Brazil
🏛️ Capital: Brasília
👥 Population: 212 million
💬 Language: Portuguese
💰 Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Amazon rainforest, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls, Carnival, tropical beaches
📈 High Season: December to March
📉 Low Season: June to August
☀️ The warmest month: February
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: January
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 59/100
Rank: 79th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Brazil:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
Infectious diseases in Brazil with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Oropouche
- Schistosoma
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
No certificate required.
Would you like to learn more about Brazil?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Brazil is already available there.
Brazil FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Brazil in terms of health risks?
Yes, Brazil is generally safe for travelers, but health risks differ between regions. Mosquito-borne diseases pose the main risk, with malaria common in Amazon areas and Dengue fever in urban areas. Other concerns include foodborne illness and sun exposure. With vaccinations, good hygiene, and protective steps, most travelers enjoy a healthy trip.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Brazil?
Recommended vaccines for Brazil include hepatitis A and tetanus. Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for most travelers to risk areas. Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies are also advised for some travelers. MyGlobdoc can generate a vaccination plan tailored to your destinations and activities.
Are there any common diseases in Brazil that travelers should know about?
Yes. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are common in many parts of Brazil, especially during the rainy season. In the Amazon basin, malaria is also a concern. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are risks across the country.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Brazil?
Choose food from busy, reputable restaurants or street stalls and avoid undercooked meat or seafood. Drink bottled or filtered water and be cautious with ice in rural areas. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
Is malaria a risk in Brazil, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in Brazil’s Amazon region and some rural northern states. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador are malaria-free. MyGlobdoc can help evaluate your route and determine if malaria medication is needed.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Brazil?
Brazil has dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, malaria (in the Amazon), and yellow fever in some regions. These illnesses are more common during the rainy season. Prevent bites with DEET-based repellent, long sleeves, and mosquito nets when staying in rural areas.
Do I need travel health insurance for Brazil?
Yes, travel health insurance is highly recommended. Brazil has excellent private hospitals in large cities, but care can be expensive for foreigners. Insurance ensures access to quality treatment and covers emergencies, including evacuation if needed.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Brazil?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For Amazon travel, include mosquito nets and water purification tablets. MyGlobdoc can create a custom kit checklist for your planned activities.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Brazil?
Stay hydrated, protect yourself from mosquitoes, and avoid food from unhygienic vendors. Allow time to rest during long bus rides or hot days, and carry a medical kit for common issues. Vaccinations and proper mosquito precautions are especially important if visiting rural areas.
Is Brazil safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid areas with the Zika virus and take strict mosquito protection measures, as Zika can affect pregnancy outcomes. Those with chronic illnesses should be mindful of extreme heat in the northeast and limited facilities in remote Amazon areas. Carry sufficient medication and confirm your insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Brazil?
Seek care at private hospitals in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or Brasília for serious conditions. Pharmacies are widely available for minor issues. Always carry your travel insurance information and emergency contacts for fast access to care.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Brazil?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry, although it is recommended for many regions within Brazil. Currently, no special health certificates are needed. Check updated entry and vaccination requirements before your trip.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By David Ayala – Own work, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16968608 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More From Blog
Motion Sickness and How To Handle It
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 Guide (Route, Costs & Tips)
Blood Clots and Long Flights: What Travelers Must Know
Popular topics
Tags