Anvisa expands actions to verify vaccine proof at borders

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and the Federal Police started today (15) a joint operation aimed at expanding actions to verify the vaccination certificate of people entering Brazil through the land borders with Argentina and Paraguay.

According to Anvisa, flow control barriers will be installed at Ponte da Amizade (which links Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay); and on the Tancredo Neves Bridge (International Fraternity Bridge, connecting Foz do Iguaçu to Puerto Iguazú, in Argentina).

"According to the injunction decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), rendered by Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, Brazilian or foreign travelers who reside in Brazil and who leave the national territory as of this Wednesday, December 15, must present proof that they are completely immunized to return to the national territory”, justifies, in a statement, Anvisa.

She clarifies that the vaccine cycle is only considered complete "by the application of two doses or a single dose of immunizing agent registered by Anvisa, by the World Health Organization (WHO) or by the health authority of the country in which the traveler was immunized, provided that it is complied with the later time period required for immunization (on average 14 days for most vaccines available worldwide)”.

Oversight

In this sense, the presentation of the vaccination certificate is a “migratory requirement” and, therefore, is configured as an “object of inspection” by the various bodies that work at the Brazilian entry points.

Also according to the agency, border residents of the so-called “twin cities” – cities whose territories border neighboring countries are exempt from presenting proof of vaccination. Therefore, it is necessary that these residents prove their status by presenting some proof of address.

Cargo transport workers are also exempt from presenting proof of vaccination.

Text translated using artificial intelligence.