U.S. Issues Updated Travel Advisory for Brazil Amid Rising Crime, Kidnappings

The U.S. State Department has reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil, urging American travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping, particularly as the country prepares for its busy summer tourism season.

The May 29 update highlights the risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and express kidnappings, which can occur both day and night, even in tourist areas. Officials referenced a recent incident involving the kidnapping of U.S. travelers for ransom.

The advisory also warns about incidents involving sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, where criminals have been known to target foreigners via dating apps or in bars, drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil due to a high risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.

Travelers are strongly advised to avoid areas within 100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, with exceptions for Foz do Iguaçu and Pantanal National Parks. Other no-go zones include informal housing developments such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, and the “Satellite Cities” of Brasília—including Ceilândia, Santa Maria, São Sebastião, and Paranoá—especially after dark.

This updated advisory comes as part of a broader series of travel guidance revisions recently issued by the State Department for other major tourist destinations such as Italy, France, and Jamaica, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect U.S. citizens abroad in areas with heightened security risks.