We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Brazil.
Please note: Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO website for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Crime
Crime levels in Brazil are high and frequently involve firearms or other weapons, so travellers should take care and be vigilant at all times, especially before and during festive and carnival periods.
Don’t carry large amounts of money, avoid wearing expensive items and don’t have mobile phones and cameras visible. You should leave your passport and valuables in a safe place, but carry another form of photo ID (e.g driving licence) at all times.
Be wary of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night. If you are threatened, don’t attempt to resist as attackers may be armed or under the influence of drugs.
Car thefts and carjackings do happen, so if driving, approach the car with your keys ready so you can get in quickly, then keep doors locked and windows closed. Take care of traffic lights and avoid deserted or poorly lit places.
Although rape and sexual offences against tourists are rare, there have been reports of attacks, sometimes using ‘date rape’ drugs. Always buy your own drinks and keep them in sight at all times.
Robberies at ATMs are on the increase, and some machines have been fitted with an anti-theft device that applies pink coloured ink to bank notes from a damaged or tampered-with ATM. Pink-coloured notes will not be accepted and have no value, so if you withdraw cash with any pink marks, speak to the bank immediately and get it changed. If you withdraw pink notes outside bank hours or from an ATM which is not at a bank branch you should get a bank statement from the ATM which proves your withdrawal and take it and the marked note/s to a police station to get an official police report filed.
Bank and credit card fraud are also common crimes, for example, card cloning at ATMs. Always keep your cards in sight and do not use an ATM if anything seems suspicious.
Look after your mobile phone as there have been reports of mobile phone cloning.
Terrorism remains an underlying low-level threat in Brazil.
Demonstrations
Many Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte can stage protests without warning, sometimes resulting in violence and injury. Take extra care and avoid all large gatherings and demonstrations. Strikes may also take place at short notice and can affect or disrupt transport and security.
Favelas
Favelas are shanty towns which exist in all major cities in Brazil. Poverty and high levels of violent crime are a problem in the favelas, although the government has recently implemented a Pacifying Police Force in many of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, which has improved security. However, all favelas remain unpredictably dangerous areas, with outbursts of violence, and you should take extra care, even if you visit on an organised tour.
Swimming
Some beaches in Brazil have strong currents and sharks are sometimes a threat so take local advice before swimming in the sea.
Transport/Travel
Petty crime is a problem on public transport, particularly during rush hour. The metro system is generally safer than the bus system in Rio and São Paulo, as there have been some incidents of robbery and hijack reported on tour buses and bus crashes are common.
Road accident rates in Brazil are high and many rural roads are of poor standard. During periods of unrest public transport can be disrupted.
Always use licensed taxis, which can be hired from recognised taxi ranks in Brazilian cities. Most airports have a licensed taxi desk inside baggage reclaim, which you can pay for in advance using cash or a credit card.
Brazil’s major cities offer disabled facilities such as easy-access public buses and lifts at stations.
Avoid using light aircraft which have poor standards of maintenance which can lead to crashes. Always use recognised national air carriers.
Traffic in the cities of São Paulo and Rio can be heavy, particularly in rush hour, so allow plenty of time if travelling to the airport.
If travelling by boat on the Amazon River, be aware that accidents are not uncommon.
Entry and Departure Requirements
You may have to demonstrate that you have enough money for the duration of your stay when you arrive in Brazil, plus provide details of your accommodation and evidence of return or onward travel. Ensure your passport is stamped when you arrive, or you may be fined on departure. Keep your immigration landing card which you will need when you leave, you may be fined if you lose it.
Natural Disasters
November to March is the rainy season in the south and southeast and it runs from April until July in the northeast. Heavy rains, flash floods and landslides are common and can disrupt the infrastructure, especially in poorer areas.
Health
You should be in touch with your GP around 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination or health advice. Dengue fever is common in Brazil, particularly during the rainy season so take necessary precautions against mosquitoes. Be aware that the sun can be extremely strong in Brazil, with high UV levels. Diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated food or water so we advise you to drink bottled water.