Customs Information

Global Home»
Rio de Janeiro»
Customs Information

On arrival, all international travelers must produce a completed and signed Accompanied Baggage Declaration form (Declaração de Bagagem Acompanhada – DBA) for Customs. Upon entering Brazil, travelers are allowed duty free, their clothing, personal belongings and "other articles" (which may include radios, cell phones, CD/DVDs, video and still cameras, etc.) which are "reasonable" for the visit. (Quantities must be compatible with the duration of the stay and be for personal use only). Guidelines indicate that the total value of "other articles" should not exceed USD $500 (or the equivalent in other currency). Basically, if you are bringing items that belong to you and are consistent with the needs of a tourist-related trip, you should be fine. Check here for any updates or recent changes.

Upon arrival, tourists in Brazil are also allowed to buy merchandise at the airport duty free shops up to a value of $500 or equivalent for use while in Brazil. When leaving Brazil, there are no limits on purchases made in Brazil (exports), which are intended for personal use; however, there may be duty required at the arrival destination.

The typical lists of prohibited items are restricted from being brought into Brazil and include:

(Prohibited unless previous authorization is obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture)

agrochemicals, animal feed
biological materials for scientific research and other purposes
birds (except pets)
bulbs, seeds, seedlings or cuttings
dairy products (i.e. milk, eggs, cheese etc.)
earths
eggs and egg products
fish and fish products
flowers and plants, or parts thereof
fresh fruit and vegetables
honey (royal jelly, beeswax, etc)
insects, snails, bacteria or fungi
meat, fresh, dried, canned or otherwise (cold cuts, ham, salted, etc) or meat products
untreated wood.

Arms and Ammunition Regulations

Allowable, but restrictions apply. Individuals are advised to consult with the military attaché at Brazil's embassy or consulate for additional information regarding regulations. In addition, individuals are advised to check with their airline carrier regarding their particular restrictions.

Baggage Clearance and Embarkation Tax

Checked Baggage is cleared at customs upon arrival at your "first location in Brazil" and there is no airport or baggage tax levied on travelers.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the importation of local currency (Brazilian Real {BRL} - R$) and foreign currency up to R$ 10,000 (or equivalent). Amounts higher than R$10,000 must be declared. This declaration is only for registration purposes, not for taxation. Check here for current regulations.

Pets

Yes, your pet dog, cat or bird can come to Rio with you! An original International Health Certificate or Sanitary Certificate issued by a veterinary and duly stamped by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, or equivalent agency in any other country), dated within one week prior to pets' departure as well as a Rabies vaccination (if applicable) is required to bring pets into the country. Admittance of animals other than dogs, cats and pet birds require prior approval by the Ministry of Agriculture. Pets may enter as passenger's checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo. A copy of the airway bill for animals arriving as cargo is required. Please check with the Brazilian embassy or consulate for current guidelines.

Prescription Drugs

Passengers carrying prescription drugs should arrive with a valid prescription issued by a physician and a receipt of purchase issued by the drugstore.

Reporting Guidelines and Customs Procedures for Temporary Entry of Goods into Brazil

If you are concerned that you may be bringing items into Brazil that are in excess of duty allowances or require reporting, it is best to visit the "Goods to Declare" area and make an accurate declaration rather than be subject to penalties. In addition, there are guidelines that allow for the temporary entry of goods (with suspended taxation) for a specified period. As long as these items are not to be sold or industrially processed in Brazil, there are procedures that allow for their entry into Brazil without penalty or tax (within limits). Review the guidelines for "temporary entry" prior to leaving for Brazil – check with the Brazilian consulate in your area prior to departure.