Brazil travel advice

Most visits are trouble-free. Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Violence and threatened violence is a common occurrence in Rio de Janeiro. Travellers should be particularly vigilant in Rio de Janeiro before and during the festive and Carnival periods, as there is often a seasonal upsurge in robberies against foreigners around this time.

Levels of crime and violence are high, particularly in major cities. Travellers should be vigilant, especially when going out after dark. The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime and a widespread problem in Brazil. Drug trafficking and use is widespread also, and incurs  severe penalties in Brazil. 

Dengue fever is endemic to Brazil, with outbreaks more common in the summer months. There is no vaccine agains the disease; travellers should wear mosquito repellent and cover up, wearing long sleeve tops and trousers.

It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport is acceptable.

Southeast Brazil has suffered from severe flooding and landslides in early 2011, with 800 fatalities reported. Flooding has mainly affected Sao Paolo state, while landslides have disrupted large areas of Rio de Janeiro state. The towns of Nova Friburgo, Teresopolis, and Petropolis have been the worst affected.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel