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TRAVEL REPORT
Brazil

1. RECENT UPDATES

A hyperlink has been updated.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has posted an advisory regarding the outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil. Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites when going to certain areas. For more information and recommendations, see PHAC's Travel Health Advisory.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Brazil

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and recent incidents of gang-related violence.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Gang-Related violence

Incidents of gang-related violence continue to pose a threat to the safety of travellers in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro States. In the past, targets included police stations, buses, official buildings and businesses. In Rio de Janeiro, violent incidents and armed clashes between police forces and alleged criminals recently occurred at Galeão Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, as well as on the highway leading to the airport and in the vicinity of the shantytowns. Although additional security forces have been deployed throughout both States, future incidents are possible and could involve the use of firearms. Travellers should use only authorized airport taxi services.

Border areas including the States of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia and Mato Grosso, are dangerous due to drug trafficking. Other risk areas include the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where criminal activities (such as trafficking of illicit goods) occur.

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution at all times and to avoid travelling alone, especially at night.

Crime

Serious crime, often involving violence, is high in a number of urban centres, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Salvador. The use of firearms is common. Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators.

Robberies involving tourists regularly occur, even during the day, and are sometimes violent. Canadians should avoid isolated areas and unsupervised beaches with poor visibility from the sidewalk. They should also ensure their hotel or living accommodation is totally secure. In Rio de Janeiro, travellers should be extremely vigilant in areas outside of the south side (Zona Sul), as well as in areas surrounding the Rodoviaria (bus station).

Incidents of sexual assault against foreigners have also been reported, sometimes involving the use of sedative drugs. Unaccompanied female travellers should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be extremely careful about accepting invitations.

Any visit to a favela (shantytown) should be done in the company of a reputable tour guide only. Crime levels in these areas are extremely high.

Street crime, including pickpocketing, mugging, and purse snatching, is common, especially during public festivities such as the annual Carnival. Tourists are a favourite target. Travellers should be vigilant when visiting outdoor markets, and be cautious of strategies to distract their attention. They should not walk alone on beaches or in central areas of major cities after dark, but use well-lit and well-frequented streets. They should carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence, including carrying laptop computers. Valuables and important documents should be stored in a hotel safe. As Brazilian authorities require all individuals to carry some form of identification, travellers should carry a photocopy of the identification page of their passport and visa documentation.

Express kidnappings and carjackings occur throughout the country, particularly in larger cities. Victims are usually picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from automated bank machines (ABMs). Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship, hospitality, or assistance.

Piracy occurs in Brazilian coastal waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions and ensure they can communicate with authorities easily in case of emergency.

Police Assistance

It is highly recommended to report all criminal incidents to the nearest police station. In Brasília and São Paulo, emergency numbers are: police: 190, ambulance: 192, and fire department: 193. The São Paulo Tourist Police (Delegacia de Proteção ao Turista) number is (11) 3120.4447 and 3151.4167. In Rio de Janeiro, tourist police can be reached at (21) 2332-2924, 2332-2511 and 2332-5112.

Civil Unrest

Political and labour strikes and demonstrations occasionally occur and could lead to violent incidents. Roadblocks are sometimes used during protests. Canadians should avoid large gatherings and keep informed of future demonstrations by monitoring local news reports closely.

General Safety Information

Travel in the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands should be undertaken with trained guides. These areas are largely uninhabited and dangerous.

Exercise caution when swimming offshore. Strong currents and sharks are present, especially in Recife. Follow local advice before swimming.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Brazilian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for all Canadians, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where Canadians were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Canadians are required to have a valid visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

Special regulations apply for dual nationals. All Brazilian citizens must enter and leave the country with their Brazilian passport. However, airlines may also require a valid Canadian passport for check-in and boarding procedures.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians applying for a Brazilian entry visa should note that the names on the birth certificate, Canadian passport, and visa application must be identical. No initials (this also applies to the names of the parents) or missing names will be accepted by the Brazilian Federal Police.

Travellers are provided with an entry/exit card by immigration officials upon entry into Brazil. This card must be presented to officials upon departure from the country. Failure to produce this document upon departure may result in a fine.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required by Brazilian officials for travellers coming from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Brazil - BRASILIA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Setor de Embaixadas Sul, Avenida das Nações, Quadra 803, Lote 16, 70410-900 Brasília, D.F.
Postal Address: P.O. Box 341, Brasilia, D.F., 70359-970,
Tel.: 55 (61) 3424-5400
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-891-6614
Fax: 55 (61) 3424-5490
E-Mail: brsla@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.brazil.gc.ca

Brazil - BELO HORIZONTE, Consulate of Canada
Address: Consulado Honorário de Belo Horizonte (Edifício Lumiere: Hospital de Olhos Dr. Ricardo Guimarães), Rua da Paisagem 220, 3rd Floor, Vila da Serra, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Postal Address: P.O. Box 420, Cep: 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,
Tel.: 55 (31) 3047-1225
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-891-6614
Fax: 55 (31) 3289-2150
E-Mail: consul.belo@canada.org.br, secretaria@holhos.com.br
Internet: http://www.brazil.gc.ca

Brazil - RIO DE JANEIRO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Avenida Atlântica 1130, 5th Floor, Copacabana, 22021-000 Rio de Janeiro
Tel.: 55 (21) 2543-3004
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-891-6614
Fax: 55 (21) 2275-2195
E-Mail: rio@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.brazil.gc.ca

Brazil - SÃO PAULO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Centro Empresarial Nações Unidas - Torre Norte, Avenida das Nações Unidas, 12901, 16th Floor, 04578-000 São Paulo
Postal Address: P.O. Box CEP 04578-000, São Paulo,
Tel.: 55 (11) 5509-4321
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-891-6614
Fax: 55 (11) 5509-4260
E-Mail: spalo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.brazil.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Brasília or the Consulate General of Canada in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 0 800 891-6614.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor an outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil. Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites when going to certain areas. For more information and recommendations, see PHAC's Travel Health Advisory.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever can be a threat, especially in rural and jungle areas, in the northern parts of Brazil and during the rainy seasons (see Section 10 for details). Off-road travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Canadians are strongly encouraged to visit a travel medicine clinic or physician well in advance of their departure date for advice on appropriate vaccination.

Dengue fever is increasingly present in urban areas. On March 21, 2008, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has confirmed a dramatic increase in cases of dengue fever in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Travellers planning to visit the area should consult a travel medicine clinic or physician and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. 

HIV/AIDS is also a significant risk in Brazil. Travellers should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Certain medication may not be available. Private hospitals and clinics in the city are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Avoid areas of known drug trafficking. Travellers should not, under any circumstances, carry any items for others, especially baggage and parcels.

It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity (original ID and copy of passport and visa) at all times.

Brazil is actively seeking to prevent child sex tourism, and a number of tourists have been convicted of offences relating to the corruption of minors. The legal age of consent in Brazil is 18. Prison sentences are severe.

Consumption of any alcoholic beverages prior to driving is illegal in Brazil.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Air Travel

Travellers should re-confirm their flight details with their airline and arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure on international flights and one hour prior to departure on domestic flights. Failure to do so could result in the loss of your seat as airlines attempt to accommodate passengers on waiting lists.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Road Travel and Driving

Brazil has one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Road travel is hazardous due to aggressive driving habits and poorly maintained roads, and should be avoided after dark. When driving, pay particular attention to your surroundings while waiting at traffic lights and keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.

In Rio de Janeiro and in São Paulo, it is common to let motorists treat red lights as stop signs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to protect against hold-ups at intersections. Pedestrians and motorists proceeding through green lights during these hours are advised to exercise added caution. Travellers should avoid stopping on the highway linking Manaus and Boa Vista, when going through the Yanomami Indian reserve.

For further information on road safety, contact the Federal Highway Police at 55-61/ 3447-2838. In case of emergency throughout the country, dial 193. In the event of an accident, motorists should also contact the military police at (55 92) 3642-6708. Roadside assistance is generally offered by local garage owners.

Canadian visitors can drive in Brazil up to 180 days if they have a valid Canadian driver's license. It is recommended to have an official Portuguese translation of the Canadian driver's licence since it might help Canadian visitors when dealing with local transit authorities. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not necessary.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Theft on buses and trams is common. Violent incidents are frequently perpetrated in taxis travelling from Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport to the city. Prior to their departure, Canadians should make arrangements to be met on arrival at airports in Brazil. They should use registered airport taxis only. Tickets are purchased from various taxi offices in the airport arrival halls. In town, use taxis from taxi ranks. Few taxi drivers speak English or French. Local law requires the use of the taxi meter to determine the legal fare. At night, it is safer to order a taxi by telephone.

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The currency is the real (BRL). Canadian dollars are not widely accepted in Brazil, although some exchange bureaus will accept them. Finding an exchange bureau can be difficult on weekends. Carry small bills, as change is often unavailable for small transactions. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club) and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in major hotels, although many locations will not accept more than one or two of those listed above. Credit card fraud is a problem. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from January to July in the north, January to May in the northeast, September to January in the southeast (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), and September to January in the south. Flash floods and landslides can occur. During these seasons, travel conditions on mountain roads and highways leading to beaches can be dangerous due to flooding or landslides. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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