News Record Page

Rio Carnival 2022 was postponed until April 2022 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. Carnival was originally meant to take place between 25 February to 01 March.

The Rio mayor announced in January 2022 via media sources that the street carnivals and events are cancelled this year due to an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

The official Samba parade held in Rio’s Sambadrome stadium is still scheduled to proceed on 22, 23 and 30 April 2022 with additional health precautions in place.

see LIESA website for further information on the Samba parade.

Many other cities in Brazil have cancelled this years’ carnival events.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers planning on travelling to Brazil for Rio Carnival should:

be aware that international travel guidance and event guidance may change at short notice
review the latest FCDO foreign travel advice for Brazil, including entry requirements and quarantine restrictions
review and follow the latest travel health advice for Brazil: see the TRAVAX Brazil country page for further information
be aware of precautions they should take to reduce their risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) before, during and after travel as detailed on the fitfortravel website COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page

Furthermore, travellers attending Carnival celebrations abroad should consider:

being up to date with routine UK schedule vaccinations; and check if primary vaccination or boosters may be required before travel
being aware of the mosquito-borne viruses present in some parts of Brazil, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and zika virus: and how to avoid mosquito bites
exercise care with food and water precautions, respiratory and hand hygiene
having a valid comprehensive travel insurance which covers COVID-19 related illness or unexpected delays
seeking medical advice abroad if they are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness

The following TRAVAX advice pages may also be applicable for travellers to Brazil, and can be sent to the traveller via the suitcase function:

On their return to the UK, travellers should be aware to seek urgent medical attention if they develop a fever or flu-like illness, and to tell a healthcare professional of their recent travel history, particularly if they have travelled in a region with malaria.