Brazil - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Any areas within 150 km of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime.
• “Favela” neighborhoods due to crime.
• Brasilia’s “satellite cities” of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to crime.
• Recife’s Pina Beach from Dona Benvinda de Farias Street to the Brasilia Teimosa neighborhood after dark due to crime.

Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. 

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Brazil:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling to tourist locations and in crowded public venues.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Avoid using an ATM in low-light or remote locations. Never let someone “shoulder surf” or assist you.
• Use caution at or going to major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night.
• 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 Crime and Safety Reports for Brazil.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

International Borders

U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to areas within 150 km 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 Iguaçu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Favelas

Do not travel to favela areas where local and military police do not operate, even on a guided tour. Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering favelas. Exercise caution in areas surrounding favelas, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of the favelas. Except under limited circumstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to all favelas in Sao Paulo, all favelas/vilas in Porto Alegre, all unpacified favelas in Recife, the Aglomerado da Serra favela in Belo Horizonte, and all favelas in Rio de Janeiro.

Read the Safety and Security Section on the country information page for further information regarding favelas.

Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas.

Brasilia’s Satellite Cities

Without advance approval from security officials, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to Brasilia’s “satellite cities” 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.

Recife’s Pina Beach

U.S. government personnel are prohibited from walking after dark on Pina Beach, located in the northern part of Boa Viagem due to crime. This restriction covers the sandy areas of Pina Beach starting at Dona Benvinda de Farias Street and ending at Brasilia Teimosa neighborhood.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.