Covid-19: Brazil will accept faster and cheaper tests from returning tourists

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazilian tourists in other countries will be able, from November 1st of this year, to present a faster and cheaper Covid-19 test when they return to the country.

Presidential Decree 658/2021, published in the Federal Gazette this week, determines that antigen tests will be accepted upon arrival in Brazil, as long as they have been done within the last 24 hours.

Read also: Check out our coverage on Brazil

Today, the Brazilian government requires that tourists returning to the country – or foreigners visiting – present an RT-PCR test done within 72 hours. This type is more expensive, and it takes longer for the result to be ready.

Experts consulted approved the government’s decision. The advantage of this method is the quick release of the results, which allows, in mild cases, the rapid adoption of measures to restrict contagion.

“The antigen test is more useful. The United States does the same thing with Americans [who return to the country],” said Esper Kallas, infectologist and professor at USP.

In addition, the antigen test can be done in more places than the RT-PCR, making life easier for the Brazilian traveler who is abroad and needs to find a place to perform the test before boarding the plane back to Brazil.

It is worth pointing out that the Brazilian government currently does not require proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from those arriving in the country – and the immunization certificate, even the one issued by SUS itself, does not exempt tourists from the responsibility to present the test.

The certificate, however, is accepted by some countries, such as Spain, for example, to release the entry of Brazilian tourists without the need to present the Covid test.

What the Brazilian government requires, besides the Covid exam, is that the passenger has filled out the electronic form Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV) 24 hours before the flight.

The proof of completion must be presented, printed, or on a cell phone to the airline responsible for the flight. It can also be collected by the Brazilian authorities upon landing at the final destination in Brazil.

See below the rules for returning to the country that Brazilian tourists should pay attention to before organizing a trip abroad.

Q: What tests are accepted by those trying to enter Brazil?

There are two ways to prove that the passenger is not infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the Covid-19). The first is through the RT-PCR test with a negative or non-detectable result, in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, performed up to 72 hours before the trip, with a report issued by a laboratory recognized by the country’s health authority of origin.

The second form is the antigen test with a negative or non-detectable result, in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, performed up to 24 hours before the trip, with a report issued by a laboratory recognized by the health authority of the country of origin.

Q: From what age is it mandatory to present the exam?

Those between 12 and 17 must present one of the accepted exams (mentioned above) in the same way as adult passengers. Minors under the age of 12 are exempt from the test is accompanied by a guardian who has taken one of the two types of tests accepted.

Those aged 2 to 11 must present one of the accepted tests, the same as for adult passengers traveling unaccompanied. Those under the age of 2, whether or not accompanied by a guardian, do not need to submit a Covid test.

Q: Where to submit the test, and what about connections?

If you have a connecting flight to Brazil, you do not need to submit a new test in the airport’s restricted area for transfer passengers. In this case, the difficulty presented to board the first leg will be valid – remembering that the test must be given at the airline’s check-in counter and can be requested again by the airline when boarding.

If you have to migrate to catch the next flight, or if the trip takes longer than 72 hours (for those who presented the RT-PCR test) or 24 hours (for those who showed the antigen test), then a new test must be performed.

Most international airports currently have partnerships with laboratories that perform tests at the airport itself, which are paid. If you have a connecting flight, you must check if you fit into one of these two possibilities and find out where to take the second test, if necessary.

In addition, some countries have specific Covid protocol rules that must be followed by transit passengers as well. Please find out about these before you buy your ticket.

The responsibility for checking the documentation lies with the airline responsible for the flight before boarding. However, the authorities may also require documentation in the connecting country or by Brazilian authorities when disembarking at the final destination in Brazil.

Q: My test was positive. Will I still be able to board?

No. Passengers with a positive result in the RT-PCR or antigen test can only travel to Brazil if they fulfill some requirements. These are

• Have a positive test for Covid-19 within the last 90 days;
• Be asymptomatic;
• Present two detectable RT-PCR results, with an interval of at least 14 days, with the last one being done within 72 hours before the moment of departure, or an antigen test that presents a negative or non-reactive report, after the previous detectable RT-PCR result;
• Medical certificate stating that the passenger is asymptomatic and able to travel, including the date of travel – the certificate must be issued in Portuguese, Spanish or English and contain the identification and signature of the physician in charge.