Home/News/visa-policy

The U.S. State Department has elevated its travel advisory for Brazil to Level 2, instructing Americans to exercise increased caution when visiting the country due to crime and kidnapping risks. The advisory highlights that violent crime remains a persistent threat in cities across the nation, occurring both during daylight hours and after dark.

According to the advisory, crimes affecting travelers include murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. Gang activity and organized crime networks operate widely throughout Brazil, frequently connected to illegal drug trafficking operations. The State Department warns that assaults are common occurrences for visitors.

Rio de Janeiro faces particular concern for a specific type of threat: criminals using sedatives or drugs slipped into beverages to incapacitate victims before robbing or assaulting them. The advisory notes that foreigners are increasingly being targeted through dating applications, where perpetrators pose as potential romantic interests to lure travelers into dangerous situations.

Level 2 advisories sit on the second rung of the State Department's four-tier warning system, below the more severe Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" and Level 4 "Do Not Travel" designations. The updated guidance indicates that certain areas within Brazil carry even higher risk, though the advisory directs travelers to read the full notice for details on specific regions requiring additional precautions.

The designation affects one of South America's most popular tourism destinations, which draws millions of international visitors annually for its beaches, Carnival celebrations, and natural attractions. Americans planning trips to Brazil should review the complete advisory on the State Department's travel website for the latest security information and recommended precautions.

This story was written and edited by the destination.com newsroom. See our editorial standards including sourcing, AI-use disclosure, and correction policy.