IMPACT – HIGH

Brazil recently extended its temporary restriction on the entry of foreign nationals, but has provided broader exceptions for many foreign travelers.

Key Points:

  • The temporary restriction on the entry of foreign nationals has been extended from June 30 for another 30 days. The extended restriction applies to foreign nationals entering Brazil by air, land or water.
  • There are new exceptions to the restriction extension for:
    • Foreign nationals traveling by air who have a visit visa for a short stay and no intention to establish residence.
    • Foreign nationals traveling by air whose visit visa has been waived and who will be engaging in business, sporting or artistic activities.
  • There is also a new exception for foreign nationals traveling by air who intend to establish residence for a specific period of time and who have a temporary visa granted for the following purposes:
    • Research, teaching or an academic extension.
    • Study.
    • Work.
    • Investing.
    • A family reunion.
    • Sports or artistic activities with a fixed-term contract.
  • Foreign nationals traveling to Brazil by air who meet the above conditions must enter using one of the following international airports:
    • Sao Paulo International Airport, in the city of Guarulhos, in the state of Sao Paulo.
    • Tom Jobim International Airport, in Rio de Janeiro.
    • Viracopos International Airport, in Campinas, in the state of Sao Paulo.
    • Brasilia International Airport, Brasilia, Federal District.
  • Foreign nationals must be prepared to show documentation regarding their reasons for traveling. Before boarding, they must also present a declaration from a health authority or doctor stating that they are not infected with COVID-19.
  • Travelers should expect possible delays in travel because of new airport health protocols.

Additional information: Brazil suspended inbound travel from most of Europe and some Latin American and Asian countries in the third week of March. Air travel was then suspended for all foreign nationals at the end of March, and suspension has been extended a number of times since then.

Besides the new exceptions, a number of previously existing exceptions are available, including for: Brazilian nationals; immigrants with definitive residence authorization; close family of Brazilian nationals (except for Venezuela nationals); foreign professionals working for international organizations; foreign employees with Brazilian government accreditation; passengers transiting through Brazil who will not leave the international area of the airport and will be permitted entry to their destination country; humanitarian travel; technical landings for refueling, provided restricted nationals do not disembark from the aircraft; and cargo transportation in compliance with current laws.

The suspension also does not apply to foreign maritime crew members who: (1) possess a Seaman’s Book granted under International Labor Organization Convention terms; (2) are required to enter the country by the maritime agent to the Federal Police in order to perform certain duties while on a vessel or a platform operating in Brazilian jurisdictional waters; and (3) possess an entry visa if required.

Analysis & Comments: While entry restrictions remain in place, exceptions are now available to more travelers than at any point since March. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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