Is Fernando de Noronha safe?
Very safe, with almost no violent crime. Strong currents, sun and slippery rocks are the real risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-28.
- Homicide rate in Brazil: 19.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Brazil: 16.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
Safety in Fernando de Noronha at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional theft of unattended items on beaches; violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Quiet and generally safe. Village paths are lit, but bring a torch for walks out to Boldró and beaches. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women; the island is small and social. Normal care at night and with strangers on remote trails. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and shorebreak at some beaches; Sun and heat on exposed trails; Rough seas can cancel boat trips |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed guides selling park tours without registered tickets
- Pousadas charging extra for airport transfers listed as free
- Buggy rentals claiming damage on return
Take care
- Diving and snorkelling without a licensed operator: currents and surge
- Beaches with 'no swimming' signs: strong currents and rocks
- Walking trails in midday heat: dehydration and sunstroke
Calmer areas to stay
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.
How Fernando de Noronha compares 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 Fernando de Noronha safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women; the island is small and social. Normal care at night and with strangers on remote trails.
Is Fernando de Noronha safe at night?
Quiet and generally safe. Village paths are lit, but bring a torch for walks out to Boldró and beaches.
What is the crime rate in Fernando de Noronha?
Occasional theft of unattended items on beaches; violent crime against visitors is rare. Nationally, Brazil records 19.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Fernando de Noronha?
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
More about Fernando de Noronha
- Safetyacross Brazil
- Cost of livingin Fernando de Noronha
- Weather & best timein Fernando de Noronha
- Internet & coworkingin Fernando de Noronha
- Getting aroundin Fernando de Noronha
- Tap waterin Fernando de Noronha
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Fernando de Noronha
- Healthcare & insurancein Fernando de Noronha
- Solo travelin Fernando de Noronha
Going to Fernando de Noronha solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Fernando de Noronha meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- ICMBio Noronha National Marine Park
- Azul Linhas Aéreas
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.