Is Belo Horizonte safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Brazil

What the advice says

• The US State Department places Brazil at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, and this rating applies to the country as a whole rather than to Belo Horizonte specifically.
• UK guidance for Brazil warns of a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and advises staying aware of surroundings in crowded places and at major public sites.
• Protests and strikes occur regularly in Brazilian cities and can turn confrontational, so travelers are advised to avoid political rallies and leave the area if a gathering feels unsafe.
• Favelas exist in all major Brazilian cities and travelers are advised to avoid entering them, including tours marketed to tourists, and to check GPS routes do not pass through one.
• Theft and robbery are common, particularly on buses and at beaches, with mobile phones a frequent target between 4pm and 9pm; if confronted, handing over valuables without resistance is recommended.
• Scams involving ATMs, card cloning, and payment terminals occur in tourist areas, so travelers should keep their cards in sight and check payment amounts before paying.
• Drink spiking has been reported, including through dating apps, so keeping drinks in sight and sharing plans with others is advised, along with caution around spirit-based drinks due to reported methanol poisoning cases.