Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue taking appropriate precautions. For some areas and business activities appropriate security advice and support should be used.

 

Crime

Crime levels are high. Violence and crime can occur anywhere and often involves firearms or other weapons. You should be vigilant, particularly before and during the festive and carnival periods.

 

Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, watches and clothes. Don’t carry large sums of money. Keep mobile phones and cameras out of sight and leave your passport and valuables in a safe place, though you should carry another form of photo ID like a driving licence with you at all times. Be ready to hand over valuables if you’re threatened. Don’t attempt to resist attackers. They may be armed and under the influence of drugs.

 

Thefts from cars are common, and cases of carjacking occur. When approaching your car have the keys ready to make it easier to get into the car. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed, and take particular care at traffic lights. In three or more lanes of traffic, consider using the middle lanes. Avoid deserted or poorly lit places, except under reliable local advice. Be aware of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night. The threat of personal attack is lower outside cities, but incidents can occur even in holiday destinations that appear relatively secure.

 

Rape and other sexual offences against tourists are rare, but there have been attacks against both men and women. Some have involved ‘date rape’ drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them within sight at all times.

 

There has been an increase in robberies at ATMs. Some ATMs have been fitted with an anti theft device that applies pink coloured ink to the notes of an ATM that has been damaged or tampered with. Any pink coloured note will not be accepted in the market and automatically loses its value. If you withdraw cash at an ATM and it has any sort of pink marks, speak to the bank straight away to get it changed. If outside bank hours or not in a bank branch you should get a bank statement from the ATM showing the withdrawal and take it with the marked note to a police station to get a police report.

 

Bank and credit card fraud is common, including card cloning from ATMs. Keep sight of your card at all times and do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious. Notify your bank in advance of your trip to avoid your card being blocked.

 

Mobile phone cloning occurs. Take care of your handset at all times. 

 

Favelas

 

There are high levels of poverty and very high levels of violent crime in shanty-towns (favelas), which exist in all major Brazilian cities. The state government has implemented a Pacifying Police Force (Unidade de Policia Pacificadora (UPP) in several favelas in Rio de Janeiro. This has improved security in these favelas, but all favelas are unpredictably dangerous areas, even if you visit with well organised tours. Violence, particularly aimed at police and officials, can occur at anytime. Be alert and make sure you are aware of local conditions at all times.

 

Local travel

 

Check the integrity and safety standards of any adventure travel companies before you use them. Contact Genvisec for further more detailed information.

 

Public transport

 

Public transport is likely to be disrupted during periods of unrest. Be vigilant when using public transport, especially during rush-hour as petty crime is common. Generally speaking, the metro systems in Rio and São Paulo are safer than buses. There have been incidents of hijacking and robbery of tour buses in recent years. There are frequent bus crashes.

 

Only use licensed taxis. You can pick up a licensed taxi from the many recognised taxi ranks around Brazilian cities. Most airports have licensed taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim areas. You can pay for your taxi in advance using a credit card or cash inside the airport rather than in the street.

 

Most major cities in Brazil have facilities adapted for disabled travellers, including easy-access public buses and lifts to tube stations and platforms.

 

Road travel

 

Brazil has a high road accident rate. In many rural areas the quality of roads away from the main highways is poor, and standards of driving, especially trucks and buses, is low.

 

Brazil has a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will probably be prosecuted. Penalties range from fines and a suspension from driving for 12 months, to imprisonment for up to 3 years.

 

Air travel

 

Always use recognised national air carriers. There have been accidents involving light aircraft, which sometimes have poor maintenance standards. A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes list of registered airlines  that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

 

Allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport for your flight. Traffic in the cities of São Paulo and Rio can be very heavy, especially in rush hour.

 

Rail travel

 

The rail and metro infrastructure is limited. In the past there have been some safety and security incidents on these systems.

 

Sea travel

 

Be wary of safety procedures on board vessels. Boat accidents on the Amazon River are not uncommon.

 

There have been armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels, including British flag vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports.

 

Swimming

 

Strong currents and sharks can be a danger off some beaches. Take local advice before swimming.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be crowded. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can present evidence of sufficient funds or insurance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Dengue fever is common, particularly during the rainy season. The state of Amazonas is recognised as a yellow fever zone; make sure you have up to date vaccinations - inform your GP or travel clinic that you are travelling to Manaus at least 6-8 weeks before departure

 

The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are higher than in the Europe or the US.

 In the southern hemisphere, June/July is winter in Brazil; depending on which city you are in, temperatures can range between 15ºC and 26 ºC although they can go as low as 10 ºC and as high as 35 ºC

it is advisable to carry a bottle of water if outdoors for a long period of time

Alcohol plus sun can quickly lead to dehydration – take it easy; also note that spirit measures are much larger in Brazil compared to Europe.

Never accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drink unattended at any time

Use mosquito repellent; it can also help protect against mosquitoes that carry the dengue fever virus

Be extra cautious when going into the rainforest - wild animals are a concern, and insects can be poisonous or cause severe allergic reactions; insect repellent is strongly recommended.

Drowning in quicksand has occurred on Ponta Negra Beach - avoid swimming in the river

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 192 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

 

You need your passport for exchanging money at banks

Most banks impose a limit of R$1,000 (approx. £300) when withdrawing cash using foreign credit/debit cards

Only carry around cash you will need for the day; be careful of who is standing around you when using cash machines

Make sure you inform your bank before travelling if you intend to use your credit/debit card abroad this will avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons.

Check with your mobile phone service provider to make sure your phone works in Brazil.

 

Political Situation

 

The football World Cup will be held in Brazil in 2014. 

 

There are protests in a number of other Brazilian cities, including Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Recife and Belo Horizonte. There have been violent incidents and injuries. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations. Monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.

 

Protests continue to take place regularly, often without warning, in a number of Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte. There have been violent incidents and injuries. You should take extra care and avoid all large gatherings and demonstrations. Strikes affecting transport and security may take place at short notice across Brazil.  Monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.

 

Local laws and customs

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. If you are caught trafficking the penalties are severe, often involving long prison sentences in a Brazilian prison. The penalties for possession of drugs for personal use range from educational classes to community service. 

 

The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime and widespread in Brazil. The Brazilian authorities are committed to combating travelling child sex offenders and the Brazilian Government continues to crack down on those who commit such offences. If you commit sex offences against children abroad you can be prosecuted in your home country.

 

Biopiracy is a crime; do not try to leave the country with animals, products or samples of Brazilian species – you will be sued and may be sentenced to prison

 

There is no legislation against homosexuality in Brazil. The country has a tradition of tolerance, but in recent years some attacks on homosexual couples have occurred. Since May 2011, Brazilian law recