Travel vaccinations for Brazil
From Rio's beaches to Amazon rainforest trips, Brazil's health preparation varies significantly depending on which regions you're visiting.
Brazil covers an enormous range of environments, so the precautions that suit a Rio city break differ a lot from those needed for an Amazon rainforest extension.
The vaccine that most surprises people is yellow fever: UK guidance recommends it for Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo cities as well as the Amazon, so many Brazil trips need it - we give it at our clinics, in the same consultation.
Assessed individually
Vaccines commonly discussed for Brazil
- TyphoidMost travellers. Recommended for most travellers, particularly those visiting friends and relativesFull course £50
- Hepatitis A and B combinedMost travellers. Widely recommendedFull course £195
- RabiesSome travellers. Considered for Amazon or rural travelFull course £240
- Diphtheria, tetanus and polioEveryone - check you are up to date. Booster if it's been over 10 yearsFull course £50
- Yellow feverSome travellers. Recommended for some areas - see yellow fever belowFull course £80
No vaccine for this
Malaria in Brazil
Low risk in the Amazon basin, including Manaus, and very low risk in the rest of Brazil, with bite avoidance advised in both. No risk at Iguazu Falls. Antimalarial tablets are only considered in exceptional circumstances for higher-risk travellers.
Antimalarial tablets and pricesRecommended for some areas
Yellow fever
There is no certificate requirement for entry to Brazil. Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older visiting most of the country, including Rio de Janeiro city, São Paulo city, Brasília, Iguazu Falls and the whole Amazon region. It is not recommended for trips limited to Fortaleza, Recife and other areas outside the listed states.
Yellow fever certificates and exemptionsBeyond the jabs
Before you go
- Mosquito bite prevention in the Amazon; antimalarial tablets are rarely needed
- Mosquito bite prevention for dengue and Zika
- Food and water hygiene
- Sun protection
- Entry requirements
- Check current visa requirements for UK travellers before booking, as rules have changed in recent years.
- When to go
- Varies by region; the dry season in the Amazon runs roughly June to November.
Common questions
Travelling to Brazil
Is a Rio beach holiday different from an Amazon extension in terms of preparation?
Less than people expect. Malaria is low risk even in the Amazon and absent in Rio, so tablets are rarely needed for either. Yellow fever vaccination, on the other hand, is recommended for Rio de Janeiro city as well as the Amazon, São Paulo, Brasília and Iguazu Falls, and we give it at our clinics. Bring your full route to your consultation.
