U.S. Updates Brazil Travel Advisory but Keeps Level 2

The United States has updated its travel advisory for Brazil, maintaining a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” rating while revising guidance on crime, kidnapping risks and areas that travelers are advised to avoid.

Advisory Refreshed on August 31 but Overall Risk Unchanged

According to the latest posting on the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory page, Brazil remains at Level 2, which calls on travelers to exercise increased caution. The advisory was most recently updated on August 31, 2026, following an earlier revision on May 29, 2026, but those changes did not alter the overall risk level for the country.

Publicly available information shows that the August 31 update kept the same two official risk indicators for Brazil: crime and kidnapping or hostage taking. The State Department notes that the advisory summary was adjusted while explicitly stating that there were no changes to the advisory level or the underlying indicators.

Travelers reviewing the advisory are urged to read the full country page and any associated alerts before departure. The country entry outlines broad security conditions, notes about specific regions, and reminders that conditions can change without warning, even when the advisory level remains the same.

Brazil has been listed at Level 2 for several years, putting it in the same general risk category as a number of other popular destinations in Latin America, Europe and Asia. The continuity of the rating suggests U.S. authorities continue to see elevated but manageable risks for well‑prepared visitors.

Crime and Kidnapping Risks Highlighted for Visitors

The updated Brazil advisory continues to emphasize crime as a primary concern in many urban and border areas. Official travel guidance points to robberies, assaults and other street crime as persistent risks, particularly in major cities and crowded public spaces that attract tourists.

The summary also calls out kidnapping and hostage taking as a distinct risk factor. Public information from the advisory explains that kidnapping for ransom involving U.S. citizens is described as rare but not unknown, and that Brazilians are more commonly targeted. Nevertheless, visitors are encouraged to remain alert, limit displays of wealth and avoid predictable routines that could make them more vulnerable.

Guidance on so‑called “express kidnappings” remains especially notable. These incidents, which involve victims being forced to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs or transfer funds via banking apps, are described as an ongoing threat for both locals and foreigners. The advisory recommends using ATMs only in secure locations such as shopping centers or major hotels and being cautious when leaving banks or currency exchange points.

Travelers are further advised to take standard urban safety measures: keeping valuables out of sight, relying on licensed transportation, and staying informed about current conditions in the neighborhoods they plan to visit. The continued prominence of crime and kidnapping in the advisory underlines that personal security planning should be a central part of any trip to Brazil.

Border Zones and Informal Settlements Carry Higher Restrictions

While the nationwide rating for Brazil remains at Level 2, the advisory identifies certain areas where risks are elevated and recommendations are more stringent. Publicly available information for Brazil notes that international land borders are classified as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping concerns, setting those regions apart from the broader national guidance.

The advisory also warns against entering informal housing developments described as favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados. These communities are often located on the periphery of large cities and may have limited government presence, higher crime rates and minimal emergency services. Travelers are advised not to enter such areas, even on guided excursions marketed to tourists.

There are additional restrictions listed for movements of U.S. government personnel inside Brazil, particularly in certain satellite cities around Brasília and selected neighborhoods in major metropolitan regions. Public guidance frequently notes that itineraries for official staff may be limited at night or in specific districts. While these internal rules do not automatically apply to private travelers, they serve as a strong signal about where security concerns are most acute.

Visitors planning itineraries that include overland travel, border crossings or off‑the‑beaten‑path neighborhoods are encouraged to scrutinize the detailed advisory text and compare it with local information from operators, hotels and airport authorities before finalizing plans.

Understanding What a Level 2 Advisory Means

The Brazil update comes within the broader four‑tier system the United States uses to classify travel risk worldwide. Level 2, labeled “exercise increased caution,” is one step above Level 1, which signals conditions where travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions, and two steps below Level 4, which is reserved for destinations where people are urged not to travel.

Background material on the system explains that a Level 2 designation reflects heightened safety and security concerns but stops well short of recommending that travel be postponed. Instead, it serves as a signal that visitors should plan more carefully, stay informed about evolving risks and follow additional guidance provided in the advisory text.

Brazil’s Level 2 rating aligns it with a range of popular destinations where crime, civil unrest or localized security issues are considered manageable for travelers who take commonsense precautions. At the same time, the presence of kidnapping as a formal risk indicator sets Brazil apart from some other Level 2 countries and explains the more detailed warnings about ATM use, transportation choices and movement after dark.

Travel specialists often advise that advisory levels are best interpreted in context rather than in isolation. Comparing Brazil’s Level 2 status with neighboring countries that hold Level 3 or Level 4 ratings can help travelers gauge relative risk, but decisions still depend on individual itineraries, risk tolerance and preparation.

Practical Steps for U.S. Travelers Planning Brazil Trips

With the advisory level unchanged, many U.S. travelers are still planning vacations and business trips to Brazil’s major destinations, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and the Amazon region. The latest guidance encourages travelers to incorporate security planning alongside logistics like flights and accommodations.

Recommended steps in official safety materials include enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so that updates and alerts can be received by email, reviewing local laws and customs, and ensuring travel insurance and medical coverage are adequate for the itinerary. Travelers are also urged to keep photocopies or secure digital copies of passports and important documents in case of loss or theft.

Those heading to large cities are typically encouraged to choose well‑reviewed lodging in safer neighborhoods, use licensed taxis or reputable ride‑hailing services arranged through hotel staff, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Checking with airlines, cruise operators or tour companies about any route‑specific advisories can add another layer of assurance.

For now, the continued Level 2 designation means Brazil remains open to well‑prepared visitors, with U.S. guidance focused less on deterring travel and more on helping travelers understand where the risks are greatest and how to reduce their exposure while on the ground.

U.S. Department of State: Brazil Travel Advisory

U.S. Department of State: Worldwide Travel Advisories List

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Brazil Travel Advice