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

Travel advisories for Brazil

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for Brazil is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated August 31, 2026; this advisory is country-level, not specific to Brasília.
• The UK FCDO guidance, last updated October 28, 2026, is also country-level and notes a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests, with a specific warning that two explosions occurred at the Praça dos Três Poderes in central Brasília on November 13, 2024, so caution is advised around major sites.
• Protests and demonstrations can occur and may turn confrontational or violent, with police having used rubber bullets and tear gas; travelers should avoid political rallies and leave the area if a crowd feels unsafe.
• The FCDO advises avoiding all favelas, including favela tours and any accommodation, restaurants, or bars advertised as being within a favela, since tourists have been shot after accidentally entering these areas.
• Robberies are common in many Brazilian cities, particularly on buses, and thieves often target mobile phones between 4pm and 9pm; if threatened, the guidance says not to resist and to hand over valuables.
• Scams involving ATMs, card cloning, and payment terminals are reported, and dating apps have been used by criminals leading to drink spiking, robbery, and bank theft; solo travelers should keep sight of their cards and drinks at all times.
• There have been cases of methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks in Brazil, including spirits like gin, vodka, and whisky; the FCDO advises seeking urgent medical attention if symptoms of methanol poisoning appear after drinking, and for any crime to contact local police at 190.