The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for Brazil to Level 2, warning Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping risks.
The updated advisory, issued August 31, applies to the entire country and comes as officials noted criminal activity persists around the clock in urban centers. The State Department specifically flagged that crimes occur “day and night” and include murder, armed robbery, and carjacking.
Rio de Janeiro drew particular scrutiny in the notice. “Assaults are common, including with sedatives or drugs placed in drinks, especially in Rio de Janeiro,” the advisory stated. Officials warned that criminals are actively using dating apps to target tourists, or meeting visitors at bars before drugging and robbing them.
The State Department also cautioned travelers to remain vigilant at ATMs and when handling cash withdrawals. “Express kidnapping — in which criminals force victims at gunpoint to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs or transfer funds via banking apps (commonly Pix) — is an ongoing threat to both locals and foreigners,” the advisory explained.
“Brazilians are most often targeted, but foreigners remain vulnerable,” officials added in the notice.
Beyond Rio’s drink-spiking threat, the advisory highlighted broader patterns of gang activity and organized crime with potential links to the illegal drug trade. Public transportation emerged as another concern, with officials noting that “passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil.” The warning extended to major transportation hubs and nighttime travel generally.
For Americans still planning trips, the State Department laid out concrete protective steps. Officials recommended developing a communication plan with family, employers, or host organizations to enable safety monitoring in high-risk areas. Travelers should specify how they’ll confirm their status — whether through texts or calls — along with check-in frequency and primary emergency contacts.
The advisory also urged visitors to avoid displaying signs of wealth and to exercise heightened caution after dark. ATM users were told to stay alert for theft attempts.
Certain areas of Brazil remain under the most severe Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation, though the August 31 update focused on elevating the country-wide baseline warning. The advisory represents the latest in a series of State Department notices targeting popular warm-weather destinations as Americans plan post-holiday travel during colder months at home.
Brazil has long ranked among the most visited South American destinations for U.S. Tourists, drawing travelers with its beaches, cultural festivals, and major cities. The new warning does not ban travel but signals elevated risks requiring proactive precautions.
The State Department maintains a four-tier advisory system, with Level 1 representing the lowest risk and Level 4 the highest. Level 2, the current classification for Brazil, indicates “Exercise Increased Caution” and typically reflects areas where elevated safety concerns exist but do not reach crisis levels.