What vaccines do I need for Brazil?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for most travelers). Recommended by the CDC: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies (for Amazon travel or extended rural stays), Malaria prophylaxis (for Amazon region).

Is tap water safe to drink in Brazil?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Brazil. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Latin America

Brazil Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Brazil has one of the most complex health risk profiles in the Western Hemisphere due to its geographic and ecological diversity. The Amazon basin carries risk for malaria, yellow fever, leishmaniasis, and multiple arboviruses including dengue and Zika. Urban centers like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have high rates of dengue transmission and periodic outbreaks of chikungunya and Zika. Food and waterborne disease risk is moderate to high outside major tourist infrastructure.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Brazil

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for most travelers)

CDC Recommended

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B
Rabies (for Amazon travel or extended rural stays)
Malaria prophylaxis (for Amazon region)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Brazil

Malaria Risk

Substantial risk in the Amazon basin states including Amazonas, Para, Rondonia, and Roraima. Predominantly P. vivax with some P. falciparum. No significant malaria risk in coastal cities, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or Iguazu Falls.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water quality varies significantly by region and is not reliably safe. Avoid raw shellfish, unpasteurized products, and foods sold at informal street stalls in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure.

Key Health Tips for Brazil

Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers outside major coastal cities — get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk in all jungle and rural settings.
Malaria chemoprophylaxis is essential for Amazon travel — consult a travel medicine provider for the appropriate regimen.
Seek immediate evaluation for any febrile illness during or within 2 weeks of travel.

Disease Risks in Brazil

Official Resources

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