Is Brazil Safe for First-Time Travelers?
Safety Scores / Brazil
Travel verdict: Use Caution. The scores and risks below say why.
Key Risks
- Higher crime rates in major cities (Rio, São Paulo)
- Pickpocketing and theft in tourist areas and beaches
- Avoid favelas and unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Don't display valuables, use hotel safes
Regional Safety
Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca; São Paulo: Jardins, Pinheiros, Vila Madalena; Iguaçu Falls, Florianópolis, Salvador (Pelourinho), Pantanal lodges
Rio: Copacabana (especially at night), Lapa & Santa Teresa after dark; São Paulo outer districts; Fortaleza & Recife central areas at night
Rio favelas (except select community tours with reputable operators), Belém & Manaus peripheral areas, border zones with Venezuela (Roraima), Nordeste interior at night
Stick to tourist areas; avoid night travel in unknown neighborhoods
Good private hospitals in cities; travel insurance strongly recommended
Don't display valuables; use hotel safes for passports and cash
Emergency: 190
Latest for Brazil
Updates for Brazil will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.