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Traveling to Brazil during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

Editor's Note — Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you're fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on February 24.

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(CNN) — If you're planning a trip to Brazil, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The basics

Brazil has been one of the hardest hit countries by the pandemic. It holds the second highest Covid-19 death toll in the world, second only to the United States.

The Brazilian government has done little to limit the spread nationally. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has criticized the use of masks and lambasted governors who adopt regional lockdown measures.

The Gamma coronavirus variant was first detected in Brazil and spread rapidly across the country in early 2021.

Hospitals in Brazil have struggled. Intubation, medication and oxygen have run low at points during the pandemic.

Cases in Brazil spiked in late 2021/early 2022 following the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant, they have since dropped but remain high.

As of February 24, 73% of the population in Brazil is fully vaccinated.

What's on offer

Brazil is a bucket list destination -- a country that really does have everything. Beachside Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most beautiful cities, capital Brasilia is a whirl of modernist architecture, and Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. There are some of the best beaches on the planet, plus, of course, the main part of the Amazon rainforest -- which visitors can help protect, by contributing toward the conservation economy.

Who can go

Brazil's government has been infamously relaxed about the pandemic -- and that includes border control. The country recently introduced some new measures following the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Anyone can travel to Brazil, regardless of their point of departure, but they must present proof of vaccination, unless they're an exempted case as listed here. Travelers must also present a negative test -- see below.

Entry requirements

If flying, before boarding, all arrivals must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding, as well as a traveler's health declaration form to their airline before boarding which can be completed online. Children under two are exempt, as are children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult with a negative test.
Travelers must also present proof of vaccination, unless they're an exempted case as listed here. These exempted unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 14 days at their final destination in Brazil.

Some Brazil land borders are closed to everyone except non-residents, unless you're en route to fly home. In that case, travelers must get authorization in advance, present a note from their own embassy or consulate authorizing their crossing at the border, show the plane ticket and go straight to the airport.

Travelers arriving into Brazil by land must also show proof of vaccination, unless they're exempt.

US CDC travel advisory:

Level 4: Very High. The CDC advises to avoid travel to Brazil and advises if you must travel to Brazil, make sure you are vaccinated.

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