Rio Carnival 2022

The 2022 Rio Carnival, originally scheduled to take place between 25 February and 1 March, was initially postponed until April 2022 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. Previously, in January 2022, the Rio mayor announced via the media that the street carnivals and events have been cancelled this year also because of the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. However, the official Samba parade, to be held in Rio’s Sambadrome stadium, is still scheduled to proceed on 22,23 and 30 April 2022, with additional health precautions in place. 

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

Advice for travellers 

Travellers planning on travelling to Brazil for the Rio Carnival should:

• be aware that international travel guidance and event guidance may change at short notice
• review the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) foreign travel advice for Brazil, including entry requirements and quarantine restrictions
• review and follow the latest travel health advice for Brazil
• 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 

Furthermore, travellers attending the carnival celebrations should:

• be up to date with routine UK schedule vaccinations, and check if primary vaccination or boosters may be required before travel
• be aware of the mosquito-borne viruses present in some parts of Brazil, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus
• exercise care by using food and water precautions, and practice good respiratory and hand hygiene
• have valid comprehensive travel insurance which covers COVID-19 related illness or unexpected delays
• seek medical advice abroad if they experience any symptoms of infection or illness 

The following TRAVAX advice pages may also be applicable for those travelling to Brazil:

• insect bite avoidance
• personal safety
• accident prevention
• sun safety
• sexual health risks
• travelling with medication

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

Sources: TRAVAX, 19 April 2022 and fitfortravel, 19 April 2022