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Brazil

Page last updated on 31 August 2023

Latest security advice

Exercise a high degree of caution

There's an increase in cases of dengue in Brazil (see 'Health'). You do not need a visa to enter Brazil for short stays. (see 'Travel').

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the threat of violent crime.

What’s not to love about Brazil? A culture so varied and diverse, a country who loves their sport, food and arts – that is, parties. No one throws a party quite like Brazil. Rio de Janeiro’s famous Carnival has become one of the world’s largest festivals. The festival, known for its colourful, flamboyant costumes, pumping music and samba - goes on for 6 days and attracts approximately two million people on the streets each day – in 2017, Rio de Janeiro attracted more than 1.1 million tourists.

Of course, Brazil has a lot more to offer than the just some of world’s biggest parties. If you’re a nature lover and/or wildlife enthusiast, then you’re in luck. Brazil has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, cascading waterfalls, historic colonial towns, vast wetlands and the Amazon Rainforest to explore. In fact, Brazil is home to the world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal, which boasts some of the country’s most iconic animal species, including toucans, blue hyacinth macaws, pink dolphins, anacondas, jaguars and thousands of other living species.

A trip to Brazil means wildlife spotting along the Amazon River, hiking through the Chapada Diamantina National Park, partying with the locals and indulging in all the delicious foods.³ With this in mind, it is important to consider your travel health prior to your departure.

Speak with your healthcare professional about which vaccinations and preventative medicines are recommended to protect you from disease and illness.

Before you go to Brazil

Do I need vaccinations to visit Brazil?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all travellers are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, chicken pox and influenza. These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule, available here. In some cases, you may need a booster or re-vaccination against a disease to ensure you still have immunity.

Travellers to Brazil who are aged 5 years or older should also ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some diseases that are not common in Australia, are present in Brazil, such as typhoid and hepatitis A. Vaccinations against these diseases are recommended. In addition, depending on where you are going in Brazil and what activities you are undertaking, vaccinations against hepatitis B and yellow fever, and preventative medication for malaria may also be required. If you have travelled to Brazil, you may be asked to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate by border control when you come back into Australia.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Rio de Janeiro?

There are no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Brazil; however the vaccination recommendations for Brazil still apply.

Up-to-date with routine and COVID-19 vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Yellow fever
Hepatitis B

Depending on your travel plans, your doctor may recommend that you get a booster or be revaccinated against a particular disease for your protection.

What vaccinations do I need to travel to Brazil?

All travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccinations before heading off to Brazil. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chicken pox, polio and influenza. For a full list, refer to the National Immunisation Program – available here.

Most travellers

There is an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and typhoid in Brazil, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water.

Some travellers

Depending on where you are staying and what activities you have planned, the following vaccinations may be recommended for you by your doctor:

Hepatitis B
Malaria (preventive medicine)
Rabies
Yellow Fever

Australian residents will also need to get the yellow fever vaccination if they are planning to return to Australia. A valid proof of vaccination certificate is required upon entry back into the Australia.

If you are travelling with young children, they may need an accelerated schedule. Check with your healthcare professional on which vaccinations are required for your child prior to travelling.

How long before you travel to Brazil do you need vaccinations?

It is best to consult with your doctor or travel health clinic at least a month prior to your departure. They will be able to advise you about any vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before you leave, based on your specific travel plans.

What your doctor will need to know:
•   When you plan to travel (time of year/season)
•   The duration of your trip
•   The regions of Brazil you are visiting
•   Your planned activities (i.e. if you are going trekking or visiting remote and/or wilderness areas)
•   If you will be in contact with animals
•   If you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations

Your doctor may also conduct a general health check-up. This may be needed for your travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

If you are not up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, or if your doctor believes you may be at an increased risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease, then they may recommend you get a booster or be vaccinated/revaccinated against a particular disease.

Will I be allowed to enter Australia from Brazil if I do not have a yellow fever vaccination certificate?

Upon arriving back into Australia, you may be asked by border control to provide a valid vaccination certificate as proof that you have received the yellow fever vaccination.

If you do happen to return to Australia without a valid certificate, you will still be permitted entry. At immigration, a biosecurity officer from the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources will reinforce the serious nature of the disease. They will then provide you with a Yellow Fever Action Card, which provides instructions on what to do if you develop any symptoms of yellow fever in the 6-day period after you left Brazil. If you are travelling from Brazil to a country other than Australia, please note that the country you are travelling to may require a yellow fever vaccination certificate and if you do not have it, it may be that you are refused entry or require vaccination on entry.