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Pre Arrival:  Charts | Documents
Arrival:  Pilotage
Communications:  Pratique | Pre-Arrival | VTS/Radar
Pollution:  Ballast | Pollution
Facilities:  Medical
Security:  Emergency | Piracy
Local Info:  Time | Holidays | Weather
Shore:  Telephones | Connections | Banks
Crew:  Leave | Repatriation
Report:  Report
General Information for Brazil
Geo-political:
Capital City: Brasilia. 15° 47.00′ S, 047° 55.00′ W
Nationality: (noun) Brazilian(s), (adjective) Brazilian.
Population: 211,715,973 (July 2020).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 55.
Number of Internal Airports: 4093 (2013).
Major Languages Spoken: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language).
Economy:
Currency: 1 Brazilian Real (BRL) of 100 Centavos.
Exchange Rates:  (as of November 2020)
USD 1.00 = BRL 5.74
BRL 1.00 = USD 0.17
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles, parts, other machinery and equipment.
Agricultural Products: Coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus and beef.
Imports: Machinery, electrical, transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts and electronics.
Exports: Transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee and automobiles.
Commodities: Crude: Production 2,587,000 bbl/d. Exports 736,600 bbl/d. Imports 297,700 bbl/d. Reserves 12,630,000,000 bbl. Products: Production 2,811,000 bbl/d. Exports 279,000 bbl/d. Imports 490,400 bbl/d. LNG: Production 23,960,000,000 cu.m.. Exports 134,500,000 cu.m.. Imports 10,510,000,000 cu.m.. Reserves 377,400,000,000 cu.m..
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Contiguous Zone: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 n.m. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 7,491 km.
Climate: Mostly tropical, but temperate in south.
Natural Resources: Alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower and timber.
Natural Hazards: Recurring droughts in northeast and floods and occasional frost in south.
Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 28° C 23° C
June 27° C 16° C
September 24° C 16° C
CHARTS:  Nautical charts, publications, Notices to Mariners and navigational warnings issued by Marinha do Brasil, Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegacao. Details available at www.marinha.mil.br/dhn/
DOCUMENTS:  Pre-arrival documentation to be submitted via the national Paperless Port (Porto Sem Papel) system, available to registered users at concentrador.portosempapel.gov.br/PSP-CDP/private/comum/pages/home.xhtml
Registration form is available at concentrador.portosempapel.gov.br/PSP-CDP/public/pages/normas/formularios/formularios.xhtml
Statement of Compliance:  The documents required by the authorities for Statement of Compliance for Oil Transport:
1 Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Security in Respect of Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
1 Crew List (IMO FAL Form)
1 IOPP Certificate (all pages including any supplement form)
1 Last Ports State Control Inspection Report
1 P&I Entry Certificate (with wreck removal clause)
1 Ports of Call List
1 Certificate of Registry
1 Ship Safety Construction Certificate
1 Ship’s particulars
Also see Pre-Arrival Information.
PILOTAGE:  Brazilian legislation defines pilotage as professional advisory activities provided to ships’ Masters, which are required in local areas whose peculiarities hinder the free and safe movement of the ship.
Pilotage in Brazilian waters is regulated by the Rules of Maritime Authority No. 12/2003 (NORMAM 12/2003) and monitored by the navy. In addition, Law No. 9.357/1997, commonly referred to as ``LESTA'', provides for the security of maritime traffic in waters under national jurisdiction and also regulates some pilotage issues.
Conselho Nacional de Praticagem (CONAPRA) is the national pilotage counsel, responsible for the control and inspection of the execution of pilotage activities. CONAPRA also moderates price negotiations regarding pilotage services. The issue of pricing is controversial in Brazil.
Pilotage Zones:  Full details of pilotage zones, and pilotage operators can be found at www.praticagemdobrasil.org.br/praticagem/zonas-de-praticagem
Pilotage Charges:  The level of fees charged for pilotage services will take into consideration not only the execution of the service itself, but also the pilot’s boat and the pilot look-out post (operational structure). The actual price is agreed between the parties involved. If agreement is not reached between the parties, the Public Administration may moderate over this negotiation.
NORMAM 12/2003 provides under item 0501 that maximum pilotage rates shall be fixed in accordance with the resolutions enacted by the National Commission for Pilotage Matters (Comissao Nacional de Assuntos de Praticagem – CNAP); however, there has been resistance by the industry to what is viewed as state intervention influencing pricing in what is otherwise a private and independent service. For the time being, shipowners should anticipate high pilotage fees following negotiation with the pilot provider.
Categories of Pilots:  In Brazil, there are two categories of pilots: pilot practitioners and pilots. The pilot practitioner, as defined in Chapter 2, Section I of NORMAM 12/2003, is the waterway professional who is not a crew member and aspires to become a pilot. NORMAM 12/2003 sets out the requirements to qualify as a pilot practitioner, which involves passing a public examination and undergoing a ``qualification period''. In due course, the aspiring pilot will be eligible to apply for a pilot licence. The pilot certificate will expire if the pilot cannot demonstrate a minimum frequency of pilotage engagements.
Law no. 9.357/1997, Article 13, states that pilotage will be executed by duly certified pilots, individually, organised in associations or hired by pilotage companies. The most common structure is pilots belonging to associations. Individual pilots are rarely encountered due to the high cost of pilotage equipment. The option to hire a pilot from a private company has been controversial, with some critics viewing this arrangement as being contrary to the nature of pilotage services.
Compulsory/Mandatory Pilotage:  In respect to pilotage activities, it is important to bear in mind, first of all, that pilotage is considered to be an essential activity and must be permanently available in the designated pilotage zones, as per Article 14 of Law no. 9.357/1997. The Maritime Authority sets the minimum necessary number of pilots per zone and is authorised to fix a price for the pilotage service. Additionally, pilots are not entitled to refuse to offer pilotage services, under the penalty of suspension of their licence or, in case of recidivism, cancellation of their licence.
In Brazil, ports, terminals and waterway passages in which pilotage is considered to be obligatory are listed in NORMAM 12/2003, as well as the areas in which pilotage services are deemed optional. As determined by item 0404 from NORMAM 12/2003, some types of ships are exempt from the obligation to engage pilotage services.
Vessel Tracking Systems:  Each pilotage zone has its own vessel tracking system. For instance, the pilotage zone of Sao Paulo operates a system called Centro de Coordenacao, Comunicacoes e Operacoes de Trafego (C3OT) which monitors and provides live information and images concerning meteorological and oceanographic conditions, as well as information and images on ships in the port area indicating information such as location, dimensions, position, course, speed, final destination and type of cargo.
Liability/Exemptions from Liability:  The NORMAM 12/2013 sets out the obligations applicable to pilots, including:
  1. to promptly and efficiently provide advice on local pilotage issues to the Master of the ship under pilotage
  2. to be available to provide a pilotage service for any kind of ship through the entire pilotage zone
  3. to transmit and respond to the necessary safety signals with other ships, to communicate the conditions and to cooperate with rescuing and salvage operations.
Article 25 of Decree No. 2.596/98 provides that a pilot shall be deemed liable if he refuses to provide pilotage services or breaches one of the Maritime Authority’s rules. There is no specific regulation concerning the possible liability of pilots for accidents or navigational incidents. The only relevant instrument is the Brussels Collision Convention (1910), ratified by Brazil, which has been interpreted by the local courts as exonerating pilots from civil liability, but allowing for pilot liability in the administrative and criminal spheres. Notwithstanding the above, pilots can be held liable in a redress lawsuit if it can be proven that the accident was caused due to a direct mistake of the pilot. On the other hand, in respect of the obligations of the Master of the ship towards the pilot, item 0230 from NORMAM 12/2003 highlights that:
  1. The presence of a pilot on the ship does not relieve the Master and his crew of their duties and obligations as to the safety of the ship, and the pilot’s actions should be permanently monitored.
  2. The Master of the ship, when using a pilotage service, has the following duties:
a) to inform the pilot about the manoeuvring conditions of the ship
b) to provide the pilot with all the necessary material elements and information in order to execute his service
c) to monitor the execution of the pilotage service
d) to disregard the advice of the pilot if the Master is convinced the pilot is executing his service in a dangerous manner
e) to provide the pilot with similar conditions provided to the other crew members
f) to comply with national and international safety rules
g) not to dispense with a pilot in circumstances in which pilotage is mandatory.
Pilot Working Conditions:  It is reported that pilots working in some ports in Brazil have in some instances refused to board vessels that do not maintain adequate working conditions, specifically concerning temperature control on the bridge and in pilot cabins. This is driven by local labour regulations, which mandate specific temperature ranges for the safety and comfort of employees. Vessels not complying with the regulations could face significant operational delays, financial losses, and potential port state control inspections. Managers and their seafarers should check that the vessel’s air conditioning is working properly prior to arriving in Brazil.
Pilots may bring thermometers on board, particularly in northern Brazilian ports where they are more likely to insist on enhanced working conditions considering the prolonged periods (typically 6-8 hours) they must remain on board. As the ambient temperature at the northern ports varies from 30°C to 35°C, vessels with faulty air conditioning are likely to face problems with pilots and other workers. Pilots may report any high temperatures found on the bridge to the local office of the Ministry of Labour. A labour inspector may then be dispatched to the vessel to conduct temperature measurements. If the high temperatures are verified by the inspector, a prosecutor may be assigned to report the matter to the local Harbour Master. The vessel will be required to resolve any issues with the air conditioning before pilotage can resume.
The Brazilian Regulatory Standards (NR) are a set of regulations established by the Brazilian government to ensure health and safety in the workplace. Issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, NRs ensure the physical integrity, health and safety at work and establish the technical and legal requirements on the minimum levels of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). ( braziliannr.com/brazilian-regulatory-standards ).
There are 38 NRs covering topics ranging from environmental risk prevention to safety practices for working at heights. In general, the standards align with the main business activities in Brazil. NR 17 applies to cases such as those relating to thermal discomfort and issues with air conditioning. Specifically, Section 17.8.4.2 of NR17 states, ``The organization [employer] must adopt measures to control temperature, air speed and humidity in order to provide thermal comfort in work situations, observing the air temperature range parameter between 18 and 25 °C for air-conditioned environments whereas NR-19 establishes in free translation the requirements and prevention measures to guarantee the safety and health conditions of workers at all stages of the manufacture, handling, storage and transportation of explosives.''
Penalties for noncompliance with requirements are set out in NR-28. These can go up to USD 300,000.
PRATIQUE:  Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). portal.anvisa.gov.br
Cruise Ship Inspections:  All cruise ships that circulate on the Brazilian coast undergo sanitary inspections by Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). In these inspections the Agency's inspectors check all the controls of the vessel regarding the sanitary safety of the water and food offered on board. Other areas and services also inspected on the ships are recreational waters (swimming pools, hydromassages, etc.), cleaning of cabins and environments, medical facilities, solid waste management (garbage), sewage treatment system, air conditioning and vents.
In Brazil, after the sanitary inspections of cruise ships, the Compliance Index and risk score for each vessel are obtained. The Compliance Index is the percentage of items evaluated in the inspection that were attended by the vessel. The risk score is the sum of the risk values of each item evaluated in the inspection. The risk score can range from 0 (ships with the highest possible safety level) to 5000 (ship with the lowest possible safety level).
After the inspection, based on the risk score, the vessels are classified into four (A to D) possible standards that allow ANVISA to conclude as to their sanitary conditions:
  1. standard A: ships with a risk score up to 150, i.e. in excellent sanitary conditions
  2. standard B: ships with a risk score between 151 and 300, i.e. in satisfactory sanitary conditions
  3. standard C: ships with a risk score between 301 and 450, i.e. in acceptable sanitary conditions
  4. standard D: ships with a risk score above 450, i.e. in unsatisfactory sanitary conditions with requirements to be met immediately.
Regardless of the risk score and the pattern found, when encountering sanitary irregularities, ANVISA inspectors always establish necessary correction measures with defined deadlines.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  Reference should be made to NORMAM-08/DPC (full text in Portuguese) with annexes which is available at www.marinha.mil.br/dpc/normas
Foreign vessels and national vessels over 20 g.t. are required to submit to the relevant Capitania dos Portos a completed Notificacao de Previsao de Chegada (Notice of Arrival - Annex 2-A NORMAM-08/DPC) within 48 hours before arrival. Additionally, vessel shall also submit to following:
  1. Declaracao Geral de Entrada (General Entry Declaration - Annex 2-B NORMAM-08/DPC)
  2. Crew List (Appendix B-I)
  3. Passenger List (Appendix B-II)
  4. GMDSS data sheet (Appendix B-III).
Vessels engaged in sport and/or recreation, warships and State vessels not engaged in commercial activities are not subject to this requirement.
Should there be any change to the initial Notice of Arrival, a new Notificacao de Previsao de Chegada should be submitted.
Documentation can be submitted directly to port via Paperless Port (PSP) concentrador.portosempapel.gov.br/portal/ , via SISDESP-WEB when PSP is not available, or to the relevant Capitania dos Ports when no alternative is available. SISDESP-WEB online application is available to registered users.
Arrival:  Within 4 hours of arrival, vessel shall submit to the Capitania dos Portos, as applicable, the following:
  1. Declaracao Geral de Entrada (General Entry Declaration - Annex 2-B NORMAM-08/DPC)
  2. Aviso de Entrada (Vessel Arrival Communication – Annex 2-H NORMAM-08/DPC)
  3. Aviso de Entrada – Navegacao Interior (Vessel Arrival Communication – Annex 2-N-NORMAM 08/DPC).
ISPS:  Merchant vessels engaged in international voyages or engaged in commercial maritime traffic between Brazilian ports, ocean islands, terminals and offshore platforms shall present the International Code for the Protection of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS), as defined in regulation 1.1.12 of Chapter XI- 2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974/1988) and its amendments in force, with the exception of:
  1. cargo ships less than 500 g.t.
  2. passenger ships less than 500 g.t. that do not make international voyages
  3. vessels without means of mechanical propulsion
  4. wooden vessels, primitive construction
  5. fishing vessels
  6. vessels with LOA less than 24 m. (NORMAM-01/DPC).
Shifting:  When a vessel shifts between an anchorage/port/terminal, a Registro de Movimentacao de Embarcacao (Vessel Movement Record – Annex 2-J NORMAM-08/DPC) shall be submitted to the relevant Capitania dos Portos within 4 hours of arrival at the new location.
Departure:  Vessel shall submit a Declaracao Geral de Saida (General Departure Declaration – Annex 2-E to NORMAM-08/DPC) to request departure from port. The declaration is mandatory for all vessels wishing to leave port except for vessels of 20 g.t. or less and/or sports/recreational vessels, warships and State vessels not engaged in commercial activities. The following shall accompany the Declaracao Geral de Saida:
  1. Pedido de Despacho por Periodo (Annex 2F NORMAM-08/DPC)
  2. Declaracao Geral de Entrada (Annex 2-B NORMAM-08/DPC)
  3. Last Port Clearance
  4. International Ship Security Certificate
  5. Safety Management Certificate
  6. Crew List/Passenger List (Annex B-I NORMAM-08/DPC)
  7. Port State Control Inspection Report
  8. Notificacao de Previsao de Chegada (Annex 2-A NORMAM-08/DPC)
  9. GMDSS data sheet (Annex 3-H NORMAM-08/DPC)
  10. Passe de Saida por Periodo (Annex 2-G NORMAM-08/DPC).
Within 4 hours of departure, vessel shall submit the following, as applicable:
  1. Declaracao Geral de Saida (General Departure Declaration – Annex 2-E NORMAM-08/DPC)
  2. Aviso de Saida (Vessel Departure Communication Annex 2-I NORMAM-08/DPC)
  3. Aviso de Saida – Navegacao Interior (Vessel Departure Communication – Inland Navigation Annex 2-O NORMAM-08/DPC).
PSC – Bulk Carriers:  Brazil has announced a new inspection requirement for aging bulk carriers. All bulk carriers of 18 years of age and above, intending to load a cargo with a density of 1.78 tonnes/cu.m. or greater, such as iron ore, will be subject to an inspection by Port State Control upon arrival and prior to the commencement of loading. This new inspection requirement is in addition to the Mandatory Annual Condition Survey conducted on bulk carriers, Oil/Ore (OOs) and Oil/Bulk/Ore (OBOs) of 18 years age and above, when calling at a Brazilian port, for loading solid bulk materials with density equal to or greater than 1.78 tonnes/cu.m.
Reference should be made to NORMAM-01/DPC and NORMAM-04/DPC.
VTS/RADAR:  Ship Reporting System (SISTRAM):  Compulsory for all vessels calling at Brazilian ports or passing through Brazil's territorial waters, it is voluntary for vessels other than Brazilian registered or calling at a Brazilian port when not within territorial waters. Working throughout 24 hours.
SISTRAM gathers navigational information from participating vessels, to improve SAR efforts within the Brazilian maritime area. It gives Comando do Controle Naval do Trafego Maritimo (COMCONTRAM) the ability to activate shore logistics quickly and divert nearby vessels to the scene providing faster response times, resulting in better safety of life at sea. Vessels should make their initial report electronically via SISTRAM 4's website http://www.sistram.mar.mil.br User registration required.
Participation begins when a vessel sends a Sailing Plan (Type 1 message) and ends when the vessel sends a Final Report (Type 4 message). Any non-participating vessel may join SISTRAM at any time, by sending a Type 1 message, and it may leave SISTRAM at any time by sending a Type 4 message. Line `X' should be completed in the Final Report including the reason for terminating participation.
Contact:  T: +55 (21) 2104 6353. T: +55 (21) 2104 6337. [email protected] [email protected] www.sistram.mar.mil.br
BALLAST:  The Ballast Water Management (BWM) requirements for vessels calling at Brazilian ports have been in force since 15 October 2005 and apply to all vessels intending to discharge ballast water in Brazilian waters. In outline, Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) must take place at least 200 n.m. from the coast and in water at least 200 m. deep. Where this is not possible, BWE should take place at least 50 n.m. from the coast in water at least 200 m. deep. Where a vessel has been unable to fulfil either of these requirements discharge may only take place with permission of the Harbour Master or his agent.
BWE can be by sequential, flow-through and dilution methods. If using either flow-through or dilution methods, at least three times the tank volume must be pumped with an efficiency of at least 95% volumetric exchange.
Special provisions apply to ports of the Amazon Basin where an additional exchange is required to reduce ballast water salinity. This should take place between the isobath of 20 m. and Macapa. In this case the tank volume need only be pumped once. (Similar provisions apply to the River Para.)
Compliance is monitored through inspection of the vessel’s BWM Plan and the Ballast Water Report form. Ballast water samples may also be taken. Various penalties can be imposed for breach of the legislation including the prohibition to discharge ballast water as well as a fine which can range from BRL5,000 to 50,000,000. Vessels due to call at Brazilian ports should ensure that all BWM requirements are complied with and, in particular, remind crew that a second BWE is required for vessels calling at Amazon Basin and River Para ports.
The detailed requirements of the Brazilian BWM Regulations can be found in the Annex to IMO circular BWM.2/Circ.1 and the Iretoria De Portos E Costas document NORMAM 20, within which the Reporting Form (in English) can be found at www.dpc.mar.mil.br/normas/normam
POLLUTION:  In the event of a spill, Instituto Brasiliero do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renovaveis (IBAMA) will usually devolve the clean-up response to the environment departments of the 18 coastal states and/or to the national oil company, Petrobras. The role of On-Scene Commander would normally be played by either the relevant Port Captain, or an employee from the local IBAMA office, the State Environmental Agency concerned or Petrobras.
Contact:  Competent National Authority: Instituto Brasiliero do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renovaveis (IBAMA). T: +55 (61) 3316 1212. www.ibama.gov.br
Spill Notification Point: MRCC Brazil. T: +55 (21) 2104 6056. F: +55 (21) 2104 6038. [email protected] Alternatively, spills should be reported to the nearest port.
Biofouling:  The Brazilian Navy has introduced regulatory changes under the revised NORMAM-401, effective June 2025, adding a separate section on biofouling management to align with the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines (MEPC.378(80)).
The new regulation aims to ensure the safety and sustainability of Brazil’s maritime ecosystems and human activities by further reducing the likelihood of vessels introducing invasive aquatic species into its waters.
To protect the various unique and important ecosystems along Brazil's long coastline, the new regulation also defines three domestic marine biogeographic regions (North, Northeast, and South) and imposes additional biofouling requirements on vessels that travel between them.
Vessels with LOA above 24 m. operating within Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters (Aguas Jurisdicionais Brasileiras – AJB) or transiting between the designated marine biogeographic regions are required to arrive with a clean hull or perform in-water hull cleaning.
  1. A clean hull means no biofouling apart from a slime layer (microfouling) and a very small amount of visible fouling species (macrofouling). This corresponds to a fouling rating number of 1 or lower as defined by Annex J of the regulation NORMAM 401/DPC.
  2. In-water hull cleaning is required if there is excessive fouling. In-water hull cleaning in port must be requested at least 10 days prior to arrival, using the application form found in Annex K of the regulation NORMAM 401/DPC.
Brazil defines its jurisdictional waters as its internal waters, the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), to a distance of 200 n.m. from baselines along the coast, as well as waters overlying the extended continental shelf.
Applicable vessels are required to have the following documents on board: 
  1. Biofouling Management Plan (BMP) prepared in line with IMO guidelines (Annex H – NORMAM 401/DPC)
  2. a Biofouling Record Book documenting all inspections, cleaning, and fouling assessments.
