Security Overview for Brazil

Crime is the primary risk for foreigners in Brazil. The problem is most acute in Rio de Janeiro, but is severe in Sao Paulo and is growing worse; the threat level is only moderately better in other large cities, including Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and Manaus.

Criminals often have firearms and are prepared to use them, especially if victims resist. Foreigners, particularly obvious tourists and visitors conducting business, are prime targets. Limit circulation on city streets, principally in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Take special precautions at beaches and while driving or using public transportation. Risks increase substantially after dark. Because of the severe crime situation, observe stringent common sense security precautions. Do not wear jewelry or flashy clothes, or carry eye-catching valuables, such as cameras or laptops.

Criminal activity plagues Brazil's public transportation systems. Avoid using buses in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro due to the high rate of petty thefts, muggings, and violent assaults. Taxis in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are reasonably safe, but limit taxi use to daylight hours. It is safer to use licensed radio-dispatched taxis and hotel taxis, particularly at night. The safest means of urban transportation is a privately hired or corporate-owned vehicle operated by an experienced, trusted driver trained in defensive/evasive driving. For high profile personnel, who may be specifically targeted by criminals, armored vehicles are highly recommended.

In recent years, for-ransom kidnappings in Brazil, especially in the state of Sao Paulo, have increased significantly. Kidnappers often target wealthy locals. The number of "express kidnappings" has also increased, particularly in Brasilia, Rio, Sao Paulo City, and the Greater Sao Paulo region (among other areas).

While there are no known guerrilla movements or domestic terrorist organizations operating in Brazil, the country has seen the growth of a large, frequently violent activist group known as the Landless Peasant Movement, or Movimento Sem Terra (MST). The group frequently stages land occupations in rural areas and large-scale demonstrations in cities. Large-scale labor strikes are common and can adversely affect daily life. Some strikes spark mass demonstrations and violence. Brazil has experienced growing unrest from landless workers; these groups occasionally strike and protest.

The tri-border area of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, with an estimated 30,000 residents of Middle Eastern descent, is a support base for Islamic fundamentalist factions and is also a haven for drug trafficking and illegal arms trading. However, the threat of terrorist action by these cells against travelers or Western interests remains low.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.