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

Travel advisories for Brazil

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, a country-level advisory not specific to Fortaleza, dated August 31, 2026.
• The UK FCDO advisory for Brazil is also country-level and covers all regions, including Fortaleza, and was last updated October 28, 2026.
• Robberies are common on buses and in many cities, with thieves targeting mobile phones especially between 4pm and 9pm. On beaches, thefts including group grab-and-run incidents called arrastoes have occurred, so visitors should keep belongings close and avoid bringing valuables to the beach.
• Visitors should avoid city beaches after dark and stay alert in crowded places and at public gatherings, since these have been identified as possible targets for both theft and terrorism-related incidents.
• Favelas exist in all major Brazilian cities and border some tourist areas; the FCDO advises avoiding all favelas, including organized tours, and checking GPS routes to ensure they do not pass through one.
• Scams involving ATMs, card cloning, and payment terminals have been reported, particularly in tourist areas; travelers should watch their cards during transactions and check displayed amounts before paying.
• There have been cases of drink spiking, including with methanol in alcoholic drinks, so solo travelers should buy and keep sight of their own drinks and seek medical help immediately if they feel unusually unwell after drinking.