Brazil shuts land borders with another eight countries

The Brazilian government today (Mar. 19) published a resolution restricting the entry of foreigners through national borders with South American countries due to the pandemic of the coronavirus.

People are banned from entering the country from the following nations: Suriname, French Guiana, Guiana, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Argentina. The restriction on Venezuela was announced yesterday (18). The border with Uruguay will gain a specific resolution the two governments are still devising the best solution.

The measure had been recommended by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency, Anvisa, in a technical statement drafted by the body’s staff. The reason reported was the contamination risks and the spread of the coronavirus.

Brazilians are still allowed to return from these countries, as well as immigrants with permanent residence permits in Brazil and professionals on a mission from international organizations or otherwise authorized by the Brazilian government.

Cargo trucks and humanitarian initiatives that require agents to cross the border are also allowed to operate. People in “twin towns with land borders as the only frontier” are permitted to circulate as well.

Those who act in violation of the rulings may be prosecuted, deported, and banned from filing an application for refuge.