Brazil Travel Guide

• As the largest country in South America, Brazil is an excellent place to experience a true taste of the continent while remaining in one country (although it is possible to get cheap flights to other South American countries too)!
• Home to the Amazon, the world’s largest and most famous rainforest. You can take part in any number of activities such as jungle trekking, piranha fishing and swimming with wild dolphins.
• Brazil is the famous carnival and party capital of the world.
• Sun, sea and sand! With over 7000km of coast, there is no shortage of beaches!

The national dish of Brazil is Feijoada which is made of beans, pork (ears and knuckles included) and dried beef. It is served with rice and garnished with green veg and orange slices. Brazil is also famous for its strong coffee, so you will have no excuse for not getting up the day after partying all night at the carnival!

There is no bad time to visit Brazil as the temperatures are pleasant throughout the year, although due to Brazil’s vast size different parts of the country experience different climates.

From December to February the summer season hits and temperatures in and around Rio reach a scorching 39ºC but the temperatures during the rest of the year hover around a more pleasant 20-30 ºC range. In the Southern parts of the country, temperatures are cooler but won’t dip past 15 ºC as a rule.

If you plan on visiting the Amazon basin you will be pleased to know that temperatures don’t usually go above 27 ºC but due to the rainforest environment, the humidity is extreme and, unsurprisingly, it rains a lot.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Brazil’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Brazil set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Brazilian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Brazil, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Brazilian dual nationals

Brazilian immigration authorities often require dual British-Brazilian nationals visiting Brazil to travel on Brazilian (rather than British) passports.

Visa requirements

You can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.

If you want to extend your tourist visa, contact the Federal Police (in Portuguese) before your visa expires.

For more information about visas, contact the Brazilian Consulate in London.

If you overstay your visa, you’ll face a daily fine. You have the option to pay this fine either when you leave Brazil or during your next visit.

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. If it is not stamped, you may be fined when you leave.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Brazil (in Portuguese).  

Travelling with children

Children with dual British-Brazilian citizenship

British-Brazilian dual nationals under the age of 18 who are travelling without both parents or legal guardians need authorisation from both parents or legal guardians to travel in Brazil or leave the country. Read more about the formal travel authorisation process for Brazilian minors and the frequently asked questions.

Children who are not dual British-Brazilian nationals

Families of non-Brazilian under-18s travelling through Brazil without one or both parents should follow the instructions for dual British-Brazilian under-18s. Make sure the under-18 or their travelling companion also carries the original or notarised copy of the under-18’s birth certificate. Contact the Brazilian Consulate in London for more information.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Brazil guide.

Customs rules  

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Brazil. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Brazil 

If you are bringing cash or travellers cheques into Brazil with a value of 10,000 US dollars or more, you will need to declare it online.

Drug trafficking is a widespread problem in Brazil and penalties for trafficking are severe. If found in possession of drugs, punishments include educational classes and community service.

Drink driving is not tolerated and will result in a fine, suspension or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Homosexuality is legal in Brazil and the country has a tradition of tolerance, but some attacks on homosexual couples have been reported. Brazilian law has recognised homosexual unions since May 2011 and gives homosexual couples equal rights.

We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Brazil.

Please note: Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO website for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office

Crime

Crime levels in Brazil are high and frequently involve firearms or other weapons, so travellers should take care and be vigilant at all times, especially before and during festive and carnival periods.

Don’t carry large amounts of money, avoid wearing expensive items and don’t have mobile phones and cameras visible. You should leave your passport and valuables in a safe place, but carry another form of photo ID (e.g driving licence) at all times.

Be wary of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night. If you are threatened, don’t attempt to resist as attackers may be armed or under the influence of drugs.

Car thefts and carjackings do happen, so if driving, approach the car with your keys ready so you can get in quickly, then keep doors locked and windows closed. Take care of traffic lights and avoid deserted or poorly lit places.

Although rape and sexual offences against tourists are rare, there have been reports of attacks, sometimes using ‘date rape’ drugs. Always buy your own drinks and keep them in sight at all times.

Robberies at ATMs are on the increase, and some machines have been fitted with an anti-theft device that applies pink coloured ink to bank notes from a damaged or tampered-with ATM. Pink-coloured notes will not be accepted and have no value, so if you withdraw cash with any pink marks, speak to the bank immediately and get it changed. If you withdraw pink notes outside bank hours or from an ATM which is not at a bank branch you should get a bank statement from the ATM which proves your withdrawal and take it and the marked note/s to a police station to get an official police report filed.

Bank and credit card fraud are also common crimes, for example, card cloning at ATMs. Always keep your cards in sight and do not use an ATM if anything seems suspicious.

Look after your mobile phone as there have been reports of mobile phone cloning.

Terrorism remains an underlying low-level threat in Brazil.

Demonstrations

Many Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte can stage protests without warning, sometimes resulting in violence and injury. Take extra care and avoid all large gatherings and demonstrations. Strikes may also take place at short notice and can affect or disrupt transport and security.

Favelas

Favelas are shanty towns which exist in all major cities in Brazil. Poverty and high levels of violent crime are a problem in the favelas, although the government has recently implemented a Pacifying Police Force in many of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, which has improved security. However, all favelas remain unpredictably dangerous areas, with outbursts of violence, and you should take extra care, even if you visit on an organised tour.

Swimming

Some beaches in Brazil have strong currents and sharks are sometimes a threat so take local advice before swimming in the sea.

Transport/Travel

Petty crime is a problem on public transport, particularly during rush hour. The metro system is generally safer than the bus system in Rio and São Paulo, as there have been some incidents of robbery and hijack reported on tour buses and bus crashes are common.

Road accident rates in Brazil are high and many rural roads are of poor standard. During periods of unrest public transport can be disrupted.

Always use licensed taxis, which can be hired from recognised taxi ranks in Brazilian cities. Most airports have a licensed taxi desk inside baggage reclaim, which you can pay for in advance using cash or a credit card.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

Brazil’s major cities offer disabled facilities such as easy-access public buses and lifts at stations.

Avoid using light aircraft which have poor standards of maintenance which can lead to crashes. Always use recognised national air carriers.

Traffic in the cities of São Paulo and Rio can be heavy, particularly in rush hour, so allow plenty of time if travelling to the airport.

If travelling by boat on the Amazon River, be aware that accidents are not uncommon.

Entry and Departure Requirements

You may have to demonstrate that you have enough money for the duration of your stay when you arrive in Brazil, plus provide details of your accommodation and evidence of return or onward travel. Ensure your passport is stamped when you arrive, or you may be fined on departure. Keep your immigration landing card which you will need when you leave, you may be fined if you lose it.

Natural Disasters

November to March is the rainy season in the south and southeast and it runs from April until July in the northeast. Heavy rains, flash floods and landslides are common and can disrupt the infrastructure, especially in poorer areas.

Health

You should be in touch with your GP around 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination or health advice. Dengue fever is common in Brazil, particularly during the rainy season so take necessary precautions against mosquitoes. Be aware that the sun can be extremely strong in Brazil, with high UV levels. Diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated food or water so we advise you to drink bottled water.