Travel advice for Brazil

Exercise increased caution in Brazil because crime, armed robbery, carjacking, gang activity, assault, and drugging occur, while kidnapping for ransom is rare but foreigners remain vulnerable. Avoid international land borders, informal housing developments, and Brasilia's satellite cities. U.S. government employees need special authorization near borders, except Foz do Iguacu and Pantanal, in informal settlements, and in Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Avoid non-essential travel to Brazil's border areas with Venezuela because the security risk is high and short-term border closures may occur. Exercise caution across the rest of Brazil due to high crime, armed robbery, demonstrations, drink spiking, and risks around favelas and nightlife, especially in major cities. In Rio de Janeiro, avoid favelas, use official airport taxis or prearranged transfers, and take extra care on the approach to Galeão Airport.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Brazil. Passports must be valid for at least six months, and tourism visits of up to 90 days are visa-free; British-Brazilian dual nationals may need Brazilian passports, while minors may need parental authorisation. Health risks include yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, oropouche, high UV levels and altitude sickness in some areas. Public hospitals may be overcrowded, with long waits and medication shortages.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Brazil.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil because of crime and gang violence. Avoid non-essential travel within 20 km of borders with Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname, except Pantanal National Park, and within 50 km of Venezuela due to drug and arms smuggling. Avoid all travel to Complexo da Maré and Complexo da Penha in Rio de Janeiro due to violence and limited emergency assistance.

Denmark advises extra caution in Brazil because crime, including armed robbery, theft and violent assault, is particularly concerning in large cities; avoid favelas and beaches or deserted places after dark. Take care over drink-spiking, methanol in spirits, card fraud, car theft and chaotic traffic. Floods, landslides and wildfires also pose risks, and pirates threaten sailors on the Amazon river system.

Hungary advises a high degree of caution for Brazil.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Brazil because crime is high, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching, robbery, assault and drugging. Avoid protests and large gatherings, monitor local media and follow local authorities. Do not enter favelas, especially at night, and take extra care using GPS in Rio de Janeiro, where tourists have been shot after accidental entry. Road travel also carries significant risks.

Exercise caution in Brazil because armed robbery, theft, kidnapping and card fraud occur, especially in cities. Avoid São Paulo's old centre and favelas; in Rio de Janeiro, avoid dark or deserted beaches, and exercise caution in the Amazon region and border towns such as Tabatinga. Use only official taxis and refuse street alcohol; forest fires, seasonal flooding, demonstrations, dangerous roads, drunk driving and discrimination pose risks; follow local authorities.

Exercise increased caution because crime is very high, violence may involve firearms, and theft occurs on busy tourist beaches and from vehicles. Avoid remote or isolated urban neighborhoods, especially at night, and take care around protests and mass demonstrations in major cities. Pack and guard your own luggage, never carry another person’s bag because drug-smuggling penalties are severe, and use mosquito protection against dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Japan advises normal precautions for Brazil.

There is no advice against travel to Brazil, but exercise caution because violent crime is high, especially in urban centres and underserved areas. The second-round presidential election on 25 October 2026 may be accompanied by political rallies, protests and heightened security measures. Bring sufficient emergency funds and travel insurance with international health coverage, including repatriation.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Brazil, but avoid non-essential travel to areas bordering Venezuela. Estonian tourists may drive with a valid Estonian licence that complies with the 1968 Vienna Convention. Estonian citizens may stay visa free for up to 90 days in a year if their passport remains valid throughout the trip.

Germany advises normal precautions for Brazil.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Brazil.

No advisory is in force, but Singaporeans should remain vigilant in Brazil. Strongly avoid Rio de Janeiro’s favelas and shanty towns even with a tour agency, and watch for public-transport robberies and flash robberies in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Use official taxis and reputable operators, avoid demonstrations, safeguard valuables, protect against mosquito bites, and exercise caution when driving during the rainy season.