Travel safety
Is Brazil safe to visit?
Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, Florianópolis and Iguaçu Falls are outside the warning zones. The FCDO's warnings cover remote stretches of Amazon rivers. It also says to avoid all favelas, including guided tours.
- Safe
- Avoid
- Essential only
- Never travel
Brazil's crime figures are high. As with Mexico and South Africa, though, the risk depends on exactly where you are. The FCDO's formal warnings are confined to remote river areas of Amazonas state near the borders. In the cities, the guidance is about favelas, beaches after dark and quick ATM robberies.
Brazil region by region
- Rio de JaneiroSafe
No regional warning. Avoid city beaches after dark and watch for 'arrastões', where groups run along the beach grabbing belongings.
- Favelas (any city)Avoid
The FCDO says avoid all favelas, including tours, and bars or hostels inside them. Tourists have been shot after GPS routed them into one.
- São PauloSafe
No warning. Phone theft is common.
- Manaus & the main Amazon lodgesSafe
Manaus has no warning. Check whether your lodge is on a listed river.
- Amazonas rivers near the bordersEssential only
Essential travel only on stretches of the Amazon, Japurá and Itaquaí rivers, and the Rio Negro north or west of Barcelos.
Dating apps and drinks
The FCDO warns that criminals use dating apps to target foreign visitors, leading to spiking, robbery and emptied bank accounts. Meet in busy places and keep your drink with you.
Before you go
- Check that your GPS route doesn't cut through a favela, and ask your hotel if unsure.
- Leave valuables in your room on beach days.
- Emergency: 190 (police), 192 (ambulance).
Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Brazil
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