Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crime rates are highest in urban centres, particularly in areas adjacent to impoverished neighbourhoods of:

• Rio de Janeiro
• São Paulo
• Brasilia
• Recife
• Salvador

Foreign tourists are most commonly affected by theft but incidents of violent crime have also occurred, due to the high prevalence of guns coupled with the willingness of criminals and police to resort to violence. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, be aware of your surroundings at all times and follow the security directives of local authorities.

Petty crime

Street crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from cars, is common in Brazil’s large cities. Tourists are a favourite target.

Petty theft on buses and the metro is common. It is a significant concern in Recife.

Incidents of opportunistic crime increase significantly at large-scale sporting events, international conferences and during holidays such as the Carnival and New Year’s celebrations.

Flash mob robberies (arrastões) have occurred sporadically on Rio’s city beaches and in other crowded tourist areas. This type of crime involves a group of thieves (often young children and youth originating from nearby favelas) that swarm an area and snatch valuable items such as cash, jewellery and cell phones.

A common ruse used by criminals is the Good Samaritan scam, where a criminal offers to help a tourist who looks lost. If you are lost, go into a nearby business or hotel to ask for help.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Remain vigilant when visiting tourist destinations such as:
• beaches
• outdoor markets
• hotel grounds
• bars and nightclubs
• airports and bus stations
• Avoid showing signs of affluence such as expensive jewellery, watches, clothing and bags
• Carry only small amounts of cash
• Keep cameras and portable electronic devices concealed
• Be aware of ploys to distract your attention
• Remain cautious with new acquaintances who ask for information or offer hospitality or assistance
• Book tours with reliable agencies

Violent crime

Armed robberies occur regularly, even during the day. They are a growing concern at restaurants, particularly in larger cities. Hold-ups can occur on Brazil’s trains. Assaults are frequently perpetrated in unofficial taxis.

Incidents of sexual assault against male and female foreigners have been reported, sometimes involving the use of sedatives.

Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators, who may be armed or under the influence of drugs.

• Exercise a high degree of caution at all times
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Avoid parks or central (downtown) areas of major cities
• Avoid poorly lit and isolated streets
• Avoid walking on isolated and unsupervised beaches with poor visibility from the sidewalk
• If you are threatened by robbers, don’t resist.

Kidnappings

Express kidnappings, although rare, occur throughout the country, particularly in larger cities. Victims are picked up from the street, usually at night, and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs.

• Use only ATMs in well-lit public areas
• Restrict withdrawals during day hours
• Be discrete when putting your money in your wallet

Borders with Colombia and Venezuela

There is a concerning level of serious criminal activity by organized criminal groups along the border areas with countries bordering Brazil, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. Incidents of attacks on tourists and kidnapping have occurred. Be extremely cautious when crossing into bordering countries.

Favelas

Favelas are impoverished, urban neighbourhoods where crime levels are high. Gang-related violence is prevalent due to the presence of organized crime and drugs.

Police operations in favelas have led to retaliation by criminal gangs. Armed clashes and shootouts between police forces and alleged criminals regularly occur. As a result, there is an increased rate of violence everywhere. Targets have included police stations, buses, official buildings and businesses. Incidents have occurred on major thoroughfares, including the highway to and from the Galeão Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio.

There is a risk of violence spilling over into nearby, affluent neighbourhoods and tourist destinations. There have been incidents of injuries and deaths as a result of stray bullets near, and in, favelas. Police assistance in these areas is very limited.

• Don’t visit favelas
• Don’t rent accommodations located in a favela

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud is a major problem. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime is also a growing problem.  Perpetrators monitor social media sites and eavesdrop on your conversations when you are in the country.

• Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant in internet cafes

More about overseas fraud

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Demonstrations and elections

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

In São Paulo, protests can cause delays along the main road to Guarulhos International Airport. Demonstrations tend to increase in frequency and intensity during major events that attract foreign visitors.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

• Avoid travelling alone at night
• Avoid carrying purses

Safe-travel guide for women

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

The use of sedatives to facilitate robberies of personal belongings has been reported on beaches in Rio and in crowded restaurants in São Paulo.

• Never leave your belongings unattended on city beaches
• Ask for drinks coming from sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastics glasses
• In restaurants, avoid sitting close to the entrance

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous.

• Swim or surf in areas where lifeguards are located
• Avoid swimming where there are strong currents
• Be wary of sharks, especially in Brazil’s north east near Recife
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Trekking

Robberies are frequent and occur in tourist destinations, including on hiking trails. Be especially cautious on the Corcovado trail in Rio, where several robberies have happened.

If you intend on trekking: 

• never do so alone
• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out
• ensure the trail doesn’t pass through a favela
• do not venture off marked trail

Adventure tourism

Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands are largely uninhabited and dangerous areas.

Travel in these regions only with trained guides.

Public transportation

Subways

The subway systems in Rio and in São Paulo are generally safe during the day. Be extremely cautious using public transportation at night

Buses

Bus accidents occur regularly.

Major bus stations charge fixed, pre-paid rates.

Do not use public vans.

Taxis

Local law requires the use of the taxi meter to determine the legal fare. Adding surcharges to a fare is illegal.

Should taxi rates change and their taxi meters have not been adjusted, drivers may indicate these changes by showing an authorized paper with the new fares.

Many tourists hire “radio taxis”, also known as “commun taxis.” These taxis operate at a fixed price irrespective of the time of the day and the time it takes to arrive at your destination.

• Only use official taxis
• Upon arrival to Brazil, purchase your fare from licensed taxi offices in the airport arrival hall or near the taxi queues
• During your stay, use licensed taxis from taxi stands

Road safety

Brazil has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.

Road conditions are generally acceptable in large cities but badly maintained in the rest of the country. Poor signage and construction also pose a hazard.

Drivers do not respect traffic laws. Drivers are extremely aggressive and reckless and often drive at excessive speeds.  

At night, it is common for drivers to treat red lights as stop signs to protect against hold-ups at intersections. Pedestrians and motorists proceeding through green lights during these hours should be particularly cautious.

• Be careful when stopping on the side of any highway because of traffic
• Be careful of motorbikes when changing lanes
• When driving in the city, pay particular attention to your surroundings while waiting at traffic lights
• If you feel threatened at any time, do not stop
• If you are in a traffic accident, call the police immediately
• Never confront the driver of another vehicle

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Brazilian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Brazil.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days without remuneration
Student visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days

Length of stay

A tourist stay can be granted for up to 90 days. The permitted length of stay for tourists is determined by the immigration officer upon entry.

If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must obtain an extension from the Federal Police for a maximum stay of 180 days per period of 12 months.

To request a visa extension, you will have to: 

• request such an extension prior to the expiration of the authorized stay
• provide your detailed (long-form) birth certificate

In order for your Canadian long form birth certificate to be accepted in Brazil, it must be presented to the Brazilian Embassy or one of its consulates prior to departure from Canada. Neither the Embassy of Canada nor its consulates in Brazil can authenticate a Canadian birth certificate outside of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in South America, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South America. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in South America, certain insects carry and spread diseases like, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), chikungunya, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), West Nile virus yellow fever and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in South America, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.

Some medical facilities in the state of Rio de Janeiro have closed or are providing limited services, due to lack of funding for their operations. Private hospitals remain operational.

Certain medications may not be available.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Drinking water

Unfiltered water and ice throughout the country are not safe to consume.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Avoid areas of known drug trafficking. Travellers should not, under any circumstances, carry any items for strangers, especially baggage and parcels.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Sex tourism

Brazil is actively seeking to prevent child sex tourism. A number of tourists have been convicted of offences relating to the corruption of minors.

The legal age of consent in Brazil is 18. Prison sentences are severe.

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Not carrying identification can lead to problems and delays if stopped by police or in case of a medical emergency.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Brazil.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Brazil, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Brazil.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Brazil, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Brazilian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Brazil to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00% in Brazil. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and possible jail sentences.

You can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. Obtain an official Portuguese translation of your Canadian driver’s licence to help when dealing with local authorities.

You should carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the real (BRL).

Canadian bank cards may not work in ATMs. They should have a pin with a maximum of 4 digits to work in Brazil.

Canadian dollars are not generally accepted, except by some exchange bureaus, most likely at airports. Do not exchange money on the street.

Carry small bills, as change is often unavailable for small transactions.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy seasons

The rainy seasons extend from:

• January to July in the north
• November to March in the south and south east
• April to July in the north east

Flash floods and landslides can occur and hamper overland travel. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Travel conditions on mountain roads and on highways leading to beaches can be dangerous.

Seasonal flooding can also reduce the provision of essential services.

More about hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons

Dry season   

Brasilia and the interior of the country experiences extreme dry periods between June and September.  Humidity levels can drop below 10% and heat levels rise significantly.

Stay informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Drought

A severe drought is affecting the south east of Brazil.

The water supply in São Paulo, including to the city of São Paulo, has been significantly affected. Some areas of São Paulo are experiencing water shortages, and the water quality has diminished.

Use only bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Wildfires

Bush and forest fires are common between May to September, particularly in Brasilia.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation