Travel vaccines for Brazil
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most of the country, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Iguazu Falls. Malaria tablets are not usually needed.
Vaccines for Brazil
Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.
Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.
Current health alerts
- Oropouche virus disease outbreak ongoing. It is spread by midges and mosquitoes and there is no vaccine, so bite avoidance matters, especially in pregnancy.
Advised for most travellers
Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip
These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.
Entry rules
- There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
- There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of Brazil, so vaccination is about protecting you, not entry rules. Other countries may ask for a certificate when you arrive from Brazil.
Malaria
Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised.
- Low risk in the Amazon basin, including the city of Manaus: awareness and bite avoidance.
- Very low risk in the rest of Brazil.
- No risk at Iguazu Falls.
- For travellers at higher risk going to the Amazon basin, atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are suitable options.
Other health risks
Zika
There is a risk, with more than 22,000 cases reported in 2025. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.
Schistosomiasis
Present in fresh water. Avoid swimming or wading in lakes and rivers.
Methanol poisoning
Cases linked to contaminated alcoholic drinks were reported in 2025, mostly in Sao Paulo state.
Insect-borne infections
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis occur in parts of South America. Avoid bites day and night.
More than one country?
Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.
Common questions about Brazil
What vaccines do I need for Brazil?+
For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for Brazil?+
Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised. Low risk in the Amazon basin, including the city of Manaus: awareness and bite avoidance. Very low risk in the rest of Brazil. No risk at Iguazu Falls. For travellers at higher risk going to the Amazon basin, atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are suitable options.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Brazil?+
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations. There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of Brazil, so vaccination is about protecting you, not entry rules. Other countries may ask for a certificate when you arrive from Brazil.
How far in advance should I get vaccines for Brazil?+
Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.
Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).
Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.
We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.