Travel Safety in Brazil

The security risks in Brazil vary according to area of travel and the profile of the traveller. Crime, both of a violent and petty nature, is a major concern throughout the country. The risk is particularly elevated in low-income settlements (locally known as favelas) in major towns and cities, as well as near the country's borders with Venezuela, Colombia and Peru where armed crime groups operate.

The crime risk in Brazil includes the activity of express kidnapping, which occurs in Brazilian urban centres and involves the short-term abduction of people with the objective of having them withdraw money from an ATM or taking their valuables. Travellers are often targeted. Demonstrations occur frequently in urban centers and occasionally turn violent. There are cases of kidnapping in the country, but these are usually conducted by criminals against wealthy local businessmen and travellers are not generally affected. There is not ordinarily a notable risk of terrorism.

Medical facilities are reasonable in major cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.