Is Salvador 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 is set at the country level rather than for Salvador specifically.
• UK FCDO guidance advises avoiding all favelas, including tours marketed to tourists, and warns that GPS routes can sometimes lead into these areas by mistake.
• Robberies are described as common in many Brazilian cities, particularly on buses, with thieves often targeting mobile phones between 4pm and 9pm; the guidance advises handing over valuables without resistance if threatened.
• Theft on public beaches, including group thefts known as arrastões, is noted as a risk, and visitors are advised to keep belongings close, avoid taking valuables to the beach, and stay off city beaches after dark.
• Scams involving ATMs, card cloning, and payment terminals are flagged as common, along with drink spiking and methanol poisoning risks from spirit-based drinks, so checking payment amounts and buying your own drinks are recommended precautions.
• Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in Brazilian cities and can turn confrontational, so the guidance suggests avoiding political rallies and leaving the area if a gathering feels unsafe.
• There is described as a high global threat of terrorism affecting UK interests and British nationals, with crowded places and public gatherings named as possible targets.