Bringing Prescription Medications into Brasil
How to carry medicines for your own use, which ones need extra care, and what paperwork to keep, from Anvisa and the Receita Federal.
By Vaughn Bullard · · 3 min read
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Most people who take a daily medicine can bring it to Brasil without trouble. The rules are not hard, but they are spread across two agencies, Anvisa, the health regulator, and the Receita Federal, the customs and revenue service. This guide pulls the pieces together.
It is general information. If you take a controlled medicine, such as some pain, sleep, anxiety or attention medicines, read the official pages closely and talk to your doctor before you travel.
The basic rule
Anvisa's page on imports by individuals says that bringing medicines for personal use is exempt from Anvisa authorization when two conditions are met:
- The medicine is not under special control under Portaria 344 of 1998, the list of controlled substances.
- The quantity is compatible with individual use, meaning what one person would reasonably use, not stock for resale.
The Receita lists medicines among restricted goods, which are subject to Anvisa control. Its traveler guide says that medicines brought for personal use do not need to be declared. Anything beyond that does.
Controlled medicines
If your medicine is on the Portaria 344 lists, the simple exemption does not apply in the same way. Anvisa has specific requirements for controlled substances, and some substances are not allowed at all. The lists are long and use chemical names, not brand names. Check the official page with the generic name of your medicine.
If your medicine is controlled, start early. Rules may involve specific documents or quantity limits. Check the official page and ask your doctor for help reading it.
What to carry
Whatever you take, these habits make an inspection short:
- The prescription. Ask your doctor for a prescription with the generic name, the dose and how often you take it.
- A medical report. A short letter on letterhead stating your condition, in general terms, and that the medicine is for your personal treatment. Some travelers have it translated into Portuguese.
- Original packaging. Keep pills in their original pharmacy containers with the label. A weekly pill box is convenient, but not for the border.
- Carry-on, not checked. Keep medicines and the papers in your hand luggage. Checked bags get delayed.
- A sensible quantity. Bring enough for your stay, or until you can arrange a local supply, plus a small margin.
Refilling once you are here
Plan for how you will refill before you run out. Prescriptions from US doctors are not automatically valid at Brazilian pharmacies, and some medicines are sold under different names or doses. A local doctor can review your treatment and write a Brazilian prescription. See Public vs private healthcare for how to reach one, and Pharmacies and over-the-counter medicine for how pharmacies work.
Shipping medicines to yourself later is a different situation from carrying them in your luggage. Anvisa's page covers imports by individuals by post and courier as well; check the official page before you order.
Liquids, devices and supplements
- Injectables and liquids. Insulin and other injectables travel in carry-on with the prescription. Airline security rules for liquids are separate from customs rules; check with your airline.
- Devices. Glucose meters, CPAP machines and similar devices for personal use are part of your luggage. See Customs basics.
- Supplements. Vitamins and supplements can fall under different rules from medicines. Check the official page if you carry large quantities.
Checklist
- Find the generic name of each medicine.
- Check whether any of them appear on the Portaria 344 lists.
- Get a prescription and a short medical report.
- Pack medicines in original containers, in carry-on.
- Bring a quantity that matches your stay.
- Arrange a local doctor before you need a refill.
Common questions
Do I need to declare my blood-pressure pills? Not if they are for your personal use, according to the Receita traveler guide. Carry the prescription anyway.
My medicine is legal in the US. Is it legal here? Not necessarily. Lists differ between countries. Check the official page with the generic name.
Mistakes to avoid
- Decanting everything into one pill box. It saves space and creates questions. Keep the original containers for the journey.
- Relying on a brand name. Officers, pharmacists and doctors in Brasil will look for the active ingredient. Write the generic name on your prescription list.
- Packing medicines in checked luggage. A delayed bag can mean days without your treatment.
- Assuming a supply can be shipped later. Imports by post have their own rules. Check the official page before you count on it.
Sources
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; verify with the official source before acting.
General information only, not financial, legal, tax, insurance, or medical advice. Prices, rules, and terms change; check current details with the provider or an official source.
