Brazil

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Violent crime, armed robbery, and mass shootings occur regularly in urban areas; theft is the most common crime against tourists, but you could be caught in crossfire.

Prepare: Keep awareness high in crowded tourist zones; exit immediately if you hear gunshots or see armed confrontations.

• Express kidnappings are active in Rio de Janeiro Metro Region — criminals drug victims via food or drinks, then force ATM withdrawals or mobile bank transfers over a few hours.

Prepare: Only use official taxi companies or legitimate ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99); never accept rides from strangers or people met online.

• Avoid all travel to Rio favela complexes (Complexo da Maré, Complexo da Penha, and others); gang-controlled slums have extremely high violent crime and limited emergency response.

Prepare: Confirm your GPS/navigation won't route you through a favela; ask your hotel to identify unsafe neighborhoods before you travel.

• Armed drive-by robberies on motorcycles are common in São Paulo and Porto Alegro — thieves target people using phones or laptops at traffic lights.

Prepare: Keep car doors and windows locked; don't stop if threatened while driving; avoid using phones in public.

• Spiked food and drinks are increasing, especially in Rio and São Paulo — victims are forced to withdraw cash at ATMs or assaulted for robbery or sexual assault.

Prepare: Order drinks in sealed bottles only; never leave food or drinks unattended; be wary of new acquaintances in bars, restaurants, and dating-app meetings.

• Mass robberies ("arrastões") occur day and night on crowded beaches and transport hubs — groups swarm and snatch cash, jewelry, phones; victims injured by armed perpetrators.

Prepare: Don't carry valuables on public beaches; keep cash hidden; avoid using phones visibly in crowds.

• High-risk areas for theft include: São Paulo Cathedral, downtown São Paulo, Pinacoteca do Estado, Princess Isabel Square, Brasília satellite cities, and all tourist areas in Rio (Lapa, Santa Teresa, Copacabana).

Prepare: Stay in pairs; don't wear expensive jewelry; don't display phones or laptops; be especially cautious in crowded areas.

• Home invasions by armed gangs spike in December–January — wealthy neighborhoods and foreigners' homes targeted; police response is slow.

Prepare: If renting a house, install strong locks and avoid leaving obvious signs of wealth or empty properties.

• Carjackings are common at night in remote areas, intersections, and tunnels — perpetrators are armed.

Prepare: Keep doors/windows locked; stay alert at traffic lights; avoid poorly lit areas and isolated roads.

• Methanol-poisoned alcohol has caused deaths in São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Brasília (gin, whiskey, vodka sold in bars and liquor stores); seek immediate medical help if you feel sick within 12–24 hours of drinking.

Prepare: Stick to reputable establishments; avoid cheap spirits from unknown vendors; know the nearest hospital location.

• Sexual assault occurs; women traveling alone face harassment — assaults frequently happen in unofficial taxis and at night on beaches.

Prepare: Don't walk alone after dark; keep hotel doors/windows locked; report any assault immediately to police and the nearest Canadian office.

• Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching, car theft) is common in all major cities, especially airports, bus stations, and crowded tourist areas; increases during festivals and large events.

Prepare: Keep passport and travel documents in a hotel safe; carry minimal cash; don't leave bags unattended.

• Demonstrations occur frequently and can turn violent without warning, disrupting traffic and transit.

Prepare: Monitor local media; avoid gatherings and protests; follow local authorities' instructions.

• Drug smuggling scams target travelers: criminals hide drugs in luggage that an acquaintance or online contact asks you to carry out of Brazil.

Prepare: Never agree to transport packages for anyone; be extremely wary of people met online who ask favors involving luggage or travel.

HEALTH

• Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for most regions, especially areas with tropical vegetation; consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.

Prepare: Book a travel medicine appointment at least 6 weeks ahead; confirm immunity status and any boosters needed.

• Malaria is present in parts of the Amazon and northern/northeastern regions — risk is lower in coastal and major urban areas but varies by destination and season.

Prepare: If visiting malaria-endemic regions, consult a doctor about prophylaxis (chloroquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil); use insect repellent and bed nets.

• Dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes, especially during rainy seasons (Dec–April); cases occur year-round in tropical regions.

Prepare: Use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%); wear long sleeves and pants in early morning/dusk; check for symptoms (fever, joint pain, rash) and seek care if ill.

• Contaminated food and water can cause traveler's diarrhea and parasitic infections.

Prepare: Drink bottled or boiled water only; avoid raw vegetables, street food, and ice; eat cooked foods served hot.

• Medical care quality varies widely — major cities (São Paulo, Rio, Brasília) have good private hospitals, but remote areas have limited resources; travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential.

Prepare: Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance covering evacuation; know the location of reputable private hospitals in your destination.

VISA & ENTRY

• Canadian passport holders are visa-exempt for up to 90 days of tourism or business — no visa required.

Prepare: Check your passport validity (must be valid for duration of stay); carry a photocopy separate from your original.

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Brazil.

Prepare: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your planned return.

• Entry requirements include proof of onward travel (return ticket or onward flight) and sufficient funds; electronic entry registration may be required upon arrival.

Prepare: Have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation ready; carry bank statements or credit card proof if asked.

• Canada does not recognize dual Canadian–Brazilian citizenship — if you hold both passports, you must use your Canadian passport to enter and exit Brazil, and your Brazilian passport to enter and exit Canada.

Prepare: Clarify your citizenship status with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before travel if you have dual nationality.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Possession of any illegal drugs is a serious crime — penalties include imprisonment and heavy fines; Brazil is a major drug trafficking hub.

Prepare: Do not carry, purchase, or accept drugs; decline any offers from strangers; be aware of customs controls on exit.

• Sexual acts and relationships between same-sex partners are legal, but 2SLGBTQI+ persons have been victims of violence; public displays of affection are only accepted in larger cities.

Prepare: Use discretion outside major urban centers; research local LGBTQ+ safety resources in your destination city.

• Drinking and driving laws are strict — breath tests are common and penalties severe; avoid driving under influence.

Prepare: Use taxis or ride-sharing if you drink; designate a sober driver or stay at your accommodation.

• Photography of military, police, or government buildings is prohibited and can result in arrest.

Prepare: Ask locals or your hotel before photographing any official or sensitive sites; delete photos if asked by authorities.

• Brazil is primarily Catholic, but evangelical Christianity and other religions are widespread — respect religious sites and customs.

Prepare: Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious areas; remove shoes when required.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the euro (EUR) — adopted on 1 January 2023; the real is no longer accepted.

Prepare: Exchange currency before arrival or at banks/ATMs in major cities; inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.

• Credit and debit card fraud is frequent — skimming devices, fake card readers, and multiple charges occur; criminals exploit unsecured card transactions.

Prepare: Cover the PIN pad when entering your code; use ATMs inside banks or reputable businesses; disable contactless payment; check statements regularly; consider disabling tap function on your card.

• Standard voltage is 110–220V; outlet types vary by region (Type A, B, C common).

Prepare: Bring a universal power adapter rated for 110–220V; carry extra batteries or a portable charger.

• Mobile coverage is good in cities; limited in remote areas — buy a local SIM card from operators (Vivo, Claro, TIM, Oi) or activate an eSIM if your phone supports it.

Prepare: Get a local SIM or eSIM upon arrival; test internet connection before relying on it; download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) for navigation.

• Public Wi-Fi is common but insecure — criminals can compromise networks to steal personal data and credit card information.

Prepare: Use a VPN for all online banking and sensitive transactions; avoid public Wi-Fi for financial activities; use your own USB adapter and carry extra battery instead of public charging stations.

• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated — 10% in restaurants and for services is customary.

Prepare: Carry small bills for tips; ask your hotel about local tipping customs.

• Driving and road safety: traffic is chaotic; roads vary in quality; carjackings and robberies occur; formal public transport (metro, buses) is safer than driving for tourists.

Prepare: Use official taxis, Uber, or 99 app instead of renting a car; if driving, avoid night travel and remote areas; keep doors/windows locked.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Rainy season is December–April in most regions — flash floods can occur in remote areas, making hiking trails impassable; coastal waters are hazardous (riptides common).

Prepare: Avoid hiking alone in remote areas during rainy season; hire experienced local guides; check weather forecasts daily; respect beach warning flags.

• Dry season (May–November) is generally safer for travel — fewer floods and more stable weather; temperatures remain warm.

Prepare: Plan outdoor activities and hiking for May–November; book accommodations early during peak season (July–August).

• Northeast Brazil has shark activity near Recife — exercise caution in coastal waters.

Prepare: Ask locals about safe swimming areas; use only supervised beaches; heed any shark warnings from authorities.

• Extreme heat is common in northern and central regions — stay hydrated; limit midday outdoor activity.

Prepare: Carry water; wear sun protection; schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

TOP SIGHTS

• Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), Rio de Janeiro — iconic statue overlooking the city; take the official train or cable car, not hiking trails; avoid carrying valuables.

• Iguazu Falls (Paraná state, shared with Argentina) — one of the world's largest waterfall systems; visit via official park entrances; use authorized tour guides.

• Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro — famous urban beach; visit during daylight hours only; stay in designated swimming areas and avoid displaying valuables.

• Amazonian rainforest and river tours — biodiversity hotspot; book with reputable tour operators; hire experienced guides; share your itinerary with someone at home.

• Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Rio de Janeiro — accessible by cable car; avoid hiking trails and arriving after sunset; do not hike alone.

WHERE TO STAY

Rio de Janeiro

• Copacabana — established beach neighborhood; generally safe during daylight in tourist zones; busy nightlife but avoid walking alone after dark; known petty theft in crowds.
• Ipanema — upscale, residential beach area; safer than central Rio; vibrant restaurants and bars; higher prices; secure your valuables in accommodations.
• Flamengo — mid-range, near metro and beaches; quieter than Copacabana; good dining options; stay alert in surrounding areas; avoid isolated streets at night.

São Paulo

• Vila Mariana — affluent, central neighborhood; safe for tourists; good restaurants and proximity to museums; use taxis/Uber to travel at night.
• Pinheiros — trendy, walkable area; nightlife and dining; younger demographic; mixed safety depending on block; avoid isolated areas after dark.
• Centro Histórico (Downtown) — historical sites and architecture; busy during day; increased theft and less safe at night; visit with caution in groups; leave after sunset.

Brasília

• Asa Sul — planned, spacious neighborhoods; safer than Rio or São Paulo; less walkable (car-dependent); use Uber/taxis for transport; lower crime than other major cities.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Brasília: +55 (61) 3424-5400 (consular assistance); web: www.canada.ca/brazil
• Canadian Consulate General, Rio de Janeiro: +55 (21) 3004-7000
• Canadian Consulate General, São Paulo: +55 (11) 4322-8400
• Brazil Police (non-emergency): 190 (dial from any phone)
• Brazil Ambulance/Emergency: 192 (SAMU) or 911 (in some regions)
• Government of Canada Emergency Line (24/7, from Canada): 1-800-387-3124

Last updated: Government of Canada travel data as of July 30, 2026.