Brazil starts to waive Covid test and proof of vaccination for entry into the country

Aiming to simplify the process of entering Brazil for Brazilians and foreigners. Now, it will no longer be necessary to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test at the country's ports, airports and borders.

This measure aims to facilitate the arrival of international travelers and follows the end of the health emergency of international importance declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Change in regulation

In September 2022, the federal government established rules for the entry of travelers into the country through an interministerial ordinance, requiring the presentation of proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.

According to ANVISA, the change is based on the fact that Covid-19 is now considered an established and continuous disease, and is no longer classified by the WHO as a PHEIC – Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

For this reason, a new announcement was issued officially dispensing with the documents required to enter Brazil.

ANVISA is the highest authority in charge of epidemiological surveillance at ports, airports and borders, in addition to being responsible for executing and coordinating surveillance activities at these entry points.

The decision to no longer require the presentation of these documents was formalized through a technical note published on May 23.

The document released by Anvisa states: 

“This scenario made it possible to determine that Covid-19 is now an established and ongoing health problem, no longer constituting a PHEIC. Therefore, Brazil no longer requires travelers of international origin to prove vaccination against Covid-19 or present a negative test result, as well as the implementation by administrators of passenger terminals and transport operators of measures to prevent and mitigate the disease”.

ANVISA document.

Preventive measures continue

Despite the exemption of proof of vaccination and negative test, Anvisa emphasizes that the recommendations for measures to prevent and control Covid-19, as well as the notification and response to suspected or confirmed cases, must be maintained.

This means it is still important to follow hygiene practices, social distancing and wearing masks to prevent the spread of the virus.

Contingency plans and communication

The regulation also highlights the need for entry points to Brazil, such as ports, airports and borders, to maintain updated contingency plans to face future international health emergencies.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure surveillance and care for suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Health authorities must be promptly informed of public health events on board means of transport or in passenger terminals.

Previous revocations

Since the WHO announcement, Anvisa has revoked a series of technical notes and resolutions implemented in the early years of the pandemic, but which lost their effectiveness with the end of the global health emergency.

An example of this was the mandatory presentation of proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test to board cruise ships that sail in Brazilian jurisdictional waters.

In March, due to the improvement in the epidemiological outlook, Anvisa also eliminated the obligation to wear masks in airports and on aircraft.

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Source: National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and Globo.