Brazil Closes Land Borders with 8 Countries for 15 Days

Venezuelans' entry had previously been vetoed; Uruguay will have a separate rule

Brasília

The Brazilian government will restrict for 15 days the entry, only by land, of foreigners from eight countries bordering Brazil as a measure to contain the novel coronavirus.

They are Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana Cooperative Republic, Paraguay, Peru, and Suriname.

Brazil Minister of Foreign Affairs Ernesto Henrique Fraga Araujo. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) - AFP

The government had already announced a similar measure for Venezuela. So access to foreigners on all Brazilian land borders, with the exception of Uruguay, is restricted.

The text also clarifies that the deadline may be extended according to recommendations by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency).

The decree listing the decision was published on Thursday. The government also said that it would make a specific determination for Uruguay.

According to the ordinance, the measure will not be applied to Brazilians, both born in national territory and naturalized.

Foreigners under the following conditions will also not be affected by the government's decision: immigrants with prior authorization for permanent residence in Brazilian territory, foreign professional on a mission serving an international organization, provided they are appropriately identified, and foreign official accredited to the Brazilian government, if members of diplomatic corps from other countries, for example.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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