South America
Is Brazil safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Brazil safe?
Street crime in big cities is the main risk: phone snatching and robbery. Most trips go smoothly with phone discipline, ride apps at night and local advice.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-28.
- Homicide rate: 19.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 16.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
- Solo women: Catcalling is common, but solo women travel widely. Use ride apps at night, stick to busy areas and watch drinks in nightlife.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Phone snatching, often by thieves on bikes or motorbikes
- Armed robbery on empty streets and beaches at night
- Strong rip currents on many beaches
- Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases in the rainy season
Common scams
- Card machines showing an inflated amount; check the screen before paying
- Drink spiking ('Boa noite, Cinderela') followed by robbery, often via dating apps
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID: your passport or a certified copy; police checks happen.
- Any alcohol before driving is illegal, and Lei Seca checkpoints are common.
- Racist or homophobic insults are crimes that can bring prison terms.
Safety by place in Brazil
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Fernando de Noronha | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Foz do Iguaçu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Florianópolis | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jericoacoara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ilha Grande | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Paraty | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Búzios | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pipa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Itacaré | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Morro de São Paulo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chapada Diamantina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lençóis Maranhenses | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bonito | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ouro Preto | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Balneário Camboriú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Porto de Galinhas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gramado | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rio de Janeiro | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| São Paulo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Salvador | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Recife | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Fortaleza | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Manaus | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Natal | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Maceió | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Belo Horizonte | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Brasília | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Curitiba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Porto Alegre | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Belém | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Brazil safe for tourists?
Street crime in big cities is the main risk: phone snatching and robbery. Most trips go smoothly with phone discipline, ride apps at night and local advice.
Is Brazil safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is common, but solo women travel widely. Use ride apps at night, stick to busy areas and watch drinks in nightlife.
What is the emergency number in Brazil?
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil: Visas
- Brazil e-Visa portal
- Federal Police of Brazil (immigration)
- Speedtest Global Index: Brazil
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.