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

Travel advisories for Brazil

What the advice says

• Brazil carries a Level 2 U.S. State Department advisory, "Exercise Increased Caution," which applies to the whole country rather than specifically to Manaus.
• The UK Foreign Office notes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and advises staying aware of surroundings, especially at crowded sites and public gatherings.
• Protests and strikes occur regularly across Brazilian cities and can turn confrontational; the advice is to avoid political rallies and leave any gathering that feels unsafe.
• Favelas exist in all major Brazilian cities, and the guidance advises avoiding them entirely, including any tours, accommodation or venues advertised as being inside one.
• Theft and robbery are described as common, particularly on buses and at beaches, with phone theft especially frequent between 4pm and 9pm; travelers are advised not to resist and to hand over valuables if threatened.
• Short-term "express kidnapping," where victims are driven to an ATM to withdraw cash, has been reported, along with card cloning, payment scams, and drink spiking or methanol poisoning from spirit-based drinks.
• These are country-level advisories rather than city-specific assessments for Manaus, so general precautions such as staying alert after dark and safeguarding belongings in public are recommended.