Is Brasília safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Brazil

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' and this advisory applies at the country level, not specifically to Brasília.
• UK guidance notes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and points to a 2024 explosion incident at a major public square in central Brasília, so travelers should stay alert around major sites.
• Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in Brazilian cities and can turn confrontational; it is best to avoid political rallies and leave the area if a gathering feels tense.
• Favelas exist in all major Brazilian cities and the security situation inside them is unpredictable, so UK guidance advises avoiding all favelas, including tours marketed to tourists.
• Theft and robbery are common, particularly on buses and at beaches, and thieves often target mobile phones in the late afternoon and evening hours; if confronted, do not resist and hand over valuables.
• Scams involving ATMs, payment terminals, and dating apps have been reported, so it helps to keep cards in sight, check payment amounts before paying, and be cautious about arrangements made through dating apps.
• There have been cases of drink spiking and methanol poisoning from spirit-based drinks in Brazil, so it is safest to buy and keep sight of your own drinks and seek medical attention quickly if something feels wrong after drinking.