Brazil

Violent crime

Violent crime, often involving weapons, is common, especially in large cities. Most crime is opportunistic. Common examples which involve tourists include the theft of valuables at the beach or from bags and valuables snatched while sightseeing. Tourists have also been robbed at knife or gunpoint. Local authorities advise against taking valuables and passports to the beach. Carry a photocopy of your passport or another form of identity.

Muggings and other violent crimes are common in and around:

• tourist spots, hotels, nightclubs and bars
• public transport
• car parks
• public beaches
• outdoor markets
• unregistered taxis
• ATMs and currency exchange facilities

Other common crimes include:

• carjacking
• home invasion
• food and drink spiking
• sexual assault
• kidnapping and scams

In Rio de Janeiro, crime hotspots include:

• Copacabana Beach
• Ipanema Beach
• the Santa Teresa area
• the Lapa neighbourhood
• the Christ the Redeemer statue
• the Corcovado Trail

In São Paulo, crime hotspots are in the downtown area and around the historical centre of the city and include:

• around the São Paulo Cathedral
• Pinacoteca
• Station of light (Estação da Luz)
• Princess Isabel Square
• Central market

Crime levels in shanty towns, or 'favelas', and many satellite cities are especially high.

Crimes relating to drug trafficking and illicit goods are common along Brazil's western and northern border areas. Affected areas include:

• the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Pará and Amapa
• the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu city) and Paraguay

Your safety is your main priority. Don't chase after a perpetrator or resist. Criminals may be armed and, if challenged, they may respond with violence. They will often have accomplices nearby. If you're robbed, report it to the local police.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid crime hotspots, especially late at night
• stay alert in public places, especially where there are lots of people, including other tourists
• leave valuables and passport in a hotel safe
• keep mobile devices and other valuables out of sight
• keep your belongings and baggage close to you when you're outside
• lock the doors and windows of your accommodation, including balcony doors
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• avoid isolated areas on the beach
• don't leave your luggage, food or drinks unattended
• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't enter favelas, even with a tour group

If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, seek immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS is high.

• Female survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault can access a dedicated hotline that provides access to local support services, including police, by calling 180 (from a Brazilian number),1800 88 15 50 (from an Australian number) or via the WhatsApp phone messaging application +55 61 99656-5008.

Partying safely

Crime levels increase before and during festivals such as Carnaval, with tourists frequently being targeted.

Make sure you follow these tips: 

• watch out for drink spiking and know your alcohol limits
• don’t use drugs – penalties for drug offences in Brazil are high
• don’t drink and drive – penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol reading over 0%
• keep your valuables out of sight, as petty crime, such as bag or phone snatching, is common
• be mindful of where you’re going, get recommendations from your hotel and plan your transport options in advance

More information:

• Partying

Kidnapping and scams

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media, by pretending to be prospective companions. Be wary of any online invitation you receive to travel to an unfamiliar location, especially if the location is changed at late notice and if someone is offering romance. The scammer may kidnap you and force you to transfer or withdraw money and then extort your loved ones for more money to secure your release.

Take caution when purchasing food and beverages from vendors, especially at the beach when paying by card. Confirm the price before and check the figure on the card machine is correct and hasn't been inflated.

More information:

• Theft and robbery
• Scams that affect travellers
• Kidnapping

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Large-scale protests are common. Public protests and events that draw large crowds can turn violent and authorities have used tear gas and other riot-control measures.

Demonstrations and protests often interrupt traffic and public transport.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and rallies
• monitor the news for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• if a protest occurs, leave if it's safe to do so
• prepare for long waits and be ready to adjust your travel plans
• follow instructions from the local authorities

You should follow the instructions of local authorities and review our guidance on staying safe when there are demonstrations.

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Major events are attractive targets for terrorists.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the news for emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area straight away if you can.

Avoid the affected area after an attack in case there are secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

Many beaches, including in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza, have strong, dangerous rips.

Shark attacks are possible, especially at many north-eastern beaches. Obey warning signs.

Brazil experiences severe droughts and flooding.

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor the media and local sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Wet season

The wet season is from January to July in the north, November to March in the south and south-east and April to July in the north-east. Landslides, flooding and flash flooding can happen, especially in poorer urban areas. 

It's common for flooding and severe storms to damage transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges and can delay domestic and international flights. Monitor local media for weather advice and follow any instructions given by local authorities.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Brazil. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are a serious risk in Brazil. Yellow fever, dengue, malaria and the zika virus are common. Other insect-borne diseases include:

• chikungunya
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis

You're most at risk during the wet season, in poorer urban areas or in regional areas where there are stagnant bodies of water, including the Pantanal or Amazon.

