Brazil

COVID-19 update

During the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in several Brazilian states have confirmed reports of increased cyber-crimes using email, cell phone messages, and various social engineering ruses to trick people into providing personally identifiable information that could expose them to financial or personal crimes. There are also confirmed reports of criminals posing as public health workers and police.

Some state authorities have announced prisoner release strategies to curb the spread of COVID-19.  This may result in a spike in crime as often occurs during seasonal prisoner furloughs throughout Brazil. 

Several states and municipalities have also announced a reduction in non-essential police services to investigate attempted and non-life threatening crimes. Updates on availability of police services can be found on the websites of each of Brazil’s 26 states and the Federal District.

Violent crime

Violent crime - often using weapons - is common, especially in large cities.

Travellers are targeted, especially before and during festivals such as Carnaval.

Common crimes include:

• mugging
• armed robbery
• carjacking
• home invasion
• food and drink spiking
• sexual assault
• express kidnapping

Muggings and other violent crimes are common in and around:

• tourist spots, hotels, nightclubs and bars
• public transport
• car parks
• public beaches
• outdoor markets
• unregistered taxis
• ATMs and currency exchange facilities

In Rio de Janeiro, hotspots for robbery include:

• Copacabana Beach
• Ipanema Beach
• the Santa Teresa area
• the Christ the Redeemer statue
• the Corcovado Trail

Military forces in Rio de Janeiro are there for public security, but their focus is on organised crime.

Crime levels in shanty towns, or 'favelas', and many satellite cities are especially high.

GPS navigation by car, taxi and rideshare service can lead you into favelas. This exposes you to the risk of theft and violence.

Crimes relating to drug trafficking and illicit goods are common along Brazil's western and northern border areas. Affected areas include:

• the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Pará and Amapa
• the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu city) and Paraguay

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• lock the door and windows of your accommodation
• don't go out alone, especially at night
• avoid isolated areas on the beach
• don't leave your luggage, food or drinks unattended
• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't enter favelas, even with a tour group

Always be alert and pay attention to your safety.

To reduce your risks while taking taxis:

• only use a prepaid taxi or an official taxi from a registered taxi rank — official taxis must display their licence (with a photo)
• don't get into a taxi or rideshare with other people already in it

To stay safe while driving and guard against carjacking:

• keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• make sure your GPS route isn't via a favela — if in doubt, ask your hotel or tour guide
• be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic
• always approach your car with the keys ready
• don't stay in a parked vehicle

If you're carjacked, robbed or attacked, don't resist. Thieves are often armed and could injure or kill you.

If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, seek immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS is high.

Kidnapping

'Express kidnapping' is a risk. When this happens, people are abducted for a short time. Kidnappers want a quick payment from the victim's family, business or ATM cards before releasing them. Kidnappers often leave people in a remote area.

If you're left in a remote area after a kidnapping, alert the authorities. Find the nearest safe area, home or business and ask for help.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

There's an increased risk of violent protest and unrest in the border region.

Large-scale protests are common. Public protests and events that draw large crowds can turn violent.

Authorities use tear gas and other riot-control measures.

Demonstrations and protests often interrupt traffic and public transport.

Airport and public transport strikes happen, especially during major events or key holidays. This can cause long travel delays.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and rallies
• monitor the news for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• if a protest occurs, leave if it's safe to do so
• prepare for long waits and be ready to adjust your travel plans
• follow instructions from the local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Major events are attractive targets for terrorists.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the news for emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area straight away if you can.

Avoid the affected area after an attack in case there are secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

Many beaches, including in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza, have strong, dangerous rips.

Shark attacks are possible, especially at many north-eastern beaches. Obey warning signs.

Crime is a risk at many beaches.

Brazil experiences severe droughts and flooding.

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor the media and local sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Wet season

The wet season is from December to March.

Landslides, flooding and flash flooding can happen, including in: 

• Rio de Janeiro
• Sao Paulo
• Belo Horizonte

It's common for severe storms to delay domestic and international flights.

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Brazil. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

There's a high incidence of COVID-19 in Brazil. It remains a serious health risk. Minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. 

A number of states and municipalities have implemented social isolation measures and mandated the use of face masks in public. Different measures are in place around the country to control the spread of the virus. Follow the advice of local authorities and comply with restrictions put in place. Restrictions have included the temporary physical closure of schools and universities; the cancellation of large public events; and restrictions on some non-essential services, including shops, bars, restaurants, gyms and government services. Supermarkets, pharmacies and health centres have remained open.

If you’re a longer-term Australian resident in Brazil, consider whether you have enough support and access to effective health services you and your family may need. If in doubt, we recommend you return to Australia, but be prepared for possible delays and confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent. Follow the Australian Embassy in Brasilia's social media accounts for updates (see Local contacts). Follow the advice of local authorities and register or update your details at https://covid19.dfat.gov.au.

More information:

• Brazilian Ministry of Health 
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Federal District Health Department (Portuguese) or call 190, 193 or 199
• Rio de Janeiro State Health Department 
• São Paulo State Health Department  
• Minas Gerais State Health Department 
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are a serious risk in Brazil.

There's a yellow fever outbreak in Brazil. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination.

In 2018, yellow fever cases were reported in the states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and the Federal District.

Local yellow fever vaccine supplies are not always available.

Get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before you go.

You may need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before you're allowed to board your flight to Australia or other countries.

Zika virus is common.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health advises you to:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to areas affected by Zika virus.

Malaria is a high risk throughout Brazil. 

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis

There is currently a dengue outbreak in many parts of Brazil. The risk is higher from December to March.  To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Yellow fever vaccination requirements
• Immunisation

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

There's a measles outbreak in Brazil.

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Measles immunisation service

Medical facilities

The COVID-19 crisis is putting substantial pressure on public and private health facilities in a number of states in Brazil. This could affect non-COVID services such as accident & emergency care. There are also reports that some private hospitals are no longer accepting credit card payments for admissions and only accepting patients with valid health insurance or cash. Check if your travel or health insurance has comprehensive cover for COVID-19 and consult local health authorities and websites for information on the status of health services in your area.

The standard of private hospitals in major cities is similar to Australia.

Medical services at public hospitals in Brazil are often limited.

Other larger cities have small private hospitals providing adequate services. Facilities can be limited outside major cities.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive.

Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment before treating you, including for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a larger city with proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Brazil has severe penalties for possession of or trafficking illegal drugs. These include long sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

By law, you must always carry your passport or identification the Brazilian Government has issued. Carry a photocopy of your passport with some original identification, such as your driver's licence.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Under Brazilian law, Australian-Brazilian dual nationals must enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passport.

If you're a dual national male over 18, you'll have to do military service if you stay in Brazil for 12 months.

Contact a Brazilian embassy or consulate for advice.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal, but aren't always accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Visa-free travel for short stays

You don't need a visa to enter Brazil for:

• tourism
• business
• transit
• artistic or sport activities

You can stay in Brazil for 90 days over a 12-month period. This will be counted from the date of your first entry to Brazil. You can also extend your stay for another 90 days.

In other cases, apply for your visa through an embassy or consulate of Brazil.

If you plan to live in Brazil, you'll need to get a visa before arrival. The Brazilian Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws.

If you need a visa and arrive without one, authorities will send you back on the next available flight.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Brazil for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Brazil is now allowing entry into the country by air. You need to have an appropriate visa in place, if required.

Brazil has extended the temporary closure of its land and sea borders.

• If you are sea crew you may enter via a sea or air border to work on board a vessel or platform in Brazilian waters. Sea crew may also be permitted to disembark in Brazil if medical assistance is required or if the crew member is connecting to a return flight to their country of origin.
• In certain limited circumstances, foreign nationals may be allowed to cross the land border into Brazil to catch a return flight to their country of residence. Authorisation of the Brazilian Federal Police is required, an official request for your travel must be made to the Brazilian Government by your embassy or consulate in Brazil, and you must present your air tickets at the border and then go directly to the airport.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, in many areas local, intercity and interstate transport (including air transport) is operating with reduced services (or in some cases may be suspended).

If you're staying in Brazil: 

• Follow the advice of local authorities. 
• Comply with restrictions put in place and minimise your exposure to COVID-19.
• Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay. 
• Keep in contact with family and friends do they know you're safe and well. 

Travel via the United States and Europe

Entry into the United States is currently suspended for foreign nationals who have been to Brazil (including in transit) during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the United States.  There are limited exceptions, so if you're looking to travel through the US, make sure to check US entry, transit and exit requirements. See further information here.

If you travel through the US, you must meet US entry and transit requirements.

Check with your nearest embassy or consulate of the United States for visa requirements before you travel.

A number of European countries also have entry restrictions in place if you are travelling from Brazil.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US
• Smartraveller country pages for Europe

Entry and exit stamps

When you arrive, authorities will stamp your passport. This may be inspected by immigration authorities when you leave.

If you plan to leave Brazil and return during your trip, get an exit stamp in your passport from Brazilian immigration when you leave.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Brazil. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel with children

A Brazilian child travelling alone or with 1 parent must carry a letter authorising travel from the non-travelling parent(s). This includes dual-national children.

The letter must be written in Portuguese. The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Australia or the Juvenile Court in Brazil must certify it. There are offices of the Juvenile Court at all airports in Brazil.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Declare amounts over BRL10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are the easiest to exchange.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

Banking facilities, such as ATMs, EFTPOS and credit card machines, may be unreliable.

Withdrawing money can be difficult even if the ATM displays the Cirrus or Maestro logo. You may need to try several ATMs.

Ask your bank if your ATM card will work and if it has an affiliate bank in Brazil.

Credit card fraud and ATM tampering are widespread. Check your bank statements for unauthorised charges.

To combat fraud and theft, many ATMs and banks don't allow withdrawals on foreign cards of more than BRL400 per day. The amount may be smaller after hours.

Remote areas

You're at risk of becoming lost or injured while trekking in remote parts of Brazil. This includes the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands.

Use an experienced guide.

Driving permit

To drive in Brazil, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Brazil than in Australia.

Hazards on the road include:

• aggressive driving
• poorly maintained roads
• large numbers of trucks and other slow vehicles on main routes

Stoplights are often not obeyed, especially at night in larger cities. Don't assume cars will stop.

Carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes are common.

Driving in Rio de Janeiro is especially dangerous. See Safety

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• don't drive your own vehicle in Rio de Janeiro
• don't drink and drive – penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol reading over 0%
• guard against carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes – see Safety

If you're in an accident:

• call 193 for the fire department if there are injuries
• call 190 for the police if there are no injuries

See Local contacts

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. This is due to the high risk of crime.

Don't use unofficial taxis or hail a taxi off the street.

Rideshare apps are available.

Most airports have licensed taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas.

You can pay for your taxi in advance using a credit card or cash inside the airport.

Public transport

Brazil has a well-developed network of inter-city buses.

Travel can be risky due to poor vehicle maintenance, local driving habits and petty crime.

Be alert when using public transport, especially during busy times and at night.

Criminals often work in gangs robbing people gathered in the same place. Public transport hubs can be hotspots.

People have reported hijacking and robbery of tour buses in recent years.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

International cruise liners visit Brazil.

Commercial riverboats are common in some parts. Keep your belongings close.

Tourist operators often use basic vessels for river outings in jungle areas.

Always wear a life jacket.

Piracy happens, particularly in the north-east. Pirates have also attacked cruise ships on the Amazon River.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues piracy reports on its website.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat
• Piracy

Air travel

Domestic and international flight delays are common. Airport strikes also happen.

Ask your travel agent if your itinerary allows for delays.

Be prepared for the possibility of extended waits at airports.

If you need to make or change airline bookings while in Brazil, make sure your payment method will be accepted.

LATAM, Brazil's major airline, only allows you to use foreign credit cards online on its international website.

Other airlines such as GOL, Azul may not accept foreign credit cards on their websites.

Travel and tour agents may also have restrictions. You may need to pay cash at the airline office or ask your Australian travel provider.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Brazil's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 193.

Medical emergencies

Call 192 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 190 or go to the local police station.

Operators may not speak English.

Tourist Police who speak English are available in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and at some major airports.

Rio de Janeiro Special Police Unit for Tourism Support
Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco
159 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: (+21) 2334 6802 or (+21) 2332 2924

São Paulo Tourist Police
Phone: (+11) 3120 4167

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Brasilia, or the Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo.

Australian Embassy, Brasilia

SES QD 801
Conjunto K, Lote 07
BSB, DF 70200-010
Brasilia, Brazil
Phone: (+55 61) 3226 3111 
Email: consular.brasilia@dfat.gov.au, or embaustr@dfat.gov.au 
Website: brazil.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Embaixada da Austrália no Brasil 
Twitter: @EmbAusBrasil

Instagram: australianobrasil

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, São Paulo

Edificio Trianon Corporate – Cerqueira Cesar
Alamenda Santos 700
9th Floor, Unit 92
São Paulo, 01418 100, Brazil
Phone: (+55 11) 2112 6215
Fax: (+55 11) 3171 2889
Email: consularsaopaulo@austrade.gov.au

The Honorary Consulate in Rio de Janeiro is temporarily closed.  Please contact the Australian Embassy in Brasília.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia