Brazil
South America · Updated April 2026
Planning a trip to Brazil? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccines for most travellers — yellow fever is present across much of the country, including some areas around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states. Your doctor may also discuss rabies and chikungunya depending on whether you're heading to the Amazon or staying on the eastern coast. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before you go so they can tailor the plan to your route.
Malaria is a concern in the Amazon Basin states, including Manaus and the rainforest tour destinations. Rio, São Paulo, the eastern beaches, and Iguaçu Falls are not malaria zones.
Required for entry
No vaccines are currently required for entry to Brazil from most countries.
Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — If arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof required for travellers aged 9 months and older.
Recommended for most travellers
CDC advises these for all visitors to Brazil.
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Hepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.
Typhoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Yellow Fever
A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.
One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.
Recommended for some travellers
Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Chikungunya
A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.
Malaria
Not a vaccineRisk in the Amazon Basin states (Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins). No risk in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, the eastern coastal beaches, or Iguaçu Falls.
Routine vaccines to be up to date on
CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Polio
Flu (Influenza)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Shingles
COVID-19
Entry requirements
For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.
Standard tropical travel precautions apply. Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya circulate year-round across much of Brazil; mosquito-bite prevention matters even where vaccines aren't advised.
Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Brazil.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.