Report

Brazil | Travel security guide | Standing travel advice

STANDING TRAVEL ADVICE

Travel to Brazil requires standard security precautions, including ensuring that foreign nationals unfamiliar with the local risk environment avoid densely populated areas of major urban centres where risks are rated as HIGH.
Violent crime poses a significant risk to business travellers. Exercise caution at all times and maintain awareness of the local geography, taking care to avoid HIGH-risk districts.
Criminals are commonly armed and will attack if they are resisted. If targeted, avoid doing anything to resist or antagonise the assailant.
Short-term ‘express' kidnapping poses a risk to business travellers. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, avoid using ATMs outside banks or after dark and avoid displaying items of real or perceived wealth. International assignees are advised to vary routines, choose a modest model of vehicle and maintain vigilance for signs of surveillance.
Avoid travelling through overland border crossings due to poor security and the high incidence of crime and smuggling.
Public transport is not sufficiently secure for business travellers. Use only official taxis or hire a private vehicle and driver. Signage is poor and driving standards are variable; it is inadvisable to self-drive unless familiar with local conditions.
Avoid demonstrations, rallies and picket lines due to a credible risk of clashes between demonstrators and the security forces. Do not attempt to cross picket lines as this may prompt a hostile reaction.
Closely monitor all banking account information following any sales transactions in Brazil to ensure credit/debit cards and personal information are not compromised.
Withdrawing money from ATMs not inside hotels, banks, airports or other locations with supplementary security measures poses serious risks. Maintain awareness of popular schemes to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.
Businesses currently operating in Brazil should closely monitor their web-facing infrastructure for any potential vulnerability, as these are often exploited for opportunistic attacks and ransomware infections.

If you require information or support, call our Assistance centres