Brazil | Cruising the Brazilian Amazon

Entry & Exit Requirements

For entry into Brazil, U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least one month past your arrival date, and with at least one blank page for the entry stamp. As requirements are subject to change at any time and without notice, we recommend a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.

U.S. citizens must also obtain a visa for entry into Brazil. Visas must be obtained in advance; you cannot apply on arrival. An electronic visa is the easiest option for most travelers and can be obtained online at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. To apply, you will be prompted to create an account and provide your passport information. You will need a color scan of the bio page of your passport with the MRZ code fully visible, as well as a passport-style photo, i.e. a color photo with a white background, sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm (413 x 531 pixels). The eVisa fee is USD $80.90 and can be paid using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with a PDF file containing your eVisa, which you should print and be prepared to show prior to boarding your flight and again upon arrival in Brazil. We also recommend saving a digital copy on your phone as a backup. The average processing time for eVisa applications is 5-10 business days; we recommend applying well in advance (at least a month) to account for any possible delays.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Brazilian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality. Also be aware that you are not permitted to apply for the eVisa if you are a Brazilian citizen.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Brazil.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Brazil, including the states of São Paulo and Amazonas. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers visiting these areas.

The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Brazil.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Brazil, including the states of São Paulo and Amazonas, may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of mosquito bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription. 

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

Dengue Fever & other insect-borne illnesses

The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Brazil. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which, as opposed to the Anopheles mosquito, is active during the day. Travelers are unlikely to contract dengue unless they are traveling through an area where there is an outbreak.

In addition, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Brazil. The CDC recommends that travelers protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. 

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Other Nuisance Pests

In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly—like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees—to feed on broken-down skin cells.

We recommend that travelers protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.

WILDLIFE

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Be aware that dogs, bats, monkeys, and other mammals may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

Note the M/Y Tucano has policies to avoid disturbing wildlife, including not getting too close, leaving an area if an animal becomes disturbed, and not handling any animals that are encountered. They also have a policy of not compensating local individuals that may approach the group with captive animals.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.