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.

Q&A​

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Presidential Proclamation restricting travel of foreign nationals (including Brazilians) from Brazil to the United States

 

 

Q. Who is exempt from this Proclamation?

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• U.S. citizens

• Lawful permanent residents of the United States;

• Foreign national spouses of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;

• Foreign national parents or legal guardians of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;

• Foreign national siblings of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;

• Foreign national children, foster children, or wards of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;

• Foreign nationals traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;

• Foreign nationals traveling as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a C-1, D, or C-1/D nonimmigrant visa as a crewmember or any alien otherwise traveling to the United States as air or sea crew;

• Foreign nationals seeking entry into or transiting the United States pursuant to one of the following visa categories: 

  • foreign government official or immediate family member of an official);

  • employee of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), also known as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or the employee’s immediate family members;

  • diplomats, government officials, and international organization employees who are visiting the United States temporarily for a governmental purpose;

  • those whose travel falls within the scope of section 11 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.

• Foreign nationals whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director or designee;

• Foreign nationals whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;

• Foreign nationals whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees; or

• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to affect any individual’s eligibility for asylum.

 

Q. Why is this restriction being placed on travelers from Brazil?

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• As stated in the Proclamation, the President determined that restricting travel of foreign nationals, of any nationality, from Brazil, given the potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals traveling from Brazil into the United States, is necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the United States. Brazil instituted similar restrictions on March 30 and has extended them twice sense then to help prevent spread of COVID-19.

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Q. When might the restrictions be lifted?

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• This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President.  The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall recommend that the President continue, modify, or terminate this proclamation as described in section 5 of Proclamation 9984, as amended.

 

Q: Will current visa holders be subject to these entry restrictions?

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• These measures apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, but based on travelers’ physical presence in Brazil.  Current visa holders who have been present in Brazil including for transit during the 14 days prior to entry to the United States will be subject to these entry restrictions.

 

Q.  What will the State Department do to assist U.S. citizens leaving Brazil in light of the President’s announcement?

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• U.S. citizens should make plans to depart using commercial travel options, which remain readily available in most areas.

 

Q. Will U.S. citizens and others excepted from this Proclamation who return to the United States from Brazil be placed under quarantine?

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• The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that those arriving from international travel should self-quarantine for 14 and take steps to monitor their health and practice social distancing. See the CDC’s website for more information.

 

Q.  If I transit through any airport in Brazil, will I be prohibited from entering the United States for 14 days?

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• Any foreign national who transits an airport (even without leaving the airport) in Brazil will be subject to the entry restrictions set forth in this Proclamation.

 

Q.  Will commercial flights continue to be available between the United States and Brazil?

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• This proclamation does not suspend commercial airline flights. U.S. citizens can continue traveling from the Brazil to the United States, and Brazilians can continue returning to Brazil from the United States. Cargo shipments on passenger flights and cargo-specific flights can also continue.  Any flight changes are dependent upon commercial airlines’ individual decisions.

 

Q.  How do I apply for an exemption?

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• Those who seek to qualify for one of the national interest exemption categories can contact the nearest consular section at the Embassy or one of our consulates. See the Embassy Visa Page for contact information.  Please note that national interest exemptions are very limited and apply to those who could perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak or for which law enforcement or national security interests apply.

 

Q.  How do I apply for a visa?

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• Those who fall into one of the exemption categories, and who have a need for travel, can contact the nearest consular section at the Embassy or one of our consulates. See the Embassy Visa Page for contact information.

 

Q. Will those with valid visas, who wish to return to the United States to continue studies, exchange programs, medical treatment, etc. be subject to these entry restrictions?

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• These measures apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, and are based on travelers’ physical presence in Brazil.  Current visa holders who have been present in Brazil including for transit during the 14 days prior to entry to the United States will be subject to these entry restrictions and cannot travel to the United States at this time.

 

Q.  Will those who wish to visit ill family in the United States be subject to these restrictions?

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• Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.

 

Q.  I am a student planning to travel to the United States for my studies or exchange program on an F or J class visa.  Will I be subject to these restrictions?

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• Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.

 

Q.  I am seeking medical treatment in the United States.  Will I be subject to these restrictions?

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• Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.

 

Q.  What are the exceptions to this Presidential Proclamation? Are diplomats and crew members excepted?

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• We refer you to the full text of the Proclamation here for all of the exceptions.  Holders of diplomatic visas (A class) and crew members (C and D class) are excepted.

UPDATED: 09/25/2020

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Country Specific Information:

• Brazil continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19 with varying degrees of incidence throughout the country. Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) due to COVID-19. Grocery stores are currently well-stocked and services are expected to increase in the coming weeks. U.S.-Brazil commercial flight routes continue to run and frequency of flights has recently increased.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? YES
  Effective September 25, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, through at least October 23.  The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air is currently permitted. While Brazil has opened its border to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.

   

  The September 24 decree stipulates that foreign travelers entering Brazil by air, for a short stay of up to 90 days, must present proof of purchase of health insurance, in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, that is valid in Brazil for the entire period of the trip with minimum coverage of 30,000 Brazilian reais to an airline agent prior to boarding.  Failure to provide proof could result in the denial of aircraft boarding by airline agents or denial of entry to Brazil by Brazilian authorities. Please note that while the Brazilian government is requiring proof of health insurance in order to enter the country, Brazilian private hospitals do not often accept foreign health insurance and visitors to Brazil should expect to pay for private hospital services upfront and seek reimbursement from their travel insurance after treatment has finished.

 

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? NO

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

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

  • The government of Brazil announced regulations that automatically extend the length of stay for permanent residents and legal visitors in Brazil during the COVID-19 crisis prior to the border closures.  The Brazilian government has indicated it will announce any future changes to the policy.

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.   

COVID-19 Testing:

• Brazil is a very large country with varying medical resources, both private and public, throughout the country.  In the private healthcare system, there are many private labs that perform COVID-19 testing.  Prices vary but COVID-19 tests typically run between $60 and $100.  Both PCR and serology tests are available.  Turn-around time varies with demand, but usually is around one to three days.  Laboratory work generally requires a doctor’s order.  

• In the public healthcare system, each Brazilian state has its own COVID-19 testing plan so it is best to contact local/state authorities for more information.  Typically, a COVID-19 test is ordered by an Emergency Room physician and then sent to a public lab.  Turnaround time is much slower (can take up to seven days) but typically free.  Some states do free-of-charge drive through testing but this tends to be arranged ahead of time via appointment.  There is also information on testing sites and procedures available through the official app of the Ministry of Health.  

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: In response to public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, at this time only emergency American Citizen Services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia and Consulates General in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, and Recife, as well as the Consular Agencies in Manaus, Salvador, and Fortaleza. To schedule an emergency appointment for time sensitive or urgent cases, email the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (see contact information below).  Note that U.S. Consular Agencies do not issue same-day emergency passports. 

• Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.  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 within one year of the date of payment.  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:

• The Ministry of Health has developed a variety of resources to answer COVID-19 related questions, including an app to track symptoms and find a testing site.  

• Dial 136 to reach the Ministry of Health hotline. Additionally, many states in Brazil maintain their own hotlines and call-centers.  Please refer to the list for state-specific phone numbers. 

• Other links:   

  • Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General closest to you. 

  • Follow the U.S. Mission to Brazil on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy. 

  • COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov  

  • CDC page on COVID-19 

  • Brazil Travel Advisory Page 

  • Brazil Country Information Page 

  • COVID-19 Federal Voting Assistance Program

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