Maximum Alerts / Brazil
Level published by the State Department on 30.08.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Brazil — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
The country is not uniform: 1 region advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading. Brasília is not one of them.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
the trip stays outside the advised-against regions. Any move into a red or orange region calls for a new, written decision. The areas quoted without a region (border, routes, localities) call for the same decision.
Foreign Office
along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Bolivia, excluding Pantanal National Park
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Colombia
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with French Guiana
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Guyana
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Paraguay
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Peru
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 20 km of the border with Suriname
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
within 50 km of the border with Venezuela
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all travel
Complexo da Maré
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all travel
Complexo da Penha
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
La zone frontalière avec le Venezuela est formellement déconseillée.
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all but essential travel
Dans les zones frontalières, la criminalité ordinaire, le trafic de stupéfiants, l’orpaillage clandestin et les affrontements liés aux conflits fonciers conduisent à déconseiller l’ensemble de ces zones, sauf raison impérative.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (14.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (04.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: New information about elections taking place on 4 October, and political events ('Warnings and insurance' and 'Safety and security' pages).
Updated 30.08.2026
Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Crime
Violent crime occurs in urban areas, day and night. Crimes include murder, armed robbery, and carjacking.
U.S. government employees working in Brazil need special authorization to travel to the following areas due to safety risks:
U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil due to serious risks of robbery and assault, especially at night.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom involving U.S. citizens is rare but occasionally occurs. Brazilians are most often targeted, but foreigners remain vulnerable. U.S. businesses frequently arrange enhanced security for senior executives in São Paulo and other major cities.
Organized criminal groups sometimes target individuals observed withdrawing money from ATMs or leaving banks. Use ATMs in secure locations such as shopping malls or major hotels. 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.
To reduce your risk, vary your routes and travel times; park in well-lit, guarded garages, as criminals often confront victims at their vehicles; and limit the number of bank and credit cards you carry to reduce potential losses
Do Not Travel to :
10-16 10.3 · 10-17 17.0 · 10-18 12.9 · 10-19 9.3 · 10-20 6.5 · 10-21 4.2 · 10-22 3.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Over 1 January 2026 → 30 June 2026, UCDP (Uppsala University) recorded 41 geolocated violent incidents in this country, for 50 documented deaths.
Most affected areas
Amapá state 17 · Rio Grande do Norte state 14 · Rio de Janeiro state 4 · Amazonas state 4 · São Paulo state 1 · Rondônia state 1
Most recent incidents
Source: UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (Uppsala Conflict Data Program), file GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv, CC BY 4.0 licence. We keep only incidents UCDP codes as "Clear" and whose location is precise enough to be placed — about 58% of the dataset. An incident may be revised, moved or withdrawn by UCDP in a later release: these figures describe a closed period, not a live situation.
Reading: The homicide rate is 32 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 7 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Some areas of the country are formally advised against.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 04.03.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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Dernière actualisation le 04/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
La zone frontalière avec le Venezuela est formellement déconseillée. La présence de l’État y est limitée et se résume à quelques postes militaires. Des groupes armés et/ou criminels agissent de part et d’autre de la frontière. La situation est aggravée par le flux de réfugiés en provenance du Venezuela.
Dans les zones frontalières, la criminalité ordinaire, le trafic de stupéfiants, l’orpaillage clandestin et les affrontements liés aux conflits fonciers conduisent à déconseiller l’ensemble de ces zones, sauf raison impérative. Des exactions ne sont pas à exclure, par débordement, sur certaines voies de communication ou agglomérations, dans les États brésiliens limitrophes de l’Amazonas, d’Acre, de Rondônia, du Roraima, ainsi que du sud du Mato Grosso, de l’ouest du Para et du nord de l’Amapa.
Le District Fédéral est relativement sûr, le centre de Brasilia (Plan pilote, Lago Sul et Lago Norte mais aussi le quartier de Aguas Claras) profitant de la présence des administrations, des ambassades et des forces de sécurité. Des vols à l’arraché y ont cependant été signalés, ainsi qu’aux distributeurs d’argent liquide. Plusieurs attaques à main armée dans les transports en commun extra-urbains ont été rapportées. La plus grande prudence est recommandée dans les villes à proximité de la capitale.
