In recent travel news, Brazil eases Covid-19 entry requirements, becoming one of the latest countries in South America to issue a new set of rules for incoming international travelers.
On Saturday, Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency Anvisa declared that vaccinated Brazilians and international travelers are now exempt from presenting proof of a COVID-19 test with a negative or non-detectable result. Travelers are now only required to present proof of vaccination, printed or electronically.
By this standard, a traveler is considered fully vaccinated after taking two doses or a single dose of an anti-COVID vaccine, depending entirely on the type of immunizer. Anvisa has cautioned that the vaccination scheme must be complete at least 14 days before the date of departure.
The change in travel requirements comes as the COVID-19 health crisis appears to be minimizing rapidly in the South American country. As Brazil eases COVID-19 entry requirements, there is a notable decline in COVID-19 related deaths, cases, and hospitalizations.
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated – provided they are Brazilians or foreigners residing in the country – must still present a COVID-19 test with a negative or non-detectable result, Anvisa added.
Despite the drastic change for vaccinated travelers, the agency has noted that international travelers who live abroad and are not fully vaccinated remain unable to enter the country in line with the previous policy.
“In general, the new rules confirm vaccination as the basis for national border policy for all modes of transportation,” Anvisa said in a statement.
“Complete immunization is mandatory for all individuals eligible for vaccination and who intend to enter Brazil.” the agency continued.
With these latest updates, vaccinated travelers hoping to explore Brazil will be right on time for the postponed carnival in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The carnival parade was intended to take place in February but due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, is scheduled to take place in April.