Brazil | Quest for the Jaguar: Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Pantanal

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 Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to 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 Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, 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, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

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, locally transmitted cases of leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. The CDC recommends that travelers to Brazil 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. They are not known to transmit any illnesses in Brazil.

We recommend that travelers to the Pantanal 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.

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.