Brazil travel vaccines and health tips

At a glance

Vaccines for Brazil

No vaccine is required to enter Brazil, as both the Government of Canada (updated 14 October 2026) and the U.S. State Department note. Recommendations depend on where you go and on your own health, so the first step is an appointment with a doctor or travel clinic. Brazil’s Ministry of Health suggests seeing a doctor four to eight weeks before travel, and the UK FCDO (page updated 29 September 2026) says to check vaccine advice at least eight weeks ahead. UK travelers can find country details on TravelHealthPro.

The Government of Canada lists these for most travelers:

• routine vaccines, kept up to date
• hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• a flu shot at least two weeks before travel
• typhoid, depending on your risk

Yellow fever

The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers aged 9 months and older going to certain Brazilian states, and lists “Rio de Janeiro (including the city of Rio de Janeiro and all coastal islands)” among them. Brazil’s Ministry of Health has used a single dose for life since April 2017 and says travelers should receive it at least 10 days before the trip. The U.S. State Department adds that local supplies can be limited, so get vaccinated before you leave home.

The vaccine is not for everyone. The Ministry of Health lists groups who should not receive it, such as babies under 9 months, people with a severe egg allergy and people on treatments that weaken the immune system. Your doctor decides what is right for you. If you continue to another country after Brazil, check whether it asks for proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Mosquitoes: dengue, chikungunya, Zika

The Government of Canada asks travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites at all times. Dengue mosquitoes bite mostly during the day, and chikungunya, Zika and Oropouche are also present in Brazil. Canada advises pregnant travelers to discuss Zika and Oropouche with a health provider before the trip.

Brazil’s Ministry of Health lists sudden high fever (39 to 40 °C) with headache, body or joint pain and pain behind the eyes as typical dengue symptoms. Its advice: go to a health service as soon as symptoms start, rest, drink plenty of fluids and do not self-medicate. Seek urgent care for warning signs such as strong belly pain, repeated vomiting or bleeding.

On malaria, the CDC says there is no transmission in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Brasília. The risk exists in some other regions, so mention any trip to the Amazon to your doctor.

Medicines, food and water

The FCDO advises bringing your medicine with a prescription or a letter from your doctor, and enough for the whole trip, since some medicines may not be available locally. The U.S. State Department suggests keeping medicines in their original packaging and checking with ANVISA, Brazil’s health regulator, that each one is allowed. It also warns that counterfeit medicines are common.

The Government of Canada recommends eating food that is safely prepared, drinking safe water, and avoiding swimming in untreated fresh water such as lakes and rivers. Our Brazil packing list has a section on what to take for the trip.

If you need help on the trip

For an ambulance, call 192; the FCDO also advises contacting your insurer quickly if you are referred to a medical facility. Keep your insurance details, your prescriptions and your hotel address on your phone and on paper. Practical advice on staying safe is in our Rio safety tips.

Health checklist before you fly

• Book a doctor or travel clinic four to eight weeks before departure.
• Ask about yellow fever and get it at least 10 days before travel if advised.
• Check routine vaccines and hepatitis A and B.
• Pack mosquito repellent and clothes that cover arms and legs.
• Take your medicines with a prescription, in original packaging.
• Check entry requirements on official websites.

What to tell us in your request

• Your dates and the cities or regions you plan to visit
• How many people, and the ages of any children
• Whether anyone needs access without steps, rest stops or a special diet
• The pace you like: full days or a slower plan with open afternoons
• Whether you want a driver, a guide who speaks your language or a full plan

How we help

Vela Brasil plans private trips in Rio and across Brazil. We can shape the plan around your health needs: shorter days, a private driver instead of public transport, indoor options when it is hot. We stay your single contact during the trip. Terms and payment are set out in the proposal; you pay nothing before you confirm. See also money in Brazil and our Brazil SIM card and eSIM guide.