Entry requirements and health: preparing your trip to Brazil

Entering Brazil as a tourist is straightforward, but US citizens now need to arrange an e-Visa before departure. There are also a few points to check several weeks before you leave, especially if you’re traveling with children or if your itinerary includes the Amazon or the Pantanal.

Passport and e-Visa

Since April 10, 2025, US citizens need an e-Visa to enter Brazil (the same applies to Canadian and Australian citizens). Apply only on the official portal, brazil.vfsevisa.com: there is no visa on arrival, and airlines will not let you board without it. The fee is about US$80.90.

The e-Visa is valid for 10 years for multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 days per visit and a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period. Approvals usually take a few days, but allow up to 10 business days: we recommend applying at least two to three weeks before departure.

Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. Every traveler, including children, must have their own passport. You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket.

Brazil Vip tip: If your trip goes through Argentina, for example to see the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, check the Argentine entry requirements as well. And always read the Brazil travel advisory from the US State Department, on travel.state.gov, before departure: it’s the official reference.

Vaccinations and health

Check current health requirements and recommendations with a travel-medicine clinic or in the CDC’s guidance for Brazil a few weeks before you go. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, especially the Amazon and the Pantanal, and should be given at least ten days before departure. Also remember to bring your routine vaccinations up to date.

Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases are present in the country: the best prevention is still a good repellent and long clothing in the late afternoon and evening. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is available everywhere.

Travel insurance

Medical care in Brazil’s private clinics is of good quality, but expensive, and US health plans often provide little or no coverage abroad. Insurance covering medical expenses, medical evacuation and cancellation is strongly recommended. Check the coverage provided by your credit card, which is often limited.

Money on the ground

The currency is the Brazilian real. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts, and contactless payment is very widespread. Still, keep a little cash for tips, markets and remote villages. Withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks, airports or shopping malls.

• Passport — What you need: valid for your entire stay, one per traveler
• e-Visa — What you need: required for US citizens, apply on brazil.vfsevisa.com at least 2 to 3 weeks before departure
• Yellow fever — What you need: recommended for the Amazon, the Pantanal and other regions, at least 10 days before
• Insurance — What you need: medical expenses, medical evacuation and cancellation
• Money — What you need: a credit or debit card and a little cash in reais

Small practical details

Brazilian outlets take plugs with two or three round pins, so US flat-pin plugs won’t fit: bring an adapter. Voltage varies by region, between 127 and 220 volts, so check that your devices are dual-voltage (most phone and laptop chargers are). Finally, Brazil does not observe daylight saving time: Rio, São Paulo and Salvador are one hour ahead of US Eastern Time from March to November and two hours ahead the rest of the year, while Manaus and much of the Amazon are one hour behind Rio.

Brazil Vip tip: Before departure, we send every traveler a travel booklet with addresses, schedules, local contacts and our tips for each stop. And during the trip, our team is always reachable in English.