IMPACT – HIGH

Brazil 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 July 29 for another 30 days until Aug. 28. The extended restriction applies to foreign nationals entering Brazil by land or water.
  • Foreign nationals with valid immigration documents may enter Brazil by air, including those who have a valid short stay visa.
  • Foreign nationals traveling by air are not allowed to enter via international airports in these states: Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraiba, Rondonia, Rio Grande do Sul and Tocantins.
  • Foreign nationals entering with a short stay visa up to 90 days in duration are required to show they have health insurance that is valid in Brazil for their visit before boarding their inbound flights.
  • Further rules may be issued by regulatory authorities pertaining to health procedures, operations and vessels.
  • 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, now until Aug. 28.

Besides the new exceptions, a number of previously existing exceptions are available for land and water entry, including for: Brazilian nationals; immigrants with definitive residence authorization; close family of Brazilian nationals (except for Venezuelan 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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