Dear Members,


The American Society of São Paulo is cooperating with the São Paulo US Consulate. to get important messaging across to our members.


Should you have any questions regarding any of the information below, please contact the embassy or consular staff through their official channels which can be found at the bottom of this page.


Thank you.

Event: CDC Expands Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement to All Air Passengers Entering the United States  

Effective January 26, 2021, all air passengers, two years of age and older, traveling to the United States are required to have a negative pre-departure test result for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)  within three days of their flight’s departure.  Air passengers must provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, including a positive test result and a letter from a health professional certifying recovery.  If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger. 

Please note that aircraft crew members and children under two years of age are exempt from this requirement.  

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will continue to update our COVID-19 page with additional information about this requirement.   

Actions to Take: 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Brazil have resumed limited appointments for some routine passport, citizenship, and notarial services as local conditions allow.  In accordance with COVID-19 health precautions, appointments for passport, citizenship, and notarial services remain limited. Emergency and time sensitive services continue to have priority, and we may not be able to attend to all routine requests at this time.  Each applicant requires their own appointment. To request an appointment, please contact your nearest embassy, consulate, or agency and detail the nature of your appointment request.

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All visitors to our offices age two and older must wear a mask.  Any applicant with symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or fever must reschedule their interview.

covid-19-cover-en-1140x440.png
 

Last updated:  5/14/2021

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Country-Specific Information:

  • Brazil continues to experience very high daily case numbers of COVID-19 throughout the country. Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) due to COVID-19.  Grocery stores are currently well-stocked.  U.S.-Brazil commercial flight routes continue to run. 

  • Brazil requires a negative COVID-19 test to enter.  Specific information on the Brazil requirement is under “Entry and Exit Requirements for Travel to Brazil.”  

COVID-19 Testing for Travel to the United States 

Brazil COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Brazil approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? YES.

  • Are vaccines available in Brazil for U.S. citizens to receive? YES, depending on age and profession. Vaccines are only available in the public Unified Health System (SUS).

  • Which vaccines are available in Brazil? AstraZeneca, Sinovac.

  • Brazil is currently vaccinating high risk individuals, health care professionals and the elderly population. Some Brazilian states are vaccinating educators and others with comorbidities. For information on local availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website as well as contact local health authorities.

  • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements for Travel to Brazil:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter Brazil? YES

    • Effective December 17, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an indefinite period.

    • The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted. All travelers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present the following to the airline before boarding:
      1) Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV): filled out (in print or digitally) agreeing to sanitary measures that must be complied with during the traveler’s time in Brazil. The form is available here.
      2) Negative COVID-19 test:  specifically, a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding; Please see below further clarifications from the Brazilian government regarding the required COVID-19 test:

    • The COVID-19 test must be a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding;

    • The document must be presented in Portuguese, Spanish or English;

    • The test must be carried out in a laboratory recognized by the health authority of the country of departure;

    • Children under the age of twelve who are traveling with a companion are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test provided that all companions present the required negative/non-reactive COVID-19 tests. However, children aged two or over and less than twelve years old who are traveling unaccompanied must present proof of the negative/non-reactive COVID-19 test;

    • Children under the age of two years are exempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test;

    • In the event of travel to Brazil with connections or stopovers where the traveler remains in a restricted area of the airport, the seventy-two hour period applies for prior to boarding the first flight of the trip.

    • Note: Flight crews are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement provided they adhere to the following guidelines:

      • While in Brazil, minimized social contact and enhanced self-isolation when traveling between the airport and the hotel.  When necessary – the air operator must provide transportation between the aircraft and the individual accommodations of the crew in an exclusive vehicle and ensure that hygiene measures are applied and that physical distance is ensured from the origin to the destination;

      • While in Brazil, minimized social contact and enhanced self-isolation while staying in the accommodation.  The crew must remain in their residence or  hotel room.  In the latter case, the following must be observed:

        • Hotel room will be occupied by only one crew member;

        • Hotel room will be cleaned before and after occupation;

        • The crew will not use the hotel’s common facilities;

        • The crew will have meals in their room;

        • If hotel room service is not available, the crew will request a “to go” meal.

      • Health care and self-monitoring.  The crew must:

        • Regularly monitor symptoms, including fever and other symptoms associated with COVID-19;

        • Avoid contact with the public and other crew members;

        • Stay in the hotel room, except to seek medical attention or to perform activities considered essential;

        • Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, or use alcohol gel.

  • While Brazil no longer requires proof of health insurance to enter the country, the U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States or verify that their existing health insurance will cover them while abroad. The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.

  • International flights to Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are currently prohibited on a temporary basis.  Foreign travelers who are coming from or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last fourteen days will not be permitted to embark on flights to Brazil. 

  • Foreigners who are in a land border country and need to cross the border to embark on a flight back to their country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the below steps:

    • The foreigner must obtain an official note from the Embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship (U.S. citizens should reach out to the closest Embassy or consulate for assistance);

    • When crossing the border, the air tickets for the flight to the home country must be presented to the immigration official; and,

    • After approval of the request, the foreigner must go directly to the airport upon crossing the land border.

