Travel Vaccines and Advice for Brazil
Rich with beaches, rainforests, and vibrant urban centers, Brazil offers a wide variety of attractions.
For the adventurous, there are mountains to climb and islands to explore. For the more historically inclined, there are whole settlements from the colonial era that have not been renovated since their construction.
To experience the rich culture of Brazil, it is best to come during the time of Carnaval. Dancers flood the streets showing off sambo rhythms and other aspects of Brazil’s musical fabric. This is not to say Carnaval is the only time to behold such an event. Smaller versions of the festival happen throughout the year, and serve as a perfect window into the country’s heart.
Due to Brazil’s history as a trading port and colony, it is a melting pot of African, European, and Latin American cultures.
Brazil is also home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, offering an incredible range of flora and fauna. A trip to Brazil is a chance to experience a taste of everything.
Do I Need Vaccines for Brazil?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Brazil. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Brazil: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Recommended for all regions except Fortaleza and Recife - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Brazil |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Recommended for all regions except Fortaleza and Recife |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for Brazil |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
A yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Brazil, but is highly recommended. See the yellow fever section below.
Malaria and dengue are present in Brazil. Be sure to take proper precautions to avoid these mosquito-borne diseases. Bring repellents netting and antimalarials, if needed.
Zika virus has been found in Brazil. Some travellers are at an increased risk including women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Make sure you use repellents and netting where needed.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Yellow Fever in Brazil
Brazil has been the site of multiple yellow fever outbreaks in the past few years. The most recent outbreak started in December 2016 and is still ongoing.
Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for travellers to:
- Espirito Santo
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
- Bahia
See our health alerts section for the most up-to-date information.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Brazil
“The nurse was very professional and kind. She was very knowledgeable about Brazil and patient when providing information. Answers all the questions and went above and beyond. We arw thankful for her service.”
“The staff scheduled my vaccination appointment for yellow fever and advised me on other medicines to take pending my upcoming trip to Brazil. The nurse was truly excellent, very informative and thoughtful. He was assertive when necessary to get my attention, and his advice seemed spot on.”
“Passport is professional, helpful, thorough and friendly. I’ve used their travel medicine services twice before going to a rural island in Bahia, Brazil for extended periods, and both times the person assisting me has been excellent. This is honestly one of the best health experiences I’ve ever had.”
“I visited Passport Health for the first time today for an upcoming visit to Brazil. The nurse was a great help, walked me through all the recommended vaccines, and other risks of travelling to the area. Will definitely use again when travelling abroad.”
“My nurse was super-well informed about the vaccines I would need for a forthcoming trip to Brazil. Her explanations were clear and informative, her personal style friendly and full of willingness to help. You are the best!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Brazil?
In order to enter Brazil, Canadian citizens who have a valid passport need a visa to enter Brazil. Brazilian procedure changes mean that processing a visa is different depending on where in Canada you live. Eastern Canada residents may receive their visa as soon as four + weeks. Western Canada residents will receive their visas in less than three weeks. Those in the Ontario/ Mantiboa area should expect to receive their visa in 3+ weeks.
Brazil Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Brazil? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Brazil and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Tourist visas last 90 days, but can be extended once for an an extra 90 days. When entering the country, you must provide proof of a return ticket, or you may not be allowed entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Brazil?
Brazil’s climate can vary depending on which region you are visiting.
In the northern parts of the country, the climate is tropical, while in the southern regions the climate is more temperate. Most of the population lives in cooler areas like high altitudes or the coast.
Popular tourist destinations like Rio de Janeiro suffer from an extremely hot climate. Temperatures there are usually above 38 degrees during the dry season.
In the areas closer to the Amazon rainforest, temperatures higher than 32 are rare. If you are travelling to cities in the upper region of the Amazon belt like Belem, heavy rainfall is common between December and April.
It is best to study the microclimate of the region you are visiting while planning a trip to Brazil.
How Safe is Brazil?
Be sure to travel with your passports on your person at all times and be prepared to present it to local law enforcement, if necessary.
As a whole, the danger level of Brazil is classified as high. The murder rate if four times that of developed nations, and the crime rate reaches similar numbers. Travellers should remain vigilant at all times. Try not to travel outside of where you are staying after dark.
Do not ever enter the favelas. They are mostly operated by gangs, and are extremely dangerous even for locals. It is best to avoid them completely. If you are planning on going somewhere that is off the beaten path, consult with locals first to find out if it is safe.
Avoid carrying large amounts of money with you. If absolutely necessary, divide it up between several pockets. The efficiency of the police force varies depending on the region. It is imperative that you do not attempt to bribe them for any reason.
Beaches in Brazil
Brazil is widely renowned for its gorgeous beaches.
The most famous beaches are Ipanema and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. There are gems further north such as the Boa Vista and Porto de Galinhas that are worth checking out.
If you are planning on visiting one of the more well-known beaches, be prepared to be mingling with large crowds. These beaches bring in tens of thousands of tourists, especially from Europe, throughout the year.
What Should I Take To Brazil?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Brazil:
- Medical Supplies – These can be expensive in Brazil. It is important to bring one’s own. Make sure to include antidiarrheal medication, antimalarials, and basic over the counter aides.
- Breathable Clothing – The climate of Brazil in the central areas like Rio de Janeiro can be quite hot. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you wouldn’t mind sweating in.
- Warm Clothing – This is advised if travelling to an area south of the Tropic of Capricorn where the climate is more temperate.
- Documents – Be sure to bring your passport, visa and other forms of identification.
- Cash – It is safest to operate on a cash-only basis while in Brazil.
Canadian Embassy in Brazil
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Brazil, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Brazil
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 803, Lote 16
70410-900 Brasília DF – Brazil
Tel.: (55 61) 3424-5400
If you have any questions about travelling to Brazil or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Brazil?
Yellow Fever in Brazil
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Brazil?
What is the Climate Like in Brazil?
How Safe is Brazil?
Beaches in Brazil
What Should I Take To Brazil?
Canadian Embassy in Brazil
