Brazil: Updated Travel and Safety Information (as of August 20, 2026)

On August 20, 2026, the travel and safety advice for Brazil was updated. For travelers and visa applicants, these advisories summarize important assessments of the current security situation in the country, which should be taken into account when planning a trip. It is particularly emphasized that travel to the areas immediately bordering Venezuela is not recommended. The reason for this is the ongoing political crisis in the neighboring country, as well as associated gang-related crime, smuggling activities, and refugee movements. In these regions, the presence of security forces is also limited, which is why border closures can occur even on short notice.

A central theme of the advisories is the generally high crime rate in Brazil. Major cities such as Belém, Fortaleza, Maceió, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Luís, and São Paulo are particularly affected. In shantytowns (favelas), some of which are controlled by criminal groups and drug gangs, armed clashes occur repeatedly, and bystanders may also fall victim to them. Travelers should avoid such areas and, in general, exercise particular caution on less crowded streets, at beaches, and on access roads to airports, as criminal incidents are frequently reported there.

Warnings have also been issued regarding robberies and other crimes in connection with organized meetups arranged through dating apps, as well as during guided boat tours in the Amazon region. It is also common for substances that impair judgment to be slipped into drinks. When driving, it is recommended to use navigation apps with caution, as travelers have in the past been unwittingly directed via supposed shortcuts into neighborhoods controlled by armed groups. It is recommended to use main roads whenever possible and to hike in nature parks only in groups and on marked, well-traveled trails.

Another important note concerns bank and credit card fraud, which is widespread in Brazil, including through the skimming of card data at ATMs. Travelers should use ATMs during daylight hours whenever possible and inside bank branches, check withdrawn banknotes for authenticity, and regularly review their card transactions. It is also advisable to keep a second, functional credit card in a separate place and to store important documents such as identification cards and driver’s licenses securely, ideally with additional electronic copies in case of theft or loss.

For travelers planning a trip to Brazil, it is particularly important, in light of this advice, to prepare all necessary travel documents early and correctly. Anyone unsure about which entry requirements and visa type their trip requires can find initial guidance in the overview of all visa types. We’ll review the required documents and ensure that applications are submitted correctly and on time, so travelers can focus fully on planning the details of their trip.

In addition to the crime situation, travelers should generally ensure they have adequate insurance coverage and stay informed about current weather conditions and local news. If you have any uncertainties regarding your personal travel plans—especially for trips to areas near the Venezuelan border—you should carefully assess the situation before departure. Anyone who wants to apply for a visa to Brazil in a straightforward and reliable manner can do so directly through our application form.