Formalities — Brazil

Aucun visa préalable n'est exigé pour les ressortissants français et de l'Union européenne pour un séjour touristique inférieur à 90 jours. Un simple passeport biométrique valide au minimum 6 mois après la date de retour suffit pour entrer sur le territoire brésilien.

À l'arrivée, vous obtiendrez un cachet d'entrée valable 90 jours, prolongeable une seule fois pour 90 jours supplémentaires auprès de la Polícia Federal (à demander avant l'expiration du premier visa, présentation de billet retour et justificatif de fonds). La carte d'immigration est désormais numérique — plus de formulaire papier à remplir.

Les contrôles à l'entrée vérifient parfois le billet retour ou de continuation et un justificatif d'hébergement (réservation d'hôtel ou attestation d'invitation). Aucune obligation vaccinale n'existe pour les voyageurs venant directement d'Europe, mais le certificat de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune peut être demandé si vous arrivez d'un pays à risque (certains pays d'Amérique latine et d'Afrique) ou si vous vous rendez en Amazonie, dans le Pantanal ou dans les zones rurales du Mato Grosso, du Minas Gerais et de Goiás — vaccination recommandée 10 jours avant le départ.

Les voyageurs souhaitant travailler, étudier ou résider plus de 90 jours doivent demander un visa spécifique au consulat du Brésil à Paris avant le départ (procédure VFS Global).

Brazil has a mixed safety reputation — founded on urban realities but often exaggerated by media. The vast majority of tourist trips run without incident, provided some elementary urban vigilance rules are respected.

The main risk for tourists remains opportunistic crime in big cities — snatch thefts (phones, bags, jewellery, watches) on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, pickpockets in crowded buses and metros, fake taxi scams at airports (prefer Uber, 99 or official Coopatur taxis), rental vehicle break-ins. In Rio, stay vigilant in the historic centre on weekdays after 6pm, avoid Lapa night walks outside very lively zones, don't pull out your phone or wallet in the street. In São Paulo, the centre (Sé, Luz) is to avoid in the evening.

Favelas (Rocinha, Vidigal, Santa Marta in Rio, Paraisópolis in São Paulo) are not to visit on your own, even if some are now pacified. Several serious operators offer guided tours accompanied by residents (Favela Tour Rio, €35-50) — respectful format to understand these neighbourhoods' reality. Absolutely avoid non-pacified favelas or those in police operation zones (updated information from your hotel).

Well-identified tourist zones (Búzios, Paraty, Pelourinho in Salvador by day, Iguazu Brazil side, Pantanal and Amazon lodges, Florianópolis, Northeast beaches) are very safe — strong police presence, polished tourist economy, protective locals.

Universal precautions: don't wear jewellery or showy watches, photocopy documents (passport, visa), keep passports in hotel safe, have two bank cards (one in safe), withdraw cash at bank branches (not street ATMs), avoid night walks outside lively zones, prefer Uber and 99 to street-hailed taxis, never resist an attacker (hand over phone and wallet — attackers often armed). A hidden money belt under clothes is useful for long-distance transfers.

Health risks vary by region. Dengue is endemic across the territory (peak in austral summer, January-May) — DEET 30% mosquito repellent mandatory, long clothes in evening. Yellow fever is present in Amazon, Pantanal and some rural areas of Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Goiás — vaccination practically mandatory for these destinations, anticipate 10 days before departure. Malaria persists in deep Amazon — prophylaxis recommended for cruises and lodges. Zika and chikungunya exist but less widespread.

Tap water isn't potable — drink only sealed bottled water (€1-2/litre, everywhere). Ice cubes and fresh juices in tourist hotels and restaurants are safe. Medical services are excellent in private hospitals of big cities (Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Hospital Copa D'Or in Rio, among Latin America's best) but costly — travel insurance with repatriation mandatory. Emergency: 190 (police), 192 (ambulance/SAMU), 193 (fire). In Rio, dial 1746 for Disque-Atendimento (tourist, English).