Brazil’s Level 2 Travel Advisory Updated by State Department

The US State Department issued an update to Brazil’s Level 2 Travel Advisory on February 6, 2019. 

This ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ advisory is related to certain areas in Brazil that pose risks to Americans, such as violent crime in urban areas, day and night. 

This is important news since Brazilian officials estimate that the new eVisa program would boost tourism from the U.S. by at least 25 %.

The United States had the second most tourists to Brazil in 2017, sending some 475,200 tourists. 

Specifically, this updated Travel Advisory says Americans should not travel to:

• Any area within 150 km of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to these areas.
• Do not use public buses in and around Recife.
• Informal housing developments.

If you decide to travel to Brazil, the State Department says: 

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling to tourist locations and in crowded public venues.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas, and in particular around the city of Rio de Janeiro’s Corcovado Mountain trails.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Regarding health risks, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued 2 Travel Alerts during 2018:

• Level 1 Travel Alert:  Travelers to Brazil, and the state of Amazonas in particular, should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine before travel.  Brazil has reported the region’s 2nd highest measles burden, with over 2,800 cases reported during 2018. 
• Level 2 Travel Alert: There is a large, ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in multiple states of Brazil since early 2018. Travelers to Brazil should protect themselves from this virus by getting a yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel, and preventing mosquito bites.

Additionally, because a Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, pregnant women should not travel to certain areas of Brazil, says the CDC.

The CDC says Americans visiting Brazil should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, such as MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, and a yearly flu shot.

Moreover, certain international travelers may need hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever vaccinations. 

In the USA, these vaccines are available at certified travel vaccination pharmacies and clinics. 

International travelers can easily request a vaccine counseling appointment at Vax-Before-Travel.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information.

And, vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.