Foreign travel advice

Brazil

Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Brazil.

Health

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 192 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in Brazil, including:

  • yellow fever
  • dengue
  • chikungunya
  • oropouche
  • high UV levels

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Brazil. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

If you’re taking medication, bring a prescription or letter from your doctor confirming your need to carry the medication. Bring enough to last your whole trip, as some medicines may not be available locally. Counterfeit drugs can be an issue, so it’s better to travel with your own supplies.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Brazil

Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be overcrowded and there’s often a long wait for a bed and a lack of medication. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can show evidence of enough money or insurance to cover your treatment.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Brazil where some staff will speak English.  

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Brazil.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.