São Paulo

Passport validity requirements

To enter Brazil, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Brazilian dual nationals

Brazilian immigration authorities often require dual British-Brazilian nationals visiting Brazil to travel on Brazilian (rather than British) passports.

Visa requirements

You can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.

If you want to extend your tourist visa, contact the Federal Police (in Portuguese) before your visa expires.

For more information about visas, contact the Brazilian Consulate in London.

If you overstay your visa, you’ll face a daily fine. You have the option to pay this fine either when you leave Brazil or during your next visit.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. If it is not stamped, you may be fined when you leave.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Brazil (in Portuguese).  

Travelling with children

Children with dual British-Brazilian citizenship

British-Brazilian dual nationals under the age of 18 who are travelling without both parents or legal guardians need authorisation from both parents or legal guardians to travel in Brazil or leave the country. Read more about the formal travel authorisation process for Brazilian minors and the frequently asked questions.

Children who are not dual British-Brazilian nationals

Families of non-Brazilian under-18s travelling through Brazil without one or both parents should follow the instructions for dual British-Brazilian under-18s. Make sure the under-18 or their travelling companion also carries the original or notarised copy of the under-18’s birth certificate. Contact the Brazilian Consulate in London for more information.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Brazil guide.

Customs rules  

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Brazil. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Brazil 

If you are bringing cash or travellers cheques into Brazil with a value of 10,000 US dollars or more, you will need to declare it online.

Customs rules  

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Brazil. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Brazil 

If you are bringing cash or travellers cheques into Brazil with a value of 10,000 US dollars or more, you will need to declare it online.

Emergency services in Brazil

Ambulance: 192

Fire: 193

Police: 190 or 911

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors in Brazil
• dealing with a death in Brazil
• being arrested or imprisoned in Brazil
• getting help if you’re a victim of rape or sexual assault in Brazil
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad   

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.  

Help in the UK   

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

Find out about call charges 

Get travel advice updates   

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.   

Follow FCDO:  

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Brazil on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel   

Amazonas State

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State:  

• along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
• along any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
• along any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
• along the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Elections and political events

The first round of Brazil’s general election will take place on 4 October. A second round is scheduled for 25 October. The presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Brasília on 5 January.

Protests and demonstrations can happen across Brazil without warning and the situation can change quickly.

See more information about protests and civil unrest on the Safety and security page.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates 

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO:    

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook 

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID 

Always carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID if you have one.

Illegal drugs and trafficking scams

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. Bringing drugs in to or out of Brazil in any quantity is illegal and the penalties are severe.

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

British nationals have been targeted through email scams where fraudsters offer a financial reward for travelling to Brazil, where they are then asked to carry items in to or out of Brazil, including to the UK. These items are often illegal drugs. Anyone caught will face detention for drug trafficking, regardless of the circumstances.

Airports in Brazil have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Electronic smoking devices

All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories.

Customs officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.

LGBT+ travellers

There is no legislation against same-sex sexual activity in Brazil. Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBT+ couples have equal rights in law.

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities hold Pride events, which attract large numbers. These events are usually very peaceful.

Brazil is generally tolerant. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities. There are reports of discrimination, violence and harassment against the LGBT+ community. Urban areas are usually more accepting. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.