Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas. Back to top. Criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling poses a threat to your personal security. Violent crime, often involving weapons, is common. Incidents of mass shootings occur, often resulting in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Robberies occur regularly and often involve weapons such as guns and knives. Thieves generally target people who appear wealthy, such as those using cell phones and laptops. This type of crime can occur day and night at:. Criminals sometimes attempt to rob you by offering to help you if you appear lost.
Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators, who were armed or under the influence of drugs. Foreign tourists are most affected by theft. The use of drugs to facilitate sexual assault and robbery against foreigners has also been reported.
Assaults frequently occur in unofficial taxis. The number of kidnappings in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan area has significantly increased since Criminals may kidnap a victim for a few hours and force them to withdraw funds at an ATM for their release. Thieves may put drugs into food and drinks, temporarily incapacitating victims, who become quickly disoriented and are vulnerable to kidnapping. Carjacking is common in cities, especially at night in remote areas.
Theft often occurs at intersections and in tunnels. Perpetrators usually carry weapons. Advice for women travellers. Home invasions by armed gangs occur, especially in December and January, when many people take summer or Christmas holidays.
