UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Brazil. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in Brazil
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Christ the Redeemer
Standing 30 m tall atop Corcovado Mountain, this Art Deco statue overlooks all of Rio de Janeiro and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Amazon Rainforest
The world's largest tropical rainforest covers over half of Brazil and is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including jaguars, river dolphins, and countless bird species.
Iguazu Falls
More spectacular than Niagara, these 275 individual waterfalls straddle the Brazil-Argentina border and are surrounded by lush subtropical forest filled with wildlife.
Copacabana Beach
Rio de Janeiro's iconic 4 km crescent beach is a year-round social hub — beach football, caipirinha vendors, sunbathers, and the electric atmosphere of the city all converge here.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A surreal landscape of vast white sand dunes filled with crystal-clear blue and green lagoons — one of Brazil's most unique and photogenic natural wonders.
Salvador Historic Centre (Pelourinho)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pelourinho is a neighbourhood of colourful colonial buildings, baroque churches, and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture in the heart of Salvador.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Carnival, Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, and endless energy
São Paulo
South America's largest city — nightlife, art, and food without parallel
Salvador
The African heart of Brazil — Pelourinho, capoeira, and Carnaval
Florianópolis
Island city with 42 beaches, dunes, and a laid-back lifestyle
Manaus
Amazon gateway city for jungle lodges, piranha fishing, and river cruises
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Brazil
From April 2025, Brazil requires an eVisa for citizens of several countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia, reversing its previous visa-free policy. Citizens of the EU, UK, Japan, and many others remain visa-free for tourism. Always check your specific passport via the Yoogo visa checker.
Visa-free visitors can typically stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the possibility of extending to 180 days within a 12-month period. Overstaying results in fines and potential banning from future entry.
A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a valid eVisa or visa if required, and a completed electronic entry form (SISMIGRA) which is often integrated with the eVisa application.
Safety in Brazil varies significantly by city and neighbourhood. Tourist areas like Ipanema, Leblon, and the historic centre of Salvador are generally safe during the day. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious after dark, and stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise increased caution and follow local advice.
The Brazilian Real (BRL, symbol R$). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed in smaller towns and for many street vendors.
Portuguese is the official and only national language. Brazilian Portuguese differs notably from European Portuguese in pronunciation and vocabulary. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by educated city-dwellers, but is not widespread.
Brazil's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. May to September (dry season) is generally best for most of the country. Avoid the Amazon and northeast in the wet season (November–April). Rio Carnival typically falls in February or March and is spectacular but very busy.
Attend Rio Carnival, visit Christ the Redeemer, explore the Amazon rainforest, see Iguazu Falls, relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, explore Pelourinho in Salvador, discover the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, and watch a football match in one of the iconic stadiums.
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the largest international hub. Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Brasília International Airport (BSB) also serve major international routes.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities vary in quality outside major cities, and costs can be high for private care. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is advisable in remote areas.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if entering from certain countries (check the latest ANVISA list). Yellow fever vaccination is also strongly recommended if visiting Amazonian regions. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also advisable.
Yes, for up to 180 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Roads vary widely in quality. Be aware that driving standards and conditions can be challenging.
Duty-free allowance is USD 500 per person. Carry any required medications with their original prescription. Electronics over the limit must be declared. Importing or exporting wild animals, plants, and their derivatives is prohibited.
A 10% service charge (gorjeta) is typically included in restaurant bills by law; paying it is customary but technically optional. Additional tipping is appreciated for exceptional service. Taxi drivers do not typically expect a tip.
Tap water in major cities is technically treated but often has an unpleasant taste due to chlorination. Bottled or filtered water is widely consumed and recommended for tourists. Tap water in smaller towns and rural areas should not be consumed.
Brazil uses Type N outlets (two round pins plus a grounding pin) as the national standard, at 127V or 220V — note that the voltage varies by city. Check your accommodation's voltage before plugging in devices.
190 (Police — PMERJ/PM), 192 (Ambulance — SAMU), 193 (Fire Brigade). 191 is the Federal Highway Police.
Most governments advise increased caution for travel to Brazil, particularly in areas affected by organised crime and urban violence. Specific favela areas and remote regions may have higher advisory levels. Check your government's official travel advice before departure.