Les États du Nordeste figurent parmi ceux ayant le taux d’homicides le plus élevé. La grande majorité des homicides ne cible pas les touristes (il convient cependant de ne pas attirer l’attention sur soi avec des bijoux, téléphones portables ou objets de valeur). Les vols et les agressions sont fréquents, y compris dans les zones les plus sûres.
Dans toutes les villes du Nordeste, il est recommandé d’éviter de se promener à pied, a fortiori seul, et de privilégier les véhicules particuliers de location et les taxis. Il est conseillé de préparer un itinéraire précis à l’avance, de ne pas s’éloigner des grands axes et zones d’activités. Il convient de rester vigilant sur les options d’itinéraires proposés par les systèmes de guidage automobile. Ces systèmes ne tiennent pas compte de la sécurité des itinéraires et peuvent vous orienter vers des zones risquées. A noter la pratique largement répandue de ne plus respecter les feux rouges tard le soir et la nuit. Il convient de prendre les précautions requises pour ne pas provoquer d’accidents et ne pas en subir.
Le métro, notamment à Recife, est à proscrire en raison des vols et agressions qui y sont fréquemment perpétrés. Les bus présentent un risque similaire auquel s’ajoute la conduite souvent…
Le Brésil demeure un pays à risque s’agissant des homicides, des agressions sexuelles et des viols. Les touristes sont régulièrement victimes de vols, parfois avec violences. La prudence et la vigilance sont recommandées en toutes circonstances.
Les routes du Brésil ne sont pas sans danger : imprudence des conducteurs et entretien souvent déficient du réseau qui n’est que partiellement asphalté. Il convient dès lors de ne pas circuler de nuit, ni en période d’intempéries, et de privilégier les transports aériens pour les longues distances.
En saison sèche (mai-octobre), les incendies sont nombreux notamment en Amazonie, dans le Cerrado et le Pantanal.
En saison humide, les pluies tropicales intenses provoquent des inondations de moyenne ampleur et des effondrements de chaussée. Les inondations sont souvent à l’origine des ruptures de barrages et de coulées de boue meurtrières. Le Centre national de suivi et d’alerte sur les catastrophes naturelles fournit une prévision quotidienne des risques hydrologiques et géologiques.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été contrôlés et publiés avec des changements rédactionnels. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 28.07.2026)
Les voyages au Brésil sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. En raison des tensions sociales, économiques et des hautes tensions politiques, des grèves, manifestations et actes de violence ont lieu régulièrement. Cela peut entraîner des barrages routiers et des perturbations dans les transports qui peuvent causer des retards du trafic touristique ainsi que des difficultés d'approvisionnement. Le taux de criminalité est très élevé dans tout le pays, en particulier dans les villes. Des affrontements violents ainsi que des fusillades entre les forces de l'ordre et les bandes criminelles sont fréquents dans l’ensemble du pays et affectent parfois aussi des personnes non impliquées. Des actes de violence sont commis de gangs organisés ainsi que d’individus isolés. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Tenez-vous à l'écart des manifestations de tout genre. Des débordements et affrontements avec les forces de sécurité se passent principalement dans les grandes villes. Conformez-vous aux directives des autorités locales ( couvre-feu, etc.) et restez en contact avec votre tour-opérateur.
La description des zones à risques repose sur des données approximatives; les risques ne peuvent se restreindre à des zones délimitées. Région frontalière avec le Venezuela Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans la région frontalière avec le Venezuela pour des voyages touristiques ou autres qui ne présentent pas un caractère d'urgence. La situation tendue au Venezuela affecte également la zone frontalière avec le Brésil. Des tensions latentes entre la population locale et les personnes réfugiées vénézuéliennes peuvent éclater soudainement et déclencher des débordements. Les gangs criminels sont actifs au-delà des frontières; le risque d'attaques et d'actes de violence est très élevé. Des fermetures de frontières sont possibles à court terme. L'État fédéral de Rio de Janeiro L'État lutte contre le crime organisé avec l'armée et la police. Des affrontements violents et des fusillades entre des bandes criminelles et les forces de sécurité sont fréquents. Des cas d'incendies volontaires ont également été signalés. La présence des forces de l’ordre est renforcée dans tout l’État, y compris dans les lieux touristiques. Le risque d'être soudainement exposé à de violents affrontements ne peut être exclu. Faites preuve de prudence et renseignez-vous sur place sur la situation locale et sur les quartiers à éviter, auprès de vos personnes de contact sur place ou du personnel de l'hôtel. Suivez les instructions des forces de sécurité locales (barrages, couvre-feux etc.). États fédéraux de Ceará, Pernambuco et Bahia Des affrontements ont souvent lieu entre des gangs criminels, entre autres dans les grands centres touristiques comme Fortaleza, Recife et Salvador de Bahia. Le risque de se retrouver soudainement au milieu d'affrontements violents ne peut être exclu. Le taux de criminalité, y compris les meurtres, est elévé. Faites preuve de la plus grande prudence dans les états de Ceará, Pernambuco et Bahia. Renseignez-vous sur la situation avant le départ et durant votre voyage, dans les médias, auprès de vos personnes de contact sur place ou du personnel de l'hôtel. Suivez les instructions des forces de sécurité locales (barrages, couvre-feux, etc.).
La possession et l'utilisation d'armes à feu et d'autres armes sont très répandues. La petite délinquance, comme les vols à l'arraché et les vols à la tire, est fréquente dans les grandes villes. Ces délits sont notamment commis par de faux coursiers à vélo ou à moto. Les crimes violents , tels que les vols à main armée, les viols et autres délits sexuels, sont fréquents dans tout le pays. Des pillages peuvent se produire de manière isolée. Les risques sont particulièrement importants dans les rues peu fréquentées, aux carrefours avec des feux de signalisation et sur les plages. Les agressions peuvent avoir lieu dans les centres-villes ou dans les transports publics. Dans des grandes villes telles que Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador ou Belo Horizonte, des agressions peuvent avoir lieu dans les restaurants ou des halls d’hôtels : lors d'agressions ciblées, les clients sont dérobés de l'argent liquide, des téléphones portables et des objets de valeur. Les victimes d’ enlèvements express sont contraintes à effectuer des prélèvements d’argent liquide au moyen de leur carte de crédit et de remettre leurs objets de valeur. Dans la plupart des cas, ces enlèvements ne durent que quelques heures et se produisent généralement à l'extérieur ou dans la circulation routière, en particulier à la tombée de la nuit, à des carrefours ou dans des embouteillages. Dans le cas des enlèvements dits virtuels (simulés par téléphone), les proches sont contraints de payer immédiatement une rançon. En conséquence des grèves du personnel de la police dans quelques états et villes, la criminalité violente peut augmenter localement. Il est notamment recommandé d'observer les mesures de précaution suivantes:
Il existe un important risque d’incendie de forêt dans de nombreux endroits, surtout en Amazonie et dans le Pantanal. Ces incendies peuvent provoquer une telle pollution par la fumée dans tout le pays, qui pourraient entraîner également la fermeture des parcs touristiques. Il faut s'attendre à de fortes pluies régionales ainsi que des ouragans qui provoquent des inondations ainsi que des glissements de terrain et des dommages des infrastructures. De fortes tempêtes ont causé par exemple de nombreux morts et blessés dans l’État méridional du Rio Grande do Sul dans les années passées. Le trafic touristique peut s’en trouver perturbé temporairement. Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements et les instructions des autorités locales. Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia Des séismes de faible intensité se produisent occasionnellement. USP Seismological Center Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, suivez strictement les instructions des autorités et prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches. En cas d'interruption des communications avec l'étranger, mettez-vous en liaison avec la Représentation Suisse la plus proche (l'Ambassade à Brasilia ou Consulat Général à Rio de Janeiro ou São Paolo).
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 15.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 28.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 29.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 29.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State:
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
The first round of Brazil’s general election will take place on 4 October. A second round is scheduled for 25 October. The presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Brasília on 5 January.
Protests and demonstrations can happen across Brazil without warning and the situation can change quickly.
See more information about protests and civil unrest on the Safety and security page .
Regional risks — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 29.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
This section has safety advice for regions of Brazil. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice. You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .
You should monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities when travelling in remote areas.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel:
- along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
- along any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
- along any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
- along the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State
There are risks to travellers in river areas towards the west of Amazonas State, where Brazil shares borders with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, due to criminal activity. Armed groups, including pirates and drug traffickers, travel by the river routes in the Amazonas state where is there is low presence of police and local authorities.
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in Rio de Janeiro are thefts and pickpocketing around:
Tourists have reported armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail to the Christ the Redeemer statue. See our advice on Theft and robbery .
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in São Paulo are thefts or pickpocketing around:
See our advice on Theft and robbery .
In Brasilia, the central bus station area has a lot of incidents of theft. Theft from pedestrians also happens across the city, especially in the central and southern commercial centres. Take particular care at these locations. See our advice on Theft and robbery .
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in north-east Brazil are theft from hotel and motel rooms and muggings. Reduce the risk of being mugged by avoiding quiet or deserted areas and by using taxis after sunset instead of walking. See our advice on Theft and robbery .
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 29.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Brazil .
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Brazil.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Targets could include:
On 13 November 2024, two explosions occurred at the Praça dos Três Poderes in central Brasilia. You should exercise caution around major sites in large Brazilian cities.
The first round of Brazil’s general election will take place on 4 October. A second round is scheduled for 25 October. The presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Brasília on 5 January.
Protests, demonstrations and strikes may take place in cities across Brazil. Even peaceful events can become confrontational and may turn violent. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters.
You should:
If you encounter a protest or demonstration, or feel uncomfortable in a large crowd, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so.
Favelas (‘slum’ or ‘shanty town’) are urban neighbourhoods of high-density informal housing. They exist in all major Brazilian cities and can border areas used by tourists and visitors.
The security situation in many favelas is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas.
You should:
If you’re unsure about a location, check with your hotel or the local authorities.
If you’re the victim of crime, contact the local police number 190 or the nearest British embassy or consulate.
Read our guidance if you’re the victim of a crime abroad .
Robberies are common in many cities, particularly on buses. Thieves target mobile phones, particularly between 4pm and 9pm. Attackers may be armed and under the influence of drugs. Do not resist attackers. If threatened, hand over your valuables without resistance.
Thefts are particularly common on public beaches and include ‘arrastões’ where large groups of thieves run through an area of the beach grabbing possessions. Keep your belongings close and avoid taking valuables to the beach. Do not go on to city beaches after dark.
Pickpocketing is common.
Criminals target large-scale celebrations in Brazil, such as the Carnival in major cities. Be aware of your personal security and surroundings. Be cautious about proposals from strangers that take you away from public areas.
To reduce your risk:
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Brazil - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-08-30travel.state.gov ↗updated 30.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Crime
Violent crime occurs in urban areas, day and night. Crimes include murder, armed robbery, and carjacking.
U.S. government employees working in Brazil need special authorization to travel to the following areas due to safety risks:
U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil due to serious risks of robbery and assault, especially at night.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom involving U.S. citizens is rare but occasionally occurs. Brazilians are most often targeted, but foreigners remain vulnerable. U.S. businesses frequently arrange enhanced security for senior executives in São Paulo and other major cities.
Organized criminal groups sometimes target individuals observed withdrawing money from ATMs or leaving banks. Use ATMs in secure locations such as shopping malls or major hotels. 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.
