Safe Travel Tips for Brazil: Warnings & Dangers

With Carnival just around the corner, many travelers are gearing up for a trip to Brazil. Here is what you need to know for a safe and memorable visit.  

Crime & Safety

The State Department notes that violent crime, assault, and robbery are not uncommon in cities and recommends exercising increased caution, particularly at night and on public transportation. 

Follow common sense travel safety rules: stick with your group, avoid deserted areas, and keep an eye on drinks and personal items in crowded nightlife settings. Travelers are most commonly victims of petty theft. Leave valuables safely in your hotel room and use cell phones discreetly. 

According to the State Department, certain areas within Brazilian cities have a higher rate of gun violence. The Onde Tem Tiroteio App (OTT App) lets travelers and residents know in real time where instances of gun violence are occurring so they can avoid getting caught in potential crossfire.

Driving

Like the United States, cars drive on the right side of the road and the driver is situated on the left side of the car. According to Sixt car rental service, the average speed limit is 30km/hour (roughly 19mph) for residential areas, 80km/hour (roughly 50mph) for urban highways, and 110km/hour (roughly 68mph) for rural highways. 

Brazil has the fifth highest rate of traffic fatalities in the world, with traffic patterns and road conditions that can be difficult to navigate for the uninitiated tourist. Opt for a registered taxi service or Uber and leave the local driving to the experts.  

Weather

Brazil experiences a tropical climate year-round, so there is no need to pack winter gear. The year is split into a wet season—from December to April—and a dry season—roughly May through November. During the wet season, extreme rainfall can cause flooding and landslides, especially in rural areas and torrential rains can cause the Amazon River to rise over thirty feet. The wet season lasts about a month longer in the Amazon region than the rest of the country, so plan accordingly.  

It’s not uncommon for Brazil to experience wildfires, particularly when conditions are exacerbated by drought as they have been the past two years. According to the World Resources Index, “Unlike other countries, where fires are a natural part of the forest ecosystem, almost all fires in the Amazon and Pantanal regions of Brazil are human-caused.”  Starting fires, including campfires, in the Amazon poses an extreme risk to people and nature and is prohibited.

Nature and Wildlife

Sixty percent of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. While there are endless opportunities to explore the incredible wildlife therein, there are potential dangers that should be considered with reasonable caution when planning an excursion. 

This jungle habitat is home to jaguars, cougars, green anacondas, and the golden poison dart frog—one of the most poisonous animals in the world. A few rules: always travel with a professional guide, stay with your tour group, don’t wander off the designated path, and pay attention to your surroundings and where you’re stepping at all times. Similarly, the Amazon River is home to jagged-toothed piranhas and alligators, so resist the temptation to cool down with a swim. If you plan to spend the majority of your trip in the Amazon, make sure to come prepared with a filtered water bottle and water purification tablets. 

Nature’s tiniest creatures also pose a risk while trekking through the rain forest. Mosquitos are highly active in the Amazon, so make sure to wear long pants and sleeves and to use DEET bug repellent. A sturdy pair of boots will also keep away other biting insects like the bullet ant, whose bit is notoriously painful. While most imminent wildlife danger will be found within the rainforest, travelers should keep an eye out for the Brazilian wandering spider or brown recluse spider, both of which can be spotted in nature as well as in the city.

Visa Requirements

Tourist visas will be required for US travelers visiting Brazil beginning in April 2025. All you need for the visa is the $80.90 fee, a valid passport, the completed passport application, and a passport photo. The application can be completed online and your visa will be emailed to you shortly after. 

Vaccinations and Medication

In addition to routine vaccines recommended for all travelers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that travelers consider:

• The Chikungunya vaccine for travlers over 65 of planning a long stay
• Preventative malaria medication
• Rabies pre-exposure treatment if you will be exposed to animals
• Typhoid vaccine, if staying in rural areas
• Yellow Fever vaccine, if traveling to certain areas including Rio de Janiero

There is also the possibility for bug-borne illnesses like Zika and Dengue. Practice good habits when venturing outside like covering the skin and wearing bug repellent. 

Traveler Resources

Emergency Number: 911 or 112 will both redirect to the national emergency line

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