Brazil Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Federative Republic of Brazil
The U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Increased Caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, can occur in urban areas day and night. The State Department also advises travelers to Do Not Travel to informal housing developments (favelas), certain satellite cities of Brasília at night, and border areas within 160 km of several neighboring countries.
Federative Republic of Brazil
Capital: Brasília | Region: South America | Language: Portuguese
Before You Travel to Brazil
Brazil is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations, combining major cities, Atlantic beaches, rainforest, wetlands, and remote river and jungle regions. For US travelers, the most important pre-travel issues are usually crime prevention, yellow fever planning, mosquito-borne disease protection, itinerary-specific malaria advice, food and water precautions, and medical evacuation coverage for remote travel. See a travel medicine physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
Discuss yellow fever, malaria prevention if your route includes risk areas, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and measles protection before departure.
Get Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended, especially for Amazon, Pantanal, river, adventure, or remote nature travel.
Visa & Entry Rules
U.S. citizens currently need a Brazilian visa or e-visa before travel. Your passport must be valid on the date of entry, and at least one blank page is required for entry stamps.
Pack a Medical Kit
Bring prescription medicines in original packaging, insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, a thermometer, and medication for traveler’s diarrhea if advised by your physician.
Crime Awareness
Do not resist robbery attempts. Avoid walking alone at night, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and use caution with dating apps, beaches after dark, public buses, and ATMs.
Food & Water Safety
Use safe drinking water, be careful with ice and street food in lower-hygiene settings, and avoid contaminated water or floodwater exposure where possible.
Yellow Fever in Brazil
Why Yellow Fever Planning Matters in Brazil
Brazil is not one uniform risk zone. A traveler spending time only in specific coastal or non-listed urban areas may not need yellow fever vaccination, while a traveler visiting Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Iguaçu Falls, Amazonia, or many interior states may need it. This is one of the most itinerary-sensitive vaccine decisions in South America.
Malaria in Brazil
Atovaquone/Proguanil
A common first-line option for travelers going to higher-risk malaria areas in Brazil.
Doxycycline
Often used as an affordable alternative, but may increase sun sensitivity during tropical travel.
Mefloquine / Tafenoquine
May suit certain travelers depending on itinerary, timing, and medical history.
CDC currently also highlights elevated chikungunya risk in Brazil and a current Oropouche travel health notice. Even when malaria tablets are not needed, mosquito avoidance remains essential.
Use DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves in mosquito-heavy settings, and stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms where possible.
Recommended Vaccines for Brazil
CDC recommends both routine and destination-specific vaccine review for Brazil. Final recommendations depend strongly on region, duration, rural exposure, and animal contact.
Yellow Fever
Recommended for many major travel routes in Brazil, including numerous states and Iguaçu Falls.
Hepatitis A
CDC recommends Hepatitis A for unvaccinated travelers aged one year and older going to Brazil.
Hepatitis B
Discuss Hepatitis B for medical care risk, sexual exposure, longer stays, or higher-risk activities.
Typhoid
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Rabies
Dogs with rabies are sometimes found in Brazil, and rabies is also present in wildlife and bats. Consider vaccination for higher-risk itineraries.
MMR, Polio, Tdap, Influenza, COVID-19
CDC specifically emphasizes full measles protection for international travel. Routine vaccines should be fully up to date before departure.
Healthcare System in Brazil
In Major Cities
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and other major urban centers have the best access to private hospitals, specialists, and advanced diagnostics.
Remote Areas
In rainforest, river, Pantanal, and deep interior areas, distance to care can be significant and evacuation delays may be substantial.
Medications
Common U.S. medications can often be purchased in Brazil, but counterfeit medicines are also a concern. Buy medicines only from trusted sources with medical guidance.
Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas, and many hospitals abroad do not accept U.S. insurance directly. Be prepared to pay and claim reimbursement later if necessary.
Emergency Numbers in Brazil
U.S. Embassy Brasília
SES - Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
Brasília, DF, Brazil
Phone: +55 61 3312-7000
After-hours: +55 61 3312-7400
Crime Response
If robbed, do not resist. Report the incident to police and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as safely possible.
STEP Enrollment
Register your trip at step.state.gov to receive alerts and make it easier for U.S. officials to assist you in an emergency.
Nature & Environmental Risks
Floodwater Exposure
CDC lists leptospirosis risk from contaminated water and mud. Avoid wading through floodwater or swimming in unsafe freshwater.
Heat & Humidity
Dehydration and heat-related illness are common in tropical and subtropical areas, especially during outdoor travel and carnival-style events.
Road Safety
Road conditions and traffic behavior vary greatly. Night travel and public buses can carry added safety risk in some regions.
Animal Exposure
Avoid contact with dogs, monkeys, bats, and other wildlife, especially in forest, cave, and eco-tourism settings.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Brazil
- See a travel medicine clinician 4–6 weeks before departure
- Check whether your exact Brazil itinerary needs yellow fever vaccine
- Discuss malaria tablets if traveling to Amazon or other risk areas
- Update routine vaccines including MMR and COVID-19
- Review Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies depending on itinerary
- Apply for your Brazilian visa or e-visa before travel
- Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
- Avoid favelas, risky border areas, and isolated beaches at night
- Do not use municipal buses if you can avoid them, especially at night
- Save emergency numbers: Police 190 | Ambulance 192 | Fire 193
