Overview

Security status

High Degree of Caution

Latest Travel Alert

The first round of Brazil’s national elections will take place on October 2, 2022, and a second round of voting for the office of the President and State Governorships may take place on October 30. Irish citizens should avoid any political protests or demonstrations, monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities, and contact the Irish Embassy in Brasília or Consulate in São Paulo should they require any further advice.

Citizens planning travel abroad should take into account the ongoing risk of testing positive for COVID-19 while abroad and are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID-19 cover. Before departure and during travel, citizens are advised to monitor our Travel Advice, follow us on Twitter, and register with their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Travel to Brazil

All passengers aged 12 and older entering Brazil by air must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

If  providing COVID-19 vaccination, travellers must present proof as follows:

• Before boarding, passengers aged 12 and over must present proof of their vaccination status (electronic or printed).
• The vaccine must be approved by the WHO or by relevant health authorities in the country where the vaccine was administered.
• Proof of vaccination may be in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and must include the manufacturer’s name or commercial name, lot number, doses and date of the dose(s) administered and traveller’s name.
• COVID-19 recovery certificates will not be accepted in lieu of proof of full vaccination.
• To be considered fully vaccinated, the traveller must have received the final dose of the vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding.
• Proof of vaccination only in QR-code format or other coded will not be accepted.

If providing a negative COVID-19 test, travellers must present proof as follows:

• Proof of a negative or non-detectable result from a RT-PCR or laboratory administered antigen test performed within one day of boarding, carried out in a laboratory recognized by the country of departure.
• Proof of a negative test may be in English, Portuguese or Spanish.

If a traveller has had COVID-19 in the last 90 days and is asymptomatic but continues to test positive for COVID-19, they will be permitted to enter if they present:

• Proof of two detectable RT-PCR results, taken at least 14 days apart, with the second test taken no more than one day before boarding.
• A medical certificate stating that the traveller is asymptomatic and able to travel, including the dates of their travel, written in English, Portuguese or Spanish.
• ‘Proof of recovery’ certificates alone will not be accepted.

For further details, please consult the latest regulations on COVID-19 travel restrictions.  

Irish citizens in Brazil should monitor developments regularly and follow the advice of local authorities. See links to relevant websites below.

Ministry of Health Brazil                             

Coronavirus Brazil

Pan American Health Organization

Citizens should also be aware that  Brazil has suspended the automatic extension of visas. Citizens should contact the Federal Police as soon as possible to ensure that they are adhering to the immigration rules in-country.

General Travel Advice

Although the military intervention officially ended in Rio de Janeiro on 31 December 2018, public security continues to face many challenges. Military troops had been deployed to Rio de Janeiro several times over the past years, including for the 2016 Olympic Games and again in 2017 and 2018 in an attempt to combat organised crime and violence. Although most visits to Rio de Janeiro are trouble free, you should be vigilant and exercise a high degree of caution, particularly during large festivals, such as Carnival and New Year. You are likely to see a police and military presence on the streets.

Flash floods and mudslides can occur during periods of heavy rainfall. They can result in several casualties, devastating destruction and travel disruptions. In recent months, there have been tragic cases of such incidents in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and in other parts of Brazil. We recommend that you monitor local media and consult with local authorities if you are considering travelling to any of the affected areas.

Public protests are regularly held in Brazil in response to political developments. These may cause severe disruption to roads and public transport. Non-Brazilian citizens are restricted from participating in protests in Brazil and Irish citizens should avoid all areas where protests are expected to take place, monitor local media and follow the advice from the local authorities.

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, start by talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

We suggest you learn as much as you can about Brazil before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems when you’re in Brazil, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management. 

If there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Brasilia or the Irish Consulate in São Paulo at + 55 61 3248 8800.

If you phone outside of working hours, leave us a message giving:

• Your name
• The nature of your problem
• Where you are now
• Your contact details (mobile phone number or phone number of where you’re staying)

We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.