Is Brazil safe for tourists?

However, concerns about safety often arise when planning a trip to this South American nation. Global Guardian generally assesses Brazil to be a safe place to travel, with notable exceptions and with the understanding that crime is a threat throughout many urban areas.

Is Brazil safe for UK tourists?

! FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Brazil.

Is Brazil safe for tourists right now?

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

What to avoid when visiting Brazil?

Do NOT use your phone while out on the street or in public transport. Beware of pickpockets. Avoid walking in bad areas, especially at night. If possible, try to mostly Uber around (they're pretty cheap in Brazil and most middle class people drive anyway). Try to blend in and don't appear as a foreigner.

How safe is Rio de Janeiro for tourists?

Overall, Rio is generally a safe place if you are careful. We heard that pickpocketting, robbery, and theft are pretty common, but gun violence and conflict isn't really seen unless you go up north or visit the favelas. If you go during carnaval time, you need to be even more cautious.

Is Rio de Janeiro SAFE to Travel in 2024?! What to do in Rio, BRAZIL?

What is the safest part of Brazil for tourists?

Central-West (Brasília) Brasília, the capital, is considered one of the safest cities in Brazil. However, some satellite cities around Brasília, such as Ceilândia and Paranoá, have higher crime rates.

Which is safer, São Paulo or Rio?

But São Paulo's reputation for danger is somewhat exaggerated, and it has been getting progressively safer – in 2024, São Paulo saw its lowest homicide rate in 24 years. It's considered less dangerous than other major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janiero, Salvador, or Recife.

How not to dress like a tourist in Brazil?

We don't recommend jeans or long pants—you'll get uncomfortably hot. If you go to the beach or wander the streets, choose beach shorts and light T-shirts with sandals or flip-flops. If you go to a restaurant, choose more up-scale shorts with casual shoes and maybe a polo shirt.

What jabs do I need for Brazil?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Brazil. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Brazil: hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. Jab lasts 3 years.

Do and don'ts in Brazil?

Is Brazil safe to visit in 2025?

At this point you should have a good idea of Brazil's safety profile: generally safe, but concerns with petty theft in cities and overall safety elsewhere. Given that, it's good to follow these simple precautions while traveling in Brazil: Stick to the main streets, especially at night.

Do British citizens need a visa for Brazil?

British nationals are allowed to visit Brazil without a visa as a tourist for up to 90 days. You can apply for an extension on your visa for up to 90 days more. Extension applications are handled by the Brazilian Federal Police.

Are favelas safe?

Some neighborhoods, such as Vidigal and Santa Marta, have benefited from investments in tourism and local initiatives, making them relatively safe and attractive. However, other favelas continue to struggle with high crime, with drug gangs having a significant impact on daily life.

Is Brazil friendly to foreigners?

Brazil has an international reputation for being a welcoming and friendly country to foreigners who decide to leave their home countries and officially live in Brazilian territory.

Is Brazil friends with the UK?

The strategic partnership that unites Brazil and the United Kingdom is firmly based on historical relations between the two countries. As early as 1825, the United Kingdom recognized Brazil's independence.

Can you drink the water in Brazil?

Drinking only bottled water in Brazil is the safest route to take, and you want to make sure any bottled water you buy is properly sealed to ensure quality. Steer clear of tap water and well water as well as any ice, juices, iced tea or other drinks made from tap water or well water.

Do I really need yellow fever vaccine for Brazil?

Yellow Fever in Brazil

Most travelers to Brazil should receive the yellow fever vaccine. This includes for travel to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Brasilia. Vaccination is generally not recommended for travel to only Fortaleza and Recife.

What travel vaccines are free on the NHS?

Is Zika still a risk in Brazil?

Nevertheless, even short-term visitors may be exposed to the virus, such as in the Federative Republic of Brazil. As of March 25, 2025, about 2,556 Zika cases have been reported in Brazil since the beginning of 2025.

What can't you wear green in Brazil?

The ban exists because the arena also serves as the home stadium for the Brazilian soccer team, Corinthians, and their biggest rival is Palmeiras, a team that just happens to wear green. Basically, it's frowned upon to wear green in the arena.

Should you avoid wearing purple in Brazil?

In Thailand and Brazil, purple is customarily worn alongside black when mourning of the death of a loved one, and in Brazilian culture, it is considered unlucky to wear purple when not attending a funeral or related service.

What not to do in Rio de Janeiro?

Is Copacabana safe?

It's a beautiful place to soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and people-watch. However, like any popular tourist spot, Copacabana has its share of pickpockets and thieves who prey on unsuspecting tourists. This area is known for being full of pickpockets who are always looking for a chance with foreign tourists.

What are favelas?

favela, in Brazil, a slum or shantytown located within or on the outskirts of the country's large cities, especially Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. A favela typically comes into being when squatters occupy vacant land at the edge of a city and construct shanties of salvaged or stolen materials.

What is the safest city to stay in Brazil?

Often referred to as the “Magic Island,” Florianópolis is a standout among the safest cities in Brazil. Located in the southern state of Santa Catarina, this coastal city boasts not only natural beauty but also low crime rates, high human development index scores, and a strong expat and remote work community.