Take the following steps to avoid insect bites:

• cover exposed skin with light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• use insect repellents. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent
• treat your clothing and gear with insecticides
• sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use bed nets if you can't keep mosquitoes from coming inside the room
• consider taking anti-malarial medication

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Immunisation (Department of Health and Aged Care)

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection, such as avoiding contact with contaminated objects and sharing personal items. Practice safe sex. 

Other health risks

There are recurrent measles outbreaks in Brazil. To protect yourself, stay up to date with your vaccinations, wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with people who are sick and wild or domestic animals. 

Food-related, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• COVID-19

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals
• avoid swimming in fresh water

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

More information:

• Measles immunisation service

Medical facilities

You can access free health care at public hospitals and clinics in Brazil. The standard of emergency care is generally high but can vary, with access being more limited and of a lower standard outside of major urban areas.

When accessing public health care, you will likely experience overcrowding, longer wait times and more rudimentary facilities than you are accustomed to in Australia. It is very unlikely your treating doctor will speak English.

Private health care at hospitals and clinics in larger cities is often similar or superior to Australia. Doctors will often speak at least some English. Private medical care is very expensive, even more expensive if you need a medical evacuation. You may be charged upfront or be required to produce proof of insurance prior to receiving treatment.  

Public mental health care facilities are basic and overcrowded with a focus on more severe chronic and acute care, using a pharmaceutical-based treatment approach.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Brazil has severe penalties for possession of or trafficking illegal drugs. These include long sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry proof of identity. Carry a photocopy of your passport with some original identification, such as your driver's licence or another government-issued identity document. 

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

Dual nationals must enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passport.

If you're a dual national male over 18, you'll have to do military service if you stay in Brazil for 12 months.

Contact a Brazilian embassy or consulate for advice.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal, but aren't always accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visa-free travel for short stays

From 10 January 2024, Australian passport holders will be required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. For more information, contact an embassy or consulate of Brazil for details about visas, currency and customs. Further information can be found here.

Currently you don't need a visa to enter Brazil for:

• tourism
• business
• transit
• artistic or sport activities

You can stay in Brazil for 90 days over a 12-month period. This will be counted from the date of your first entry to Brazil. You can also extend your stay for another 90 days. If you require visa advice or assistance, you should contact the Brazilian Federal Police or a visa agency.

In other cases, apply for your visa through an embassy or consulate of Brazil.

If you plan to live in Brazil, you'll need to get a visa before arrival. The Brazilian Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws.

If you need a visa and arrive without one, authorities will send you back on the next available flight.

Border measures

Entry into Brazil

Entry and exit conditions may change without warning. Follow the advice of border and health authorities and comply with local regulations. Contact your airline or the nearest embassy or consulate of Brazil for more information. 

Entry and exit stamps

When you arrive, authorities will stamp your passport. This may be inspected by immigration authorities when you leave.

If you plan to leave Brazil and return during your trip, get an exit stamp in your passport from Brazilian immigration when you leave.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Brazil. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel with children

Dual-national children must enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passports. 

Brazilian and dual-national children travelling in the company of only one parent must provide proof of consent to travel from the non-accompanying parent. If you can't produce proof of parental consent, local authorities will stop your children from departing Brazil. Unaccompanied children, or children travelling in the company of a non-parent, will require the consent of both parents.

Parental consent will usually be in the form of an observation note inserted into the child's Brazilian passport when it is issued by the Brazilian authorities. Alternatively, a Brazilian Embassy, Consulate or Juvenile Court can witness and notarise written parental consent or proof of residence outside Brazil.

If one or both parents are deceased, you'll require a death certificate notarised by a Brazilian Embassy, Consulate or Juvenile Court.

Parents of dual-national children should contact a Brazilian embassy or consulate for advice.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Authorities won't let you enter Brazil unless your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry. This may apply even if you're just transiting.

Some immigration authorities and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Tourists can receive conflicting advice from different sources. You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) when you arrive and depart. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash.
US dollars are the easiest to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. 

Ask your bank in Australia if your ATM card will work and if it has an affiliate bank in Brazil, as some local machines may be unreliable.

Credit card fraud and ATM tampering are widespread. Check your bank statements for unauthorised charges. To combat fraud and theft, many ATMs may limit the amount you can withdraw per day. 

Remote areas

You're at risk of becoming lost or injured while trekking in remote parts of Brazil. This includes the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands.

