Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Brazil
Rio, the Amazon, Iguaçu Falls and the beaches — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Brazil, including Yellow Fever and malaria for the Amazon.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Brazil?
For most travellers to Brazil, the vaccines usually advised are Yellow Fever (recommended for most areas, including the Amazon and Iguaçu Falls), Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and an up-to-date Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster. Depending on your plans, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Chikungunya may also be considered. Malaria is mainly a concern for the Amazon region, where antimalarial tablets are often advised; Rio, the coast and Iguaçu Falls generally aren't malaria areas. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required for onward travel.
These recommendations are a general guide based on UK travel-health advice from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC). Because Brazil is so huge and varied — from Rio and the beaches to the Amazon and Iguaçu Falls — we'll confirm exactly what you need, including whether malaria tablets suit your route, at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Yellow Fever must be given at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid, so plan ahead. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway — there's almost always something we can do.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Brazil
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Yellow Fever (including certificate)
Yellow Fever
Recommended for most areas of Brazil, including the Amazon and Iguaçu Falls. A certificate may be required for onward travel — we issue the official certificate.
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for most trips.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers, especially outside main resorts.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Considered for the Amazon, rural areas and longer trips where help is far away.
Chikungunya
Some travellers
A common mosquito-borne illness in Brazil, carried by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. A vaccine may be considered for some travellers; insect-bite avoidance is essential.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue occurs in Brazil. The dengue vaccine may be considered for travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous, laboratory-confirmed dengue infection — bite avoidance remains essential for everyone.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
BCG is usually only relevant for longer stays or close community contact, typically younger travellers who have not had it before.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Brazil requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
No yellow fever certificate is required to enter Brazil
Brazil does not ask arriving travellers for a yellow fever certificate, whatever your route.
Separately, yellow fever transmission does occur in parts of Brazil — so the vaccine itself may be advised for your health; see the vaccine list above and we'll confirm at your consultation.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever vaccine & certificate for Brazil
Brazil has a risk of yellow fever across most of the country, and the vaccine is recommended for nearly all travellers other than those staying purely in a few coastal cities. The certificate is valid for life and may be required if you travel on to other South American countries. As a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, we can vaccinate you and issue the certificate in one visit.
- Recommended for most travellers aged 9 months and over
- Single dose at least 10 days before travel; certificate valid for life
- We're a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and dengue in Brazil
Malaria risk in Brazil is mainly in the Amazon region (the northern and western states). Rio, São Paulo, the coast, Iguaçu Falls and most popular tourist areas are not malaria risk areas. Dengue occurs widely, including cities, so mosquito-bite protection matters everywhere.
- Amazon region: antimalarial tablets often advised
- Rio, coast & Iguaçu: generally no malaria risk
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
FAQ
Brazil travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Brazil?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your Yellow Fever certificate, vaccinations and malaria advice for your trip.