  • Those in the following categories are exempt from the land border entry restrictions:

    • Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized

    • Permanent residents of Brazil

    • National Immigration Registry Card Holders (Registro Nacional Migratório – RNM)

    • Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government

    • Foreign officials accredited by the Brazilian government

    • Spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, father or mother, or caregiver of a Brazilian citizen

    • Any person whose entrance into Brazil is deemed by the government to be in the public interest

    • Travelers in transit in one of the following categories:

      • Cargo delivery

      • Passengers required to disembark for aircraft refueling or repairs

      • Flight crews

  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? YES

  • Information regarding visa extensions for residents and/or tourists:

    • Effective November 3, 2020, the government of Brazil has suspended the March 16, 2020 regulations that automatically extended the length of stay for permanent residents and legal visitors in Brazil during the COVID-19 crisis.  Please note that a tourist visa (electronic or paper) is not required for U.S. citizens to travel to Brazil for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, and artistic and athletic activities, for stays of up to 90 days. According to the new decree, the period between March 16, 2020 and November 3, 2020 will be disregarded when assessing whether a visitor’s stay exceeded the allowable length.

    • Regarding the Brazilian immigration process, immigration documents that expired after March 16, 2020 will be accepted if the immigrant has remained in Brazil and seeks regularization before March 16, 2021.

    • For up to date information on Brazilian immigration and visa issues, please contact the Brazilian federal police.

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place? NO 

    • There is no national curfew in place.  However some local jurisdictions have and may enact movement restrictions.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related restriction orders. 

  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? NO 

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? NO 

    • The Brazilian government recommends those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to self-quarantine for 15 days.   

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? YES 

  • Is public transportation operating? YES 

    • Some state and local governments may limit public transportation and its frequency depending on local conditions. 

    • Several state and local governments across Brazil have issued decrees that require the use of facial coverings (masks) to combat the spread of COVID-19.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related mask policies.  

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Several state and local governments across Brazil have issued decrees that require the use of facial coverings (masks) to combat the spread of COVID-19.  Failure to do so could result in fines or possible arrest.  U.S. citizens should adhere to local laws and regulations at all times, including COVID-19 related mask policies. 

Consular Operations:

  • American Citizen Services:

    • The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Brazil are providing passport, citizenship, and notarial services.  In accordance with COVID-19 health precautions, appointments for passport, citizenship, and notarial services remain limited, and we encourage citizens requesting services to plan in advance.  To schedule an appointment, please follow the instructions on this page: https://br.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/contact-information-working-hours-appointments/

    • All visitors to our offices age two and older must wear a mask.  Any applicant with symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or fever must reschedule their interview.

  • Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas:

    • The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have suspended routine nonimmigrant visa appointments. In mid-May, the Embassy and Consulates will resume processing student visa applications for applicants whose academic programs commence on or after August 1, 2021. To schedule your visa appointment, please access the Visa Appointment Service.”

    • The Immigrant Visa Unit in the U.S. Consulate General is performing mission-critical operations. We are making every effort to schedule your immigrant visa case as soon as possible. Please do not contact the Immigrant Visa Unit to inquire about scheduling your interview. The staff will contact you directly. If you have been advised that your case file has been forwarded to the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, please refer to our website for an overview of the application procedure and begin compiling the necessary supporting documents. You can collect the supporting documents that will be needed for your visa interview, but you may not schedule a medical appointment or immigrant visa interview without specific authorization from the Immigrant Visa Unit.  Please monitor our website for updates.

    • We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. For information about visa services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide, please visit usembassy.gov.  The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased until September 30, 2022. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-br/niv.

Local Resources:

Stay up to date by checking these websites frequently:

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil

COVID-19 Information

https://br.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information

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U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs

COVID-19 crisis page

https://travel.state.gov

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/

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U.S. Department of State - Brazil Country Page and Brazil Travel Advisory

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html

 

Brazilian Ministry of Health - Ministério da Saude

Coronavirus - COVID-19

https://coronavirus.saude.gov.br/


Stay in touch with the latest news on Twitter and Instagram: 
 

@USCitsBrazil

@embaixadaEUA

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@embaixadaeua

@consuladoeuasp

@consuladoeua.rio

@consuladoeua_nordeste

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US Embassy Brazil - Embaixada EUA Brasil

https://br.usembassy.gov/

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US Consulate - São Paulo - Consulado Geral EUA - São Paulo

https://br.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/saopaulo/

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US Consulate - Rio de Janeiro - Consulado Geral EUA - Rio de Janeiro

https://br.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/riodejaneiro/

 

US Consulate - Porto Alegre  - Consulado Geral EUA - Porto Alegre

https://br.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/u-s-consulate-general-porto-alegre/

 

US Consulate - Recife  - Consulado Geral EUA - Recife

https://br.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/recife/

 

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Please see emergency contact info for the Embassy and Consulates in Brazil: 
 
U.S. Embassy Brasilia 
Phone: +55 61 3312-7000 
After-Hours Emergencies: +55 61 3312-7400 
E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov 
 
Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte 
Telephone: +55 31 3338-4000 
E-mail:  BrasiliaACS@state.gov 
 
U.S. Consulate General Recife 
Phone: +55 81 3416-3050 
After-Hours Emergencies: +55 81 99916-9470
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov  
 
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro 
Phone: +55 21 3823-2000 
After-Hours Emergencies: +55 21 3823-2029 
Email:  ACSRio@state.gov 
 
U.S. Consulate General São Paulo 
Phone: +55 11 3250-5000 
After-Hours Emergencies: +55 11 3250-5373 
E-mail: SaoPauloACS@state.gov  
 
U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre 
Phone: +55 51 3345-6000 
After-Hours Emergencies: +55 51 3345-6000 
Email:  PortoalegreACS@state.gov