Use an experienced guide.

Driving permit

You can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days after your arrival, as long as you carry a valid Australian driver’s licence. It is also recommended that you carry a translation of your licence. After this period, you will need to obtain a local driver’s licence.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Brazil than in Australia.

Hazards on the road include:

• aggressive driving
• poorly maintained roads
• large numbers of trucks and other slow vehicles on main routes

Traffic lights are often not obeyed, especially at night in larger cities. Don't assume cars will stop.

Carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes are common. To stay safe while driving and guard against carjacking:

• keep vehicle doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• make sure your GPS route isn't via a favela — if in doubt, ask your hotel or tour guide
• be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic
• when stopped in traffic, including at traffic lights, be alert to threats and maintain extra distance from other cars.
• always approach your car with the keys ready
• don't stay in a parked vehicle

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• don't drive your own vehicle in Rio de Janeiro
• don't drink and drive – penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol reading over 0%
• guard against carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes

If you're in an accident:

• call 193 for the fire department if there are injuries
• call 190 for the police if there are no injuries

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Registered taxis, rideshares and the metro are generally safe. To reduce your risk:

• only use licensed taxis or rideshare booked through apps
• find out what transport services are available at the airport before you travel; most airports have licenced taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas and allow payment before travel
• follow signage or advice of authorities to official taxi services only
• always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree on the fare before you get in a taxi
• at the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number and the driver's name. Don't get into a taxi or rideshare if other passengers are already inside.
• avoid using motorcycle taxis

Public transport

Brazil has a well-developed network of inter-city buses, as well as metro systems in some of the major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Travel can be risky due to poor vehicle maintenance, local driving habits and petty crime.

Be alert when using public transport, especially during busy times and at night.

Criminals often work in gangs robbing people gathered in the same place. Public transport hubs can be hotspots.

People have reported hijacking and robbery of tour buses in recent years.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

International cruise liners visit Brazil.

Commercial riverboats are common in some parts. Keep your belongings close.

Tourist operators often use basic vessels for river outings in jungle areas.

You should always wear a life jacket.

Piracy happens, particularly in the north-east. Pirates have also attacked cruise ships and lodges along the Amazon River.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues piracy reports on its website.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat
• Piracy

Air travel

Domestic and international flight delays are common. Airport strikes also occur.

Ask your travel agent if your itinerary allows for delays.

Be prepared for the possibility of extended waits at airports.

If you need to make or change airline bookings while in Brazil, ensure your payment method will be accepted.

Most major airlines, such as LATAM, Gol and Azul, accept international credit cards, although some may only accept them on their international websites. 

Travel and tour agents may also have restrictions. You may need to pay cash at the airline office or ask your Australian travel provider.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Brazil's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 193.

Medical emergencies

Call 192 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 190 or go to the local police station.

Operators may not speak English.

Female survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault can access a dedicated hotline that provides access to local support services, including police by calling 180 (from a Brazilian number),1800 88 15 50 (from an Australian number) or via the WhatsApp phone messaging application +55 61 99656-5008.

Tourist Police who speak English are available in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and at some major airports.

Rio de Janeiro Special Police Unit for Tourism Support
Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco
159 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: (+21) 2334 6802 or (+21) 2332 2924

São Paulo Tourist Police
Phone: (+11) 3120 4167

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Brasilia, the Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo or the Consulate in Rio de Janeiro. The Consulate in Rio de Janeiro does not provide notarial (document legalisation) services and only provides limited consular services, for example interviews for an Australian Passport.

Australian Embassy, Brasilia

SES QD 801
Conjunto K, Lote 07
BSB, DF 70200-010
Brasilia, Brazil
Phone: (+55 61) 3226 3111 

Email: consular.brasilia@dfat.gov.au, or embaustr@dfat.gov.au 
Website: brazil.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Embaixada da Austrália no Brasil 
Twitter: @EmbAusBrasil

Instagram: australianobrasil

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, São Paulo

Edificio Trianon Corporate – Cerqueira Cesar
Alamenda Santos 700
9th Floor, Unit 92
São Paulo, 01418 100, Brazil
Phone: (+55 11) 2112 6200
Email: consular.saopaulo@austrade.gov.au

Australian Honorary Consulate, Rio de Janeiro

Av. Bartolomeu Mitre, 770 

Leblon

Rio de Janeiro - RJ

ZIP Code: 22431-003

Phone: (+55 21) 3824 4624

Email: consulado.honorario.australia@veirano.com.br

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia