Brazil

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
• historical centres
• public transport
• car parks
• public beaches
• outdoor markets
• unregistered taxis
• ATMs and currency exchange facilities

Other common crimes include:

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

In Rio de Janeiro, crime hotspots include:

• Copacabana Beach
• Ipanema Beach
• the Pedra do Sal area
• 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

In Brasilia, crime hotspots include the central bus station and two adjacent shopping centres. 

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, posing a risk of violent crime to travellers. Affected areas include:

• the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Pará and Amapá
• river travel in the Amazon, particularly Itaquai, Japura and Rio Negro rivers and tributaries.
• 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 or via the WhatsApp phone messaging application on +55 61 99610 0180.

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. Don’t give your card to the vendor when making payments and use contactless payment methods when possible.

More information:

• Theft and robbery
• Scams that affect travellers

Cyber security 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Partying safely

Crime levels increase before and during festivals such as Carnival, with tourists 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

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnappings can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

Kidnappings occur in Brazil. Foreigners have been kidnapped in the past. Kidnappings are generally for financial gain or motivated by criminality. Scammers may kidnap you to seek a ransom for your release.

Express kidnappings happen in Brazil; anyone can be targeted. Criminals may kidnap or threaten you to force you to withdraw large amounts of money from ATMs or banking applications on your phones.

You’re responsible for your own safety. You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping in the links below.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

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. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals,  concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Many beaches, including in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza (in Ceara), 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.

Staying safe in the heat

If you're travelling during extreme hot weather, plan your days to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. If you go out in the heat, rest often and stay in the shade as much as possible.

• Drink plenty of water. Even if you're not thirsty. Avoid alcohol
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking or biking in extreme hot weather, particularly if you're not usually active or used to high temperatures.

Wildfires are common from May to September, especially during July and August due to the arrival of the dry season. Heavy smoke may degrade the air quality in areas near active fires. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected areas, monitor local media and follow instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Extreme hot weather
• Bushfires

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:

• hepatitis
• rabies
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food
• 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

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.

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. 

Don't drink and drive, penalties are severe for driving with a blood-alcohol level reading over 0%. 

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

If you're a dual national male over 18, you may have to do military service in Brazil. 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 LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

You'll need a visa to enter Brazil. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For more information, contact 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. You won’t be able to obtain a visa at the airport or border entry point.

More information:

• Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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, ensure you get entry and exit stamps in your passport from Brazilian immigration authorities, especially when crossing land borders.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Brazil. Some airlines may want to see a copy when you depart to Australia or other countries.

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

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. To combat fraud and theft, many ATMs may limit the amount you can withdraw per day. 

Credit card fraud is widespread. Take care when making online payments. Check the amount before making payments on a card machine and use contactless payment methods when possible.  Check your bank statements for unauthorised charges. 

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.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• 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 by staying alert: keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight; don’t stay in a parked vehicle and check your route beforehand (make sure it isn’t via a favela)

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 such as Uber 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
• always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree on the fare before you get in a taxi
• check the amount is correct before making payments by card
• ensure you enter the vehicle with the same plate number and name as shown in the app, and 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.

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. Boat accidents can occur.

Piracy happens, particularly in the north-east. Armed groups, including pirates and drug traffickers, travel rivers in the Amazonas state, where there is a low presence of police and local authorities. Cruise ships and lodges have been attacked. 

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.

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 or via the WhatsApp phone messaging application on +55 61 99610 0180.

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: +55 21 2334 6802 or +55 21 2332 2924

São Paulo Special Police Unit for Tourism Support
Rua da Cantareira, 390
Centro, São Paulo - SP
Phone: +55 11 3257 4475

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

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

Australian Embassy, Brasilia

SES QD 801, Conjunto K, Lote 07
Brasilia - DF, Brazil
ZIP/CEP: 70200-010

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 
X: @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 - SP, Brazil
ZIP/CEP: 01418-100

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, Brazil
ZIP/CEP: 22431-004

Phone: +55 21 3824 4624
Email: consulado.honorario.australia@veirano.com.br 

The Australian Honorary Consulate in Rio de Janeiro does not provide notarial (document legalisation) services and only provides limited services, for example interviews for an Australian Passport.

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