Planning a trip to Brazil? Whether you're dreaming of the beaches in Brazil or the Amazon rainforest, knowing what vaccines to get before you travel is essential. This guide covers all current Brazil vaccine requirements — both mandatory and recommended — along with key health tips for a safe trip.
Are any vaccines mandatory for travel to Brazil?
In practice, there are no mandatory vaccines to enter Brazil. However, you will need to carry valid travel documents. A Brazil visa and a passport are among the core requirements depending on your nationality. Review all Brazil entry requirements before your departure.
Recommended vaccines for travel to Brazil
Although no vaccines are legally required, health authorities strongly recommend being vaccinated against several diseases before visiting Brazil. Always follow your home country's official vaccination guidelines and consult your doctor at least six weeks before departure. The general recommendations for all travelers are:
- Yellow fever — Recommended for all travelers over nine months of age, at least ten days before arrival. This vaccine is especially important if you plan to visit Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bahia, Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (including Brasília), Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Tocantins, or Iguaçu Falls.
- COVID-19 — No longer required for entry, but vaccination is still recommended.
- Routine vaccines — Make sure you are up to date with chickenpox (varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), influenza, and shingles.
Additional vaccines may be recommended depending on your specific health profile and travel plans:
- Hepatitis A — Recommended for unvaccinated travelers aged one year or older.
- Hepatitis B — Recommended for travelers under 60 years of age.
- Typhoid — Especially advisable if visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
- Rabies — Recommended for those who will be in contact with animals, camping, caving, or working in veterinary or biological fields, particularly in rural regions.
- Meningococcal Meningitis
- Tuberculosis
Consult your doctor at least six weeks before your trip to determine which vaccines are right for your health situation.
Additional health advice for travelers to Brazil
Depending on the region you visit, there is a risk of malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. Your doctor may recommend starting antimalarial medication before your trip. To minimize the risk of insect-borne illnesses, follow these general precautions:
- Use insect repellent at all times outdoors.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, and a hat.
- Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation and use a bed net when available.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit.
To protect yourself from food- and water-borne illnesses, avoid drinking tap water, consuming raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables, eating unpasteurized dairy products, or purchasing food from street vendors with questionable hygiene standards.
Finally, wash your hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and keep your distance from anyone who appears to be ill.
Emergency numbers in Brazil
If you need urgent medical assistance during your trip, save these numbers:
- 192 — SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service)
- 190 — Military Police
- 193 — Fire Department
- 191 — Federal Highway Police
Before you travel to Brazil
Vaccines are just one part of a safe and smooth trip. Make sure you also have the right documentation in order. Check the full Brazil entry requirements and find out whether you need a Brazil visa based on your nationality.
