Quick Answer
Brazil is moderately safe for tourists with proper precautions. The country maintains a Level 2 US State Department rating, with a homicide rate of 21.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. While crime rates have declined 16% since 2020, urban areas still present significant risks.
Understanding Brazil's Safety Rating
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Brazil maintains a Level 2 rating from the US State Department, which means "Exercise Increased Caution." This rating indicates travelers should be more vigilant than in Level 1 destinations, but the country is not considered extremely dangerous like Level 3 or 4 destinations.
Popular Level 2 Countries:
- France (due to terrorism)
- Spain (terrorism and civil unrest)
- United Kingdom (terrorism)
- Germany (terrorism)
- Italy (terrorism)
Level Comparison:
Normal Precautions
Japan, Singapore, Canada
Increased Caution
Brazil, France, UK
Reconsider Travel
Russia, Honduras, Nigeria
Do Not Travel
Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan
Important Context: While Brazil has a Level 2 rating, it's crucial to understand that the country is vast and diverse. Most risks are concentrated in specific areas like favelas (informal communities), remote border areas, and certain parts of major cities. Popular tourist destinations like Rio's Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, São Paulo's Avenida Paulista, and historic centers of colonial cities are generally safe with proper precautions. Brazil receives over 6 million international tourists annually, and the vast majority have safe and enjoyable experiences.
Regional Safety Context
Ipanema Promenade - One of Brazil's safest tourist areas
Generally Safe Areas
- Business Districts:
Faria Lima, Vila Olímpia (São Paulo), Centro (Rio), Savassi (Belo Horizonte)
- Tourist Areas:
Rio's South Zone, Salvador's Historic Center, Pelourinho, Ouro Preto
- Residential Neighborhoods:
Jardins, Moema (SP), Leblon (RJ), Savassi (BH)
Areas to Completely Avoid
- Favelas/Communities:
All favelas, even with "safe" tours. Includes Rocinha, Complexo do Alemão, Cidade de Deus
- Border Areas:
Triple Border (Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina), borders with Colombia and Venezuela
- Urban Centers at Night:
Rio's Centro after 6pm, SP's Centro after 8pm, isolated beach areas
2025 Safety Statistics
Homicide Rate
UN data 2022
US Advisory
Exercise Caution
Safety Position
Numbeo Crime Index 2025
Source: NumbeoTravel Safety Rank
Berkshire Hathaway 2025
Source: BHTPSafety Overview
Brazil presents unique security challenges for international visitors. With a population of over 215 million and vast socioeconomic disparities, the country experiences high crime rates, particularly in urban centers. However, it's essential to understand that Brazil is not uniformly dangerous - safety varies dramatically by region, city, and even neighborhood.
Brazil's homicide rate of 21.1 per 100,000 inhabitants is concerning when compared to developed nations, but has shown a consistent downward trend. Since 2020, crime rates have decreased by 16%, reflecting improvements in public security strategies and economic development. Southern states like Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul maintain safety rates comparable to many European countries.
Primary Risk Factors
- Opportunistic Crime:
Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and petty theft are the most common crimes against tourists. They occur mainly on public transport, crowded beaches, and tourist centers.
- Express Kidnapping:
Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs. More common in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, especially targeting executives in luxury vehicles.
- Armed Violence:
Confrontations between police and drug traffickers can occur suddenly, especially near favelas. Stray bullets are a real risk in certain urban areas.
Victim Profile
Foreign tourists and executives are frequently targeted due to perceived wealth and lack of local knowledge. Americans, Europeans, and Asians are particularly targeted. Signs of wealth such as jewelry, expensive watches, visible electronics, and branded clothing significantly increase risk. Solo female travelers face additional risks of harassment and gender-based crimes.