Both documents are subject to inspection by Brazilian port authorities.
Note: While the operational requirements of the Brazilian biofouling management regulation took effect on 17 June 2025, enforcement of the penalty phase of the regulation, as set out in Chapter 4 of NORMAM-401/DPC, is scheduled to commence on 10 June 2026.
Copies of NORMAM-401/DPC can be obtained at www.marinha.mil.br/sites/default/files/atos-normativos/dpc/normam/normam-401.pdf
MEDICAL:  Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be crowded. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can present evidence of sufficient funds or insurance. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
The following health risks apply to Brazil: 
  1. Chikungunya: A viral infection spread by mosquitoes which bite mainly during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness and can cause severe joint and muscles pains which usually improve in 1–2 weeks but may persist for months or years. It is rarely fatal.
  2. Dengue: A viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas. Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours.
  3. Hepatitis B: A viral infection spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles). Mothers with the virus can also pass on the infection to their baby during childbirth. The country is considered to have an intermediate or high prevalence of hepatitis B.
  4. Rabies: A viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane (such as on the eye, nose or mouth). Although many different animals can transmit the virus, most cases follow a bite or scratch from an infected dog. In some parts of the world, bats are an important source of infection. Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal. The risk of exposure is increased by certain activities and length of stay. Children are at increased risk as they are less likely to avoid contact with animals and to report a bite, scratch or lick. Rabies is considered a risk and has been reported in domestic animals in Brazil. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.
  5. Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection most commonly affecting the lungs but can affect any part of the body. When a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes they could pass TB on to other people. TB is curable but can be serious if not treated. Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals known to have infectious pulmonary (lung) or laryngeal (throat) TB.
  6. Yellow fever: A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk, but may also bite at night, especially in the jungle environment. Symptoms may be absent or mild, but in severe cases, it can cause internal bleeding, organ failure and death. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Brazil and travellers should avoid mosquito bites at all times. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older travelling to the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (including the capital Brasilia), Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Parana (including Iguazu Falls), Piaui, Rio de Janeiro (including Rio de Janeiro city), Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo (including Sao Paulo City), Tocantins and designated areas in Bahia State.
The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are high.
If you’re taking medication, take a good supply with you, as they may not be available locally. Bring a prescription or letter from your doctor confirming your requirement to carry the medication. Counterfeit drugs can also be an issue, so it’s always better to travel with your own supplies. Rules for carrying personal medication vary and can change, so check with the Brazilian Consulate before you travel.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 192 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE:  Centro Brasileiro de Controle de Missao. T: +55 (61) 3364 8395. F: +55 (61) 3365 2964. [email protected]
Secao de Registro de Balizas 406Mhz. T: +55 (61) 3364 8419. [email protected]
Centro de Coordenacao de Salvamento – Curitiba. T: +55 (41) 3256 8008. [email protected]
Centro de Coordenacao de Salvamento – Amazonico. T: +55 (92) 3652 5520. [email protected]
Centro de Coordenacao de Salvamento – Recife. T: +55 (81) 3462 4927. [email protected]
Centro de Coordenacao de Salvamento – Brasília. T: +55 (61) 3365 1212. [email protected]
Salvamar Brasil. T: +55 (21) 2104 6056. F: +55 (21) 2104 6038. [email protected]
Also see VTS/Radar and Pollution.
PIRACY:  There have been armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre:  IMB PRC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 24/7 Helpline T: +60 (3) 2031 0014. [email protected] icc-ccs.org
IMB PRC Malaysia broadcasts SITREP reports to vessels at 0000 GMT and warnings via Inmarsat C (Satellite) EGC Safety Net. However, vessels within some parts of the world, that are not considered at risk from piracy, will not receive these messages.
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year's Day, (Fraternidade Universal)); Good Friday; 21 April (Tiradentes (Independence Hero)); 1 May (Labour Day); 7 September (Brazil's Independence Day); 12 October (Patroness of the Nation (Nossa Senhora Aparecida)); 2 November (All Souls Day); 15 November (Republic Day); 20 November (Dia da Consciencia Negra); 25 December (Christmas Day).
By order of the local port authorities it is requested that all ships in port must be dressed overall on the following national holidays: 7 September and 15 November.
Optional Holidays:  Carnival (February or March); 20 April; Corpus Christi (June or July); 5 June; Federal Public Servant’s Day (October); 24 December (Christmas Eve – optional after 1300 hours); 31 December (New Year’s Eve – optional after 1300 hours).
WEATHER/TIDES:  The rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south east and from April until July in the north east of the country. Heavy rains can often disrupt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, are common during heavy rains. Monitor local media and follow any instructions given by the local authorities.
Maritime weather warnings and forecasts available at www.marinha.mil.br/chm/dados-do-smm/warnings-and-forecasts
TELEPHONES:  The Brazilian telephone numbering plan uses a two-digit area code plus eight-digit local phone numbers for landlines and nine digits for mobile lines. Public utility services use short phone numbers (usually three digits), always starting with 1.
Mobile phone numbers in Brazil are assigned the same geographic area codes as fixed lines, according to the subscriber's place of residence or most frequent use. Mobile phone numbers start with the digits 6, 7, 8 or 9. These initial digits are known to the public, so one always knows beforehand if one is calling a fixed or a mobile line.
CONNECTIONS:  Public Transport:  Public transport is likely to be disrupted during demonstrations or civil unrest. Be vigilant when using public transport, especially during rush hour as petty crime is common. Generally, the metro systems in Rio and Sao Paulo are safer than buses. Criminals often work in gangs robbing large numbers of people concentrated in the same place: public transport hubs can be particular hotspots. There have been incidents of hijacking and robbery of tour buses in recent years.
Only use licensed taxis. You can pick up a licensed taxi from the many recognised taxi ranks around Brazilian cities. Always check your taxi has the company details on the outside. Taxi apps are also a useful way to call a registered taxi; request your taxi inside if possible to avoid displaying your smartphone on the street. If your app allows this, share your journey with colleagues so they can track you. Be aware that some taxi apps are reliant on GPS and run the risk of entering a more dangerous area of the city, in particular favelas.
Most airports have licensed taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas. You can pay for your taxi in advance using a credit card or cash inside the airport rather than in the street.
Air Travel:  Always use recognised national air carriers. There have been accidents involving light aircraft, which sometimes have poor maintenance standards.
Rail Travel:  The railway infrastructure is limited and there have been safety and security incidents on this system.
BANKS:  Bank and credit card fraud is common, including card cloning from ATMs. Keep sight of your card at all times and do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious. Notify your bank in advance of your trip to avoid your card being blocked. If you withdraw cash at an ATM and it has any sort of pink marks, speak to the bank (or police) straight away to get it changed as it may have been marked as damaged or counterfeit.
SHORE LEAVE:  Favelas:  Favelas (Portuguese for ‘slum’ or ‘shanty town’) are urban neighbourhoods of high density informal or unplanned housing. They exist in all major Brazilian cities, range in size from a few blocks to large sprawling areas, and can border areas frequented by tourists and visitors.
The security situation is many favelas is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas.
Take extra care in all Brazilian towns and cities, especially Rio de Janeiro. If you’re using GPS navigation, whether by car or on foot, make sure that the suggested route doesn’t take you into a favela. Avoid entering unpaved, cobbled or narrow streets which may lead into a favela. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering a favela. Check with your representative/hotel/local authorities if unsure.
Crime:  There are high levels of crime, particularly robberies, within Brazil’s cities and the murder rate can be very high; however, this can vary greatly within a city and it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the geography of a city and take local advice to identify the riskier areas. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere and often involves firearms or other weapons. Pickpocketing is common. You should be vigilant, in particular before and during the festive and carnival periods. It is recommended that you do not go on to city beaches after dark.
If threatened, hand over your valuables without resistance. Attackers may be armed and under the influence of drugs. Don’t attempt to resist attackers – this increases the risk of injury or worse.
Do not wear expensive jewellery and watches, and do not carry large sums of money. Do not use your mobile phone in the street and keep cameras out of sight when not in use. Leave your passport and other valuables in a safe place but carry a copy and another form of photo ID, if you have one, with you at all times.
Thefts are particularly common on public beaches and include “arrastoes” where large groups of thieves run through an area of the beach grabbing possessions. Keep your possessions close and avoid taking valuables to the beach.
The most common incidents affecting foreign nationals in Rio de Janeiro are thefts and pick pocketing around Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach and the areas of Lapa and Santa Theresa. Tourists in Rio de Janeiro frequently report armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
The most common incidents affecting foreign nationals in the NE of Brazil are theft from hotel and motel rooms and muggings. Reduce the risk of being mugged by avoiding quiet or deserted streets and/or areas and by using taxis after sunset instead of walking.
Robberies on buses are common in many cities. According to police statistics the most stolen items are mobile phones and the period in which the greatest number of robberies occur is between 1600 and 2100 hours.
Thefts from cars are common; keep valuables out of sight.
If you become a victim of crime abroad, you should contact the local police and your nearest national embassy or consulate.
Criminal Kidnapping:  Short-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ``express kidnapping'') can happen. Victims have been kidnapped for a short period of time and driven to an ATM to withdraw money before being abandoned. Express kidnappers may use violence.
Scams:  Dating apps have been used by criminals to target foreign nationals in Brazil, leading to spiking of drinks, robbery and theft from bank accounts. Exercise caution when engaging with such apps, buy and keep hold of your own drinks, share your plans with friends or family, and be vigilant of your belongings including your mobile phone.
Carjacking:  Carjacking can occur, particularly on major thoroughfares and in tunnels. Approach your car with your keys in hand so you can get into your car quicker. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed, and take particular care at traffic lights. Where possible, use the middle lane. Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas, except under reliable local advice. Be aware of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night. If driving at night outside the city, avoid stopping at the roadside – if you need to do so try to find a petrol station/other well-lit area in which to stop.
Sexual Assault and Drink Spiking:  Rape and other sexual offences against tourists are rare, but there have been attacks against both men and women. Some have involved “date rape” drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them within sight at all times.
If you begin to feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks, tell a trusted friend or security staff. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room or a hospital. You can phone the local police, a hospital or your nearest national embassy or consulate for advice.
Methanol Poisoning:  There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Brazil. Take care when buying spirit-based drinks, including gin, vodka and whisky.
Demonstrations/Civil Unrest:  Demonstrations and occasionally strikes take place in cities across Brazil with reports of arrests and clashes between police and protesters. More common in urban areas, they can disrupt transport. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas extensively to disperse protesters. The effects of tear gas can be felt several hundred meters beyond the immediate site of demonstrations.
If you’re travelling or residing in Brazil, take common sense precautions, follow local news reports, avoid large gatherings, political rallies or other events where crowds have congregated to demonstration or protest, and comply with the instructions of local authorities. If you encounter a demonstration, leave the area immediately.
Swimming:  Strong currents can be a danger off some beaches. Take local advice before swimming including paying attention to warning flags on beaches and the location of lifeguards if present on the beach.
Shark attacks are a danger, particularly on the beaches around Recife in north-east Brazil. Pay attention to warning signs and consult lifeguards if unsure. Sharks have been known to attack in waist-deep water and deaths have occurred.
Electronic Smoking Devices:  All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories.
Customs officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.
REPATRIATION:  Brazil adopts a visa granting policy based on the principle of reciprocity. This means that nationals of countries that require visas from Brazilian citizens to enter their territories will also need a visa to travel to Brazil. Under the current Brazilian immigration legislation (Law 13,445/2017), visa exemption can only be granted by the Brazilian authorities, on a reciprocal basis, through a bilateral understanding on the subject, except for the cases of Decree 9,731/2019. Brazil has bilateral understandings on visa exemption with about 90 countries.
Persons requiring a visa to enter Brazil should apply at their nearest Brazilian Consular post or online at www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-visto-para-viajar-ao-brasil
Further details can be found at www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos
Seafarers:  Seafarers entering Brazil for the purpose of signing onto a vessel should apply for a Visit Visa (VIVIS), if applicable - refer to www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos for visa requirements. However, effective 1 May 2023, crew members of international (i.e., non-Brazilian) vessels holding a Seafarers' Identity Document issued pursuant to ILO Convention 185 (SID C-185) will be permitted to enter Brazil without the need for a visa. SID C-185 holders will be able to enter Brazil without a visa for up to:
  1. 90 days in a migratory year (starting from the date of their first entry) when working on non-Brazilian maritime support ships and/or platforms
  2. 180 days in a migratory year (starting from the date of their first entry) when working on non-Brazilian long-haul ships and/or cruises.
If the applicant does not hold a valid SID, they should apply for a visa, if applicable. In this case, if they stay less than up to 90 days they should apply for a Visit Visa (VIVIS) (refer to www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos for visa requirements). If they intend to stay longer than the Visit Visa permits, they should apply for a Temporary Visa V - Work Visa (VITEM V).
Persons requiring a Temporary Visa V - Work Visa (VITEM V) can apply online at www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-visto-para-viajar-ao-brasil