To reduce your risk, vary your routes and travel times; park in well-lit, guarded garages, as criminals often confront victims at their vehicles; and limit the number of bank and credit cards you carry to reduce potential losses
Do Not Travel to :
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Avoid non-essential travel to the following border areas due to criminal activity related to drugs and arms smuggling by illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations:
Avoid all travel to the following vulnerable neighbourhoods (favela complexes) in Rio de Janeiro due to very high rates of violent crime, frequent large-scale police operations and difficulty in obtaining emergency assistance:
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 14, 2026 08:35 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, even if unknowingly carrying drugs.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Brazil is actively seeking to prevent child sex tourism. Several tourists have been convicted of offences relating to the exploitation of minors. The legal age of sexual consent in Brazil is 18. Prison sentences are severe. Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime
Brazil has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. Brazilian police may conduct periodic controls during the day and night, often to check for drunk driving. If you approach a police control, slow down and cooperate with the officers. You can drive in Brazil with a valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 180 days. You should carry an international driving permit. This official Portuguese translation of your Canadian driver’s licence will help when dealing with local authorities. International driving permit
Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.
There are very strict rules regarding the importation and exportation of:
Brazil’s Ministry of Health provides information about food items that you can and cannot bring to Brazil. Exporting to Brazil – Government of Brazil
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all enclosed public spaces. It’s illegal to bring these items into Brazil:
If you have them in your possession upon arrival, customs officials could confiscate them, and you could receive a fine. Electronic cigarette regulations – National Health Regulatory Agency (Portuguese only)
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Brazil. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Brazil, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Brazilian court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
The currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real (BRL). Canadian bank cards usually work in ATMs. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and stores, but less so in rural or informal markets. ATMs are scarcely available in rural areas. Carry cash for small transactions and when visiting remote areas. It’s difficult to exchange Canadian dollars in Brazil.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 14, 2026 08:35 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Always carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID if you have one.
Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. Bringing drugs in to or out of Brazil in any quantity is illegal and the penalties are severe. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. British nationals have been targeted through email scams where fraudsters offer a financial reward for travelling to Brazil, where they are then asked to carry items in to or out of Brazil, including to the UK. These items are often illegal drugs. Anyone caught will face detention for drug trafficking, regardless of the circumstances. Airports in Brazil have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories. Customs officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.
There is no legislation against same-sex sexual activity in Brazil. Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBT+ couples have equal rights in law. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities hold Pride events, which attract large numbers. These events are usually very peaceful. Brazil is generally tolerant. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities. There are reports of discrimination, violence and harassment against the LGBT+ community. Urban areas are usually more accepting. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 29.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
L'alcool au volant est interdit (0 pour mille). Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants sont passibles de lourdes peines de prison. Les conditions de détention sont précaires.
Les minorités sexuelles ne sont pas tolérées dans toutes les régions du pays. Renseignez-vous sur les us et coutumes locaux, dans les guides de voyage ou directement sur place.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 28.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 02:00 (America/Sao_Paulo)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people (47% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 1,010 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
October 14, 2026 08:35 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 15.10.2026Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 30.08 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10DFAE · updated 28.07 · read 15.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 29.09 · read 15.10State Department · updated 30.08 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 29.09 · read 15.10State Department · updated 30.08 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
From 30 000 € to 200 000 € depending on severity and distance (France Diplomatie (santé Brésil), 2026).
SourcesFrance Diplomatie (santé Brésil), 2026 · updated 15.09 · read 15.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 190 · ambulance 192 · fire 193
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Around Brasília: 80 hospitals and clinics, 38 with a 24/7 emergency room, 40 pharmacies, 40 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 12.10.2026).
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10OMS · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 29.09 · read 15.10
2.4 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
19.3 homicides per 100,000 people (2023) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 28.07 · read 15.10
1 region advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 14.10 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 29.09 · read 15.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 14.10 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 29.09 · read 15.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 15.10eda.admin.ch · updated 28.07 · read 15.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
The published advisory level is national, but risk is not: business hubs (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) do not share the profile of border areas. The medical network shown on this page is computed around Brasília — real hospitals, evacuation airport and live alerts. Before a specific trip, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
Same advisory level: São Tomé and Príncipe · Tajikistan · Timor-Leste · Togo · Tunisia · Türkiye
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Brasília. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Brasília
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