‎Brazil News

New rules published on the restriction of foreigners entering the country

Restrictions do not prevent foreigners from entering the country by air 

 

Ordinance published in the Official Gazette of the Union brings changes in exceptional and temporary restrictions on the entry of foreigners in Brazil due to Covid-19. Ordinance No. 655, of June 23, 2021, follows recommendations made by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

 

The document explains that one of the factors taken into account for the restrictions in place is the “epidemiological impact that the new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 (covid-19) coronavirus identified in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of India, they can cause in the current scenario experienced in the country”.

 

The ordinance includes the requirement for virus detection tests of the RT-PCR type for the embarkation and disembarkation of maritime crew on vessels and platforms to contain the spread of new strains of the coronavirus.

 

For those who are already cured to enter the country, it is necessary to:

 

- Presentation of two detectable RT-PCR results, with an interval of at least 14 days, the last one within 72 hours prior to the time of shipment;

 

- Presentation of a negative or non-reactive antigen test with a date after the last detectable RT-PCR result; and

 

- Presentation of a medical certificate stating that the individual is asymptomatic and able to travel, including the date of travel. The certificate must be issued in Portuguese, Spanish or English, and must contain the identification and signature of the responsible physician.

 

The text also extends to Venezuela free border transit between “twin” cities with Brazil. And it authorizes the migratory regularization of people in a vulnerable situation resulting from a migratory flow caused by a humanitarian crisis. "This will allow the resumption of the process of internalization of immigrants by the Federal Government's Operation Welcome," explained, in a statement, the Casa Civil, which coordinates the operation.

 

Restrictions

Ordinance No. 655, as well as previously published ordinances, restrict, on a temporary and exceptional basis, the entry into the country of foreigners of any nationality by road, by other land means or by waterway transport.

 

The restrictions do not apply to cases such as, for example, Brazilian, born or naturalized; immigrant with permanent residence in Brazil; foreign professional on a mission at the service of an international organization and spouse, partner, child, parent or guardian of a Brazilian.

 

The restrictions do not prevent foreigners from entering the country by air, as long as the immigration requirements appropriate to the condition are met, including that of carrying an entry visa, when this is required by the Brazilian legal system.