Brazil travel checklist
A traveller's checklist before visiting Brazil. Includes advice on visas, vaccinations, insurance, money, SIM cards and what to pack.
Before you go
To do
- Passport: Is it up to date? It must have at least six months' validity and one blank page.
- Visa: Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Brazil. Have you applied?
- Vaccinations: Have you checked which shots you may need?
- Travel insurance: Are you covered?
- Safety: Have you checked the latest safety advice on the region you're travelling to, including the latest advice on the Zika virus? Subscribe to the latest Smartraveller updates for safety information on your destination.
- Money: Have you told your bank you're going overseas and do you know how you'll be paying for things in Brazil?
- Booking: Have you booked accommodation?
- Transport: Do you know how you'll get from the airport to your accommodation?
- Getting around: Do you know how you'll get around once you're settled?
- Phone: Have you switched off data roaming and voicemail? If you're planning to use a local or travel SIM, is your phone unlocked?
- Apps: Have you downloaded offline maps, travel apps or the Brazil travel guide onto your mobile?
- Medication: If you're travelling with medication, is it in its original packaging and do you have the original prescription and/or a letter from your doctor?
To pack
- Tickets.
- Money (cash and cards).
- Passport.
- A photocopy of your passport.
- A copy of your travel insurance details.
- A list of emergency contacts at home and in Brazil.
- Your hotel address and itinerary.
- A written translation of any other important information such as food allergies or medical conditions.
- Chargers and a power adapter. Download the Brazil travel guide for tips such as which type of adapter you'll need.
- Mosquito repellent and mosquito-proof clothing, you may also want to consider a mosquito net.
Tip: When you travel, you should carry all medications (even vitamins) in their original packaging, along with their original prescription. It's also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor explaining what the medications are (using generic names) and what they're for.
If you are travelling to (or transiting through) countries with strict drug laws, check with the country's embassy to ensure your medication is not a restricted drug.
Brazil visa guide
How to apply for a tourist visa to visit Brazil, passport requirements and what to expect at the airport.
Brazil currency and travel insurance
The best way to carry Brazil currency and how to get the best value Brazilian real, plus travel insurance tips.
Brazil transport and accommodation
Flights to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, airport guides, accommodation and travelling around Brazil.
Brazil laws and culture
Brazil laws, driving in Brazil, and culture for travellers – the things to remember that are different from Australia.
Brazil health and safety
Is Brazil a safe travel destination? Find out with our guide to the Zika virus, vaccinations, hospitals, emergency contacts and safety tips.
Brazil travel scams
Common scams to watch out for when travelling to Brazil.