Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits are trouble-free.

Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Violence and threatened violence is a common occurrence in Rio de Janeiro. Travellers should be particularly vigilant in Rio de Janeiro before and during the festive and Carnival periods, as there is often a seasonal upsurge in robberies against foreigners around this time.

Levels of crime and violence are high, particularly in major cities. Travellers should be vigilant, especially when going out after dark. The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime and a widespread problem in Brazil.

There is a recent and contained outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil affecting the states of Goais and Federal District. Travellers are recommended to be vaccinated against the disease at least 10 days prior to visiting these areas and a number of other states in Brazil.

There is a Dengue Fever epidemic in Brazil; however, from January to July 2009, the number of Dengue Fever cases reported across several states of Brazil was down 46% compared to the same period in 2008. Still, 480,000 cases were officially recorded between January and October 2007. The states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Goias have been particularly affected, although occurrences of the disease have been reported throughout the region.

Following two air crashes since September 2006, the Brazilian civil aviation network is undergoing changes. Many of these alterations were introduced on 1 October 2007 and they could cause delays to flights and changes to departure and arrival airports. On 7 November 2007, BRA (Brasil Rodo Aereo) airline temporarily suspended all flights. Passengers with BRA tickets are advised to contact the company to have their tickets refunded or transferred to other airlines. Travellers are also advised to check the estimated departure time of their flight before leaving for the airport.

Drug trafficking and use is on the increase, with severe penalties in Brazil.
Dengue fever is endemic to Brazil and since January 2007 there have been significant outbreaks in the south of the country.

It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport is acceptable. Southeast Brazil has suffered from severe flooding and landslides in early 2011, with 800 fatalities reported. Flooding has mainly affected Sao Paolo state, while landslides have disrupted large areas of Rio de Janeiro state. The towns of Nova Friburgo, Teresopolis, and Petropolis have been the worst affected.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel