
Upon arrival, expect to present the same documents again to the local authorities. They may check your temperature as well.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, more than ever. While it isn’t mandatory to enter Brazil, I strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance and avoid unnecessary (and high) hospital costs.
Travel insurances that cover covid:
Good to know: Both these insurance companies now cover expenses related to the covid-19 for new policies, however, that might change based on your nationality, so double check on their limitation and exclusion policies!
Nationalities allowed to visit Brazil
At the time of writing, all nationalities are permitted to visit Brazil, however, flights coming from or passing through the United Kingdom are temporarily prohibited from landing in the country.
While tourists may now visit Brazil, many countries have not taken reciprocal action due to the severity of the outbreak.
Are there testing and/or quarantine requirements to enter Brazil?
Yes. As said above, the Brazilian government has announced a new requirement to enter the country where a negative/non-reactive Covid-19 test is mandatory. No quarantine is required, though.
Are all airports reopen in Brazil?
No. There are still travel bans for international flights landing at any airport located in the following Brazilian states:
- Mato Grosso do Sul
- Paraíba
- Rondônia
- Rio Grande do Sul
- Tocantins
Disclaimer: This article is only meant as a news story. I’m in no way suggesting you should travel to Brazil at this moment. But if you do, I hope to help keep you and others safe.
Also, Brazil’s reopening news is ever-changing and being continuously updated.
I will do my best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information. Still, 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.
Patricia Witherspoon
Wednesday 14th of July 2021
Is the borders open in Brazil as of July 13/2021
Bruna
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
Hi Patricia! Yes, Brazil's borders are open but only by air. Brazil has closed some of its land borders, except Brazilian citizens, resident foreign nationals, foreign spouses, children, and parents of a Brazilian national. To enter by air, you must provide a negative test made up to 72 hours before entering the country as well as a health declaration from this link: https://formulario.anvisa.gov.br/. Good luck!