Brazil travel guide

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For guidance on how to stay safely in Brazil as a visitor if you are unable to return to the UK, see Coronavirus

The Brazilian government permits international travel to and from the UK. There remain, however, measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the country and at the border. You should read the Entry requirements section in full before planning to travel. See Entry requirements

Despite high crime levels, most visits are trouble free.

Levels of crime including violent crime are high, particularly in major cities. You are likely to see a heavy police presence on the streets, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Bank card fraud including credit card cloning is common. See Crime

The FCDO advise against all travel within 40km of the Venezuela-Brazil border on the Venezuelan side of the border. See FCDO travel advice for Venezuela

Terrorist attacks in Brazil can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

If you’re a single parent or guardian travelling with a child, you may need additional documentation. This applies if one parent is Brazilian, even if your child only holds a British passport. See Entry requirements

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil and incurs severe penalties. See Local laws and customs

You should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. UK health authorities have classified Brazil as having a risk of Zika virus transmission and chikungunya, yellow fever and dengue are present. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre and check the recommendations for vaccination. See Health

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

The Money Advice Service can help you to consider the type of insurance you need. It is a free and independent service set up by government.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Brazil on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Brazil.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Healthcare in Brazil

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should self isolate for 14 days. You should only go to hospital if you are feeling breathless.

The public healthcare system varies across the country, and in some states in Brazil the additional burden of treating COVID-19 patients might affect services such as accident & emergency care. Some private hospitals are no longer accepting credit card payments for admissions and only accepting patients with valid health insurance.

Check if your travel or health insurance has comprehensive cover for coronavirus and refer to official channels in your location for further details.

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Brazil.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

You can find more information from the Brazilian Consulate in London and on the website of the Ministry of Health (in Portuguese).

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Crime

There are high levels of crime, particularly robberies, within Brazil’s cities and the murder rate can be very high. This can vary greatly within a city, so familiarise yourself with the geography of a city and take local advice to identify the riskier areas. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere and often involves firearms or other weapons.

Pickpocketing and robbery

Pickpocketing is common. You should be vigilant, in particular before and during the festive and carnival periods. Do not go on to city beaches after dark.

If threatened, hand over your valuables without resistance. Attackers may be armed and under the influence of drugs. Do not attempt to resist attackers – this increases the risk of injury or worse.

You should:

• avoid wearing expensive jewellery and watches
• avoid carrying large sums of money - consider wearing a money belt
• avoid using a mobile phone in the street
• keep cameras out of sight when not in use
• leave your passport and other valuables in a safe place, but carry a copy and another form of photo ID, if you have one, with you at all times.

Thefts are particularly common on public beaches and include ‘arrastões’ where large groups of thieves run through an area of the beach grabbing possessions. Keep your possessions close and avoid taking valuables to the beach.

The most common incidents affecting British nationals in Rio de Janeiro are thefts and pick pocketing around Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach and the areas of Lapa and Santa Theresa.

Tourists in Rio de Janeiro have reported armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail to the Christ the Redeemer statue. You’re advised not to use the trail at this time.

The most common incidents affecting British nationals in Sao Paulo are thefts or pickpocketing around Avenida Paulista and the historical downtown area. The red light districts located on Rua Augusta (north of Avenida Paulista) Catedral da Sé, Praça da República and the Estacao de Luz metro area (where Cracolandia is located), are especially dangerous.

In Brasilia, the central bus station area has the highest incidence of robberies and robbery of pedestrians occurs in the Federal District area. Take particular care at these locations.

The most common incidents affecting British nationals in the north-east of Brazil are theft from hotel and motel rooms and muggings. Reduce the risk of being mugged by avoiding quiet or deserted streets and / or areas and by using taxis after sunset instead of walking.

Robberies on buses are common in many cities. According to police statistics the most stolen items are mobile phones and the period in which the greatest number of robberies occur is between 4pm and 9pm.

Vehicle crime

Thefts from cars are common; keep valuables out of sight.

Carjacking can occur, particularly on major thoroughfares and in tunnels. Approach your car with your keys in hand so you can get into your car quicker. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed, and take particular care at traffic lights. Where possible, use the middle lane. Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas, except under reliable local advice. Be aware of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night. If driving at night outside the city, avoid stopping at the roadside – if you need to do so try to find a petrol station/other well lit area in which to stop.

Sexual offences

Rape and other sexual offences against tourists are rare, but there have been attacks against both men and women. Some have involved ‘date rape’ drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them within sight at all times.

Fraud

Bank and credit card fraud is common, including card cloning from ATMs and in shops. Keep sight of your card at all times and do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious. Notify your bank in advance of your trip to avoid your card being blocked.

If you withdraw cash at an ATM and it has any sort of pink marks, speak to the bank (or police) straight away to get it changed as it may have been marked as damaged or counterfeit.

Victims of crime

If you or another British citizen becomes the victim of crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate. You can find more information on how we can support you in our Support for British Nationals Abroad guide.

Favelas

Favelas (Portuguese for ‘slum’ or ‘shanty town’) are urban neighbourhoods of high density informal or unplanned housing. They exist in all major Brazilian cities, range in size from a few blocks to large sprawling areas, and can border areas frequented by tourists and visitors.

The security situation in many favelas is unpredictable. Any visit to a favela can be dangerous. You’re advised to avoid these areas in all cities, including ‘favela tours’ marketed to tourists and any accommodation, restaurants or bars advertised as being within a favela.

In Rio de Janeiro, there are favelas located around the city, including close to the tourist area of Zona Sul and Maré, as displayed in this map showing approximate locations of many favelas. If you’re unsure about a location, seek local advice from your hotel or the local authorities.In São Paulo and other cites, favelas tend to be located further from the city centre.

Armed clashes have also occurred on major thoroughfares, including the main highway to and from the international airport in Rio de Janeiro which runs alongside a large favela. There have been incidents of tourists participating in favela tours in Rio de Janeiro being accidentally shot dead during a police operations.

There is a risk of violence spilling over into nearby areas, including those popular with tourists. There have been injuries and deaths as a result of stray bullets in and near favelas.

Take extra care in all Brazilian towns and cities. If you’re using GPS navigation, whether by car or on foot, make sure that the suggested route doesn’t take you into a favela. Avoid entering unpaved, cobbled or narrow streets which may lead into a favela. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering a favela. Check with your hotel or the local authorities if unsure.

Protests and civil unrest

Protests, demonstrations and strikes take place regularly in cities across Brazil with reports of arrests and clashes between police and protesters. More common in urban areas, they can disrupt transport. Even events intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas extensively to disperse protesters. The effects of tear gas can be felt several hundred metres beyond the immediate site of demonstrations.

In Sao Paulo, protests take place regularly and often without warning. Roads and public transport are frequently disrupted and there can be delays along the main road to Guarulhos International Airport.

Popular locations for demonstrations in major cities are: Avenida Paulista, and the historic downtown area in São Paulo, Esplanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia and Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

If you’re travelling or live in Brazil, take common sense precautions, follow local news reports, avoid political rallies or other events where crowds have congregated to protest and comply with the instructions of local authorities. If you encounter a political protest or feel uncomfortable in a large gathering, try to leave the area straight away.

Carnival and other large-scale celebrations

If you are attending a large scale celebration in Brazil, such as the Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro or other major cities, you should be aware that criminals can target people who appear to be wealthy or easy targets, such as people who have drunk a lot of alcohol. Be aware of your personal security and surroundings, be cautious about proposals from strangers which might take you away from public settings. See ‘Crime’ section above.

Local travel

The Brazilian authorities publish useful information about travel to Brazil and specific advice for travel to Rio de Janeiro and travel to São Paulo.

Check the integrity and safety standards of any adventure travel companies before you use them.

Public transport

Public transport is likely to be disrupted during demonstrations or civil unrest. Be vigilant when using public transport, especially during rush-hour as petty crime is common. Generally, the metro systems in Rio and São Paulo are safer than buses. Criminals often work in gangs robbing large numbers of people concentrated in the same place: public transport hubs can be particular hotspots. There have been incidents of hijacking and robbery of tour buses in recent years.

Only use licenced taxis. You can pick up a licenced taxi from the many recognised taxi ranks around Brazilian cities. Always check your taxi has the company details on the outside. Taxi apps are also a useful way to call a registered taxi; request your taxi inside if possible to avoid displaying your smartphone on the street. If your app allows this, share your journey with friends or family so they can track you.

Be aware that some taxi apps are reliant on GPS and run the risk of entering a more dangerous area of the city, in particular favelas.

Most airports have licenced taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas. You can pay for your taxi in advance using a credit card or cash inside the airport rather than in the street.

Most major cities in Brazil have facilities adapted for disabled travellers, including easy-access public buses and lifts to tube stations and platforms.

Road travel

You can use your UK driving licence to drive in Brazil for 180 days, but an international driving permit is recommended. After 180 days you need to apply for a Brazilian driving licence. When driving on federal motorways (BR roads) you must turn on your headlights or face a penalty. Always observe the speed limit.

Brazil has a high road accident rate. Overall standards of driving are poor. Travellers should be vigilant on the roads and avoid riding bicycles. In many rural areas the quality of roads away from the main highways is poor. Bus and coach crashes are frequent.

Brazil has a zero tolerance policy on drink driving and check points are often set up. If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be prosecuted. Penalties range from fines and a suspension from driving for 12 months, to imprisonment for up to 3 years.

All accidents involving personal injury should be reported immediately to the police by calling 190 or by attending to a police station to file a police report. Medical help can be obtained with the fire and rescue brigade at 193 or with the local emergency services (SAMU) at 192.

Call the police on 190 if the vehicles involved are obstructing traffic and you need help.

In Rio de Janeiro, go directly to the nearest police station or Tourist Police (DEAT). You can also file a police report using the online service “Delegacia Online”. The Military Police has a safety app called 190RJ, which allows you to report incidents and access the latest protective security advice.

Air travel

Always use recognised national air carriers. There have been accidents involving light aircraft, which sometimes have poor maintenance standards. A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.

We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

Allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport for your flight. Traffic in the main cities, especially São Paulo and Rio, can be very heavy, particularly during rush hour.

Foreign nationals can travel on domestic flights with a valid photo ID or a police report in case of a lost or stolen passport.

Rail travel

The railway infrastructure is limited and there have been safety and security incidents on this system.

Sea and river travel

Be aware of safety procedures on board vessels and check the location of life jackets, including for children if travelling with them. Boat accidents on the Amazon river are not uncommon.

Southwest river routes in the Amazon & Solimões river basin are commonly used for drug trafficking and by pirates. Both drug traffickers and pirates are likely to be armed and you should avoid travelling by river in this area. If travel is necessary seek the advice of the local authorities and take an escort.

There have been armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels, including British flag vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports.

Swimming

Strong currents can be a danger off some beaches. Take local advice before swimming including paying attention to warning flags on beaches and the location of lifeguards if present on the beach. Shark attacks are a danger particularly on the beaches around the north eastern city of Recife. You should pay attention to warning signs and consult lifeguards if unsure. Do not enter the water where warning signs are present; sharks have been known to attack in waist deep water and fatalities have occurred.

Terrorist attacks in Brazil can’t be ruled out. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. If you are caught trafficking the penalties are severe, often involving long prison sentences in a Brazilian prison. The penalties for possession of drugs for personal use range from educational classes to community service.

Some British nationals have been targeted through email scams in which online fraudsters offer a financial reward for them to travel to Brazil, where they are then asked to carry some items/gifts out of Brazil, including to the UK. These items are often illegal drugs and anyone caught will face detention for drug trafficking regardless of the circumstances.

The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime and widespread in Brazil. The UK and Brazilian authorities are committed to combatting travelling child sex offenders and the Brazilian government continues to crack down on those who commit such offences. If you commit sex offences against children abroad you can be prosecuted in the UK.

There is no legislation against homosexuality in Brazil. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Brazil since 2013, and LGBT couples have equal rights in law. Human rights are protected by the Brazilian Constitution, and Brazil is a signatory to international and regional agreements protecting LGBT rights. Name changes on official documents for transgender people are also provided for by law, although this right is not always applied consistently across the country.

Sao Paulo holds the world’s largest Pride celebration, which typically passes off very peacefully – incidents of violence at the event are rare. Rio’s Pride and those of other cities also attract large numbers. Brazil generally has had a tradition of tolerance. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities, and LGBT-phobic violence is a concern - you should exercise discretion. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Brazil set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Brazil’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All passengers arriving in Brazil do not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19. For more information see the Consulate General of Brazil in London – Visiting Brazil website.

You can travel to Brazil without a visa as a tourist for up to 90 days. If you wish to extend your tourist visa, you should contact the Policia Federal.

See Visas and Passport validity section for more information.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil.

Visas

British nationals can normally enter Brazil without a visa as a tourist. For further information about visas, see the website of the Brazilian Consulate in London.

Ensure you comply with Brazilian immigration laws on arrival in the country. You must satisfy the Federal Police (the Brazilian immigration authority) of the purpose of your visit. You will need to demonstrate that you have enough money for the duration of your stay, provide de-tails of your accommodation and evidence of return or onward travel. Make sure your passport is stamped. If it is not, you may be fined on departure.

If you wish to extend your stay in Brazil, you should apply to the Federal Police for an extension. If you overstay, you are likely to be given notice to leave the country at your own expense and you may be fined or deported.

Dual nationality

The Brazilian immigration authorities often require dual British/Brazilian nationals visiting Brazil to travel on Brazilian (rather than British) passports.

Travelling with children

Children who hold dual British-Brazilian citizenship

British-Brazilian dual nationals aged 17 or younger require authorisation from both of their parents or legal guardian(s) to travel within Brazil or exit the country. When a minor travels with both parents, no written authorisation is needed.

When the dual national minor travels with only one parent or without either parent, they must have two original written authorisations from both parents. The authorisation must be provided through a formal process called Travel Authorization for Brazilian Minors. The process can also be completed online through e-Notariado (Sistema de Atos Notariais Eletrônicos).

The Federal Police will require this permission to be presented at the time of the minor’s departure from Brazil. The travel authorisation must be prepared in two original copies, one of which will be retained by the Federal Police inspection agent at the time of boarding, together with a copy of the identification document of the minor, and the other must remain with the minor, or with the adult person accompanying them on the trip.

Children who are not dual British-Brazilian nationals

The Federal Police have, at times, delayed the travel of non-Brazilian minors who lack appropriate authorisation from both parents. For this reason, we recommend that families of non-Brazilian minors who may travel through Brazil without one or both parents follow the instructions above and ensure that the minor, or the minor’s travelling companion, carries the original or notarised copy of the minor’s birth certificate. Contact the Brazilian Consulate in London for more information and advice.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist are available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. Rules for carrying personal medication vary and can change, so check with the Brazilian Consulate before you travel. If you’re taking medication, bring a prescription or letter from your doctor confirming your requirement to carry the medication. Take a good supply with you, as some medicines may not be available locally. Counterfeit drugs can also be an issue, so it’s always better to travel with your own supplies.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Health risks

Problems have been reported with the tap water supply in Rio de Janeiro. To avoid associated health risks, you should use only bottled water.

UK health authorities have classified Brazil as having a risk of Zika virus transmission and chikungunya, yellow fever and dengue are present. Cases of dengue fever have increased, especially in the north, south-east and central-west of Brazil and the state of Minas Gerais is on alert due to an increase in dengue, chikungunya and Zika cases. Malaria is present in parts of the country. You should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre and check the recommendations for vaccination

The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are higher than in the UK.

Local medical care

Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be overcrowded and there’s often a long wait for a bed and a lack of medication. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can present evidence of sufficient funds or insurance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 192 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

The rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south east (including in Rio de Janeiro) and from April until July in the north east of the country. Heavy rains can often disrupt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, are common during heavy rains. Monitor local media and follow any instructions given by the local authorities.

Heavy rainfall in Rio de Janeiro (particularly in the summer months of January - March) can lead to landslides and localised flash floods including in tourist areas due to the proximity of the mountains to the coast. Be alert to local authority warnings which are displayed on digital signs in the street and sent to hotels and hostels. Avoid travelling on the road during heavy rain and instead wait for the rain to pass. Cars and buses have been caught in landslides resulting in deaths. If you are outside when the rain starts, avoid walking in flooded areas, and in particular do not cross fast flowing water, however shallow you think it is. People have been drowned when swept away.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.