Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State:
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Brazil’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Brazil set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Brazilian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Brazil, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nBrazilian immigration authorities often require dual British-Brazilian nationals visiting Brazil to travel on Brazilian (rather than British) passports.
\n\nYou can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.
\n\nIf you want to extend your tourist visa, contact the Federal Police (in Portuguese) before your visa expires.
\n\nFor more information about visas, contact the Brazilian Consulate in London.
\n\nIf you overstay your visa, you’ll face a daily fine. You have the option to pay this fine either when you leave Brazil or during your next visit.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nMake sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. If it is not stamped, you may be fined when you leave.
\n\nRead about passport stamping if you live in Brazil (in Portuguese).
\n\nBritish-Brazilian dual nationals under the age of 18 who are travelling without both parents or legal guardians need authorisation from both parents or legal guardians to travel in Brazil or leave the country. Read more about the formal travel authorisation process for Brazilian minors and the frequently asked questions.
\n\nFamilies of non-Brazilian under-18s travelling through Brazil without one or both parents should follow the instructions for dual British-Brazilian under-18s. Make sure the under-18 or their travelling companion also carries the original or notarised copy of the under-18’s birth certificate. Contact the Brazilian Consulate in London for more information.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Brazil guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Brazil. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nIf you are bringing cash or travellers cheques into Brazil with a value of 10,000 US dollars or more, you will need to declare it online.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Brazil.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Brazil.
\nAttacks 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:
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nProtests, demonstrations and strikes take place regularly in cities across Brazil. Even peaceful events can sometimes turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas extensively to disperse protesters.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nIf you encounter a protest or feel uncomfortable in a large gathering, leave the area immediately.
\n\nFavelas (‘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.
\n\nThe security situation in many favelas is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nIf you’re unsure about a location, check with your hotel or the local authorities.
\n\nIf you’re the victim of crime, contact the local police number 190 or the nearest British embassy or consulate.
\n\nRead our guidance if you’re the victim of a crime abroad.
\n\nRobberies 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.
\n\nThefts 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.
\n\nPickpocketing is common.
\n\nCriminals 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.
\n\nTo reduce your risk:
\n\nShort-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen. Victims have been kidnapped for a short period of time and driven to an ATM to withdraw money before being abandoned. Express kidnappers may use violence.
\n\nBank and credit card scams are common in Brazil, including card cloning from ATMs and in shops. Payment machine and beach vendor scams have also been reported, particularly in busy tourist areas, where incorrect amounts may be charged or visitors may be overcharged. Always keep sight of your card and check the amount displayed on the payment terminal before paying. Do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious. Ask for a receipt, regularly monitor your bank statements, and contact your bank immediately if you notice any discrepancies.
\n\nIf you withdraw cash at an ATM and the cash has pink marks on it, speak to the bank (or police) straight away to get it changed. It may have been marked as damaged or counterfeit.
\n\nDating apps have been used by criminals to target foreign nationals in Brazil, leading to spiking of drinks, robbery and theft from bank accounts. Exercise caution when engaging with such apps, buy and keep hold of your own drinks, share your plans with friends or family, and be vigilant of your belongings including your mobile phone.
\n\nRape and other sexual offences against tourists are not common, but there have been attacks against both women and men. Some have involved date rape drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
\n\nIf you begin to feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks, tell a trusted friend or security staff. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room or a hospital. You can phone the local police, a hospital or the nearest British embassy or consulate for advice.
\n\nRead our advice on what to do if you have been raped, sexually assaulted or drugged abroad.
\n\nThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Brazil. Take care when buying spirit-based drinks, including gin, vodka and whisky.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nThere are cases of sexual abuse of children in Brazil. All sexual activity with children (people under the age of 18) is illegal, regardless of the age of consent locally. If you commit sex offences against children abroad, you can be prosecuted in the UK.
\n\nParental child abduction is not common but can happen in Brazil. Dial 190 to report a missing child or go to the nearest police station. Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
\n\nTheft from cars is common. Keep valuables out of sight.
\n\nCarjacking can happen, particularly on major roads and in tunnels. To reduce your risk:
\n\nOrganised crime groups and militias operate in Brazil, including in many cities. Armed incidents, including police operations, can occur with little warning. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid favelas and suburbs where possible.
\n\nAlways carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID if you have one.
\n\nDrug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. Bringing drugs in to or out of Brazil in any quantity is illegal and the penalties are severe.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nAirports in Brazil have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nAll electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories.
\n\nCustoms officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.
\n\nThere is no legislation against same-sex sexual activity in Brazil. Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBT+ couples have equal rights in law.
\n\nSão Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities hold Pride events, which attract large numbers. These events are usually very peaceful.
\n\nBrazil 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nStrong currents can be a danger off some beaches. Get local advice before going in the water. Pay attention to warning flags and the location of lifeguards if present on the beach.
\n\nShark attacks are a danger, particularly on the beaches around Recife in north-east Brazil. Pay attention to warning signs and consult lifeguards if unsure. Sharks have been known to attack in waist-deep water and deaths have occurred.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Brazil, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Brazil. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nAfter 180 days, you need to apply for a Brazilian driving licence.
\n\nBrazil has a high road accident rate. Driving standards are poor. Take care on the roads and avoid riding bicycles. In many rural areas, roads are in poor condition away from the main highways. Bus and coach crashes are frequent.
\n\nImmediately report all accidents to the police: call 190 or go to a police station.
\n\nContact the police if vehicles are obstructing traffic and you need help.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Brazil and checkpoints are often set up. If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be prosecuted. Penalties range from fines and a suspension from driving for 12 months, to up to 3 years in prison.
\n\nThere have been reports of express kidnappings, assaults and robberies from unlicensed taxis, including in cars using fraudulent ride-hailing accounts, such as Uber. Do not hail taxis on the street. There are authorised taxi booths at most airports in Brazil.
\n\nRide-hailing apps, such as Uber, are widely available in Brazil. Be wary of unregulated drivers posing as ride-hailing app drivers, especially at airports.
\n\nMake sure you:
\n\nIf you have been a victim of a passport theft and you need to fly to Brasilia, São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for consular services, you can travel on domestic flights with a valid photo ID or a police report.
\n\nCheck whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Brazil.
\n\nThere have been armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels, including British flag vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports.
\n\nThere have been instances of theft and robbery on the rail network, including urban metro rail networks. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and watches or using a mobile phone during train travel.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south-east of Brazil (including Rio de Janeiro) and from April until July in the north-east of Brazil. However heavy rainfall and flooding can also occur outside of the designated rainy seasons, in any region of the country.
\n\nHeavy rainfall often disrupts infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides are common in regions where mountains are close to the coast, such as Rio de Janeiro. This includes in tourist areas. People have drowned when swept away in fast flowing water. Cars and buses have been caught in landslides, resulting in deaths.
\n\nMonitor local media and follow local authority warnings which are displayed on digital street signs and sent to hotels and hostels. Follow any instructions given by the local authorities. Avoid travelling on the road during heavy rain. If you are outside when the rain starts, avoid walking in flooded areas, and do not cross fast flowing water, however shallow you think it is.
\n\nForest fires are common from May to September, especially during July and August due to the dry season. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast (in Portuguese) and follow the advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Brazil. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice. \nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nYou should monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities when travelling in remote areas.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel:
\n\nalong 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
\nalong any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
\nalong any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
\nalong the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State
\nThere 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.
\n\nThe most common incidents affecting British nationals in Rio de Janeiro are thefts and pickpocketing around:
\n\nTourists have reported armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail to the Christ the Redeemer statue. See our advice on Theft and robbery.
\n\nThe most common incidents affecting British nationals in São Paulo are thefts or pickpocketing around:
\n\nSee our advice on Theft and robbery.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 192 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Brazil, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Brazil. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nIf you’re taking medication, bring a prescription or letter from your doctor confirming your need to carry the medication. Bring enough to last your whole trip, as some medicines may not be available locally. Counterfeit drugs can be an issue, so it’s better to travel with your own supplies.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nForeign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be overcrowded and there’s often a long wait for a bed and a lack of medication. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can show evidence of enough money or insurance to cover your treatment.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Brazil where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Brazil.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 192
\n\nFire: 193
\n\nPolice: 190 or 911
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Brazil on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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