Reissued with updates to Country Summary.
Exercise increased caution in Brazil due tocrime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
- Any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due tocrime. (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
- Informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due tocrime(see additional information below).
- Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due tocrime(see additional information below).
Country Summary:Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks,are common. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.
If you decide to travel to Brazil:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
- Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Use caution at, or going to, major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night. Passengers face an elevated risk of robbery or assault using public, municipal bus transportation throughout Brazil.
- Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Brazil.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to areas within 150 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay without advance approval from security officials due to crime. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as “Favelas”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados), even on a guided tour. Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities. Even in these communities that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice. While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries or gates, or even names such as “favela”, “vila”, “comunidade”, or “conglomerado”, other such developments may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction. In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding these communities, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities. Except under limited circ*mstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to enter any informal housing developments in Brazil.Read the Safety and Security Section on the country information page and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for further information regarding favelas.
Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas.
Brasilia’s Administrative Regions (commonly known as “Satellite Cities”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Without advance approval from security officials, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (non-daylight hours) due to crime.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
As a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of travel advisories and security concerns, I can confidently analyze and provide insights into the content of the article you've shared. My extensive knowledge in global security, crime patterns, and risk assessment allows me to dissect the information provided and offer valuable insights.
The article issues a Travel Advisory for Brazil, specifically emphasizing increased caution due to high levels of crime. The advisory is structured to guide travelers on potential risks and precautions to take while in Brazil. The evidence provided is based on a thorough understanding of the country's crime landscape and is supported by specific details that highlight areas of heightened risk.
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Geographical Risk Areas:
- Travelers are warned against visiting any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to elevated crime rates.
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Informal Housing Developments (Favelas):
- Travelers are strongly advised not to visit informal housing developments, commonly referred to as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados, due to the high risk of crime. The article emphasizes the dynamic nature of these areas, with situations changing rapidly and without notice.
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Brasilia’s Administrative Regions (Satellite Cities):
- Specific administrative regions in Brasilia, known as "satellite cities" (Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa), pose a heightened risk during non-daylight hours due to crime. U.S. government personnel are explicitly restricted from traveling to these regions without advance approval from security officials.
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Country Summary:
- The overall country summary highlights the prevalence of violent crime such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking in urban areas day and night. Gang activity and organized crime are widespread, and travelers are warned about common tactics like assaults with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks.
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Specific Safety Measures:
- The advisory provides practical safety measures for travelers, including being aware of surroundings, not resisting robbery attempts, avoiding displays of wealth, and using caution at transportation centers. Specific warnings are issued against using municipal buses due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault.
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Enrollment in Smart Traveler Program:
- Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate emergency location tracking.
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Security Reports and Contingency Plans:
- Travelers are advised to review the Country Security Report for Brazil and prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. The importance of staying informed through official channels, such as the Department of State's Facebook and Twitter accounts, is emphasized.
In summary, the provided information is comprehensive, evidence-based, and geared towards ensuring the safety of travelers in Brazil. The advisory is a result of a thorough understanding of the country's security landscape and is designed to guide individuals in making informed decisions while traveling in the region.
