A recent alert by the U.S. Embassy has put U.S. citizens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on high alert. Due to the rise in crime, robberies, and assaults surrounding the area of the U.S. Consulate on Avenida Rio Branco, citizens should be aware.
All travelers, not only U.S. citizens, should be aware of their surroundings and make sure to protect their valuables when in public. What some travelers aren’t aware of is they become victims when they are using their mobile devices in public.
Nicknamed the ‘Marvelous City’, Rio is famous for its beaches, samba and bossa nova culture along with its beautiful natural settings. As one of one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, tourists flock to Rio in search of its laid-back yet vibrant attitude.
As of October 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution for the whole country of Brazil. Beyond just Rio, travelers should exercise caution due to the increased amount of crime being reported.
Along with staying away from Brazil’s land borders – its international borders are on a Level 4: Do Not Travel alert – the advisory urges travelers to stay away from favelas and Brasila’s administrative regions such as Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours.
Crime is a serious problem throughout the country, in particular around the impoverished neighborhoods of: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Recife and Salvador.
It is advised to avoid traveling alone, be vigilant when paying for meals, tours, etc and to use extra caution at major transportation centers or on public transportation. Be vigilant when visiting tourist destinations such as: beaches, outdoor markets, bars and nightclubs and avoid showing signs of affluence.
If you’d still like to travel to Brazil, here are some helpful tips to stay safe.
- Avoid walking on the beaches or popular places like Copacabana in Rio after dark
- Pack a theft-safe cross-body bag to have all your valuables with you and not leave them unattended.
- Use Uber if possible and avoid local taxis.
- To be best protected, travel insurance is a must when booking tours and experiences outside of your hotel.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and to be easily located if there is an emergency.
Brazil is an amazing country to visit, filled with beauty, wonder and a zest for life that is hard to find. But just make sure you stay safe and follow these tips to ensure a wonderful and special trip.
If you need immediate assistance call 190 and to contact the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, please use the information below.
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 – Castelo
20030-020, Rio de Janeiro-RJ (Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia)
Phone: (21) 3823-2000 – Monday through Friday
After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 3823-2029
E-mail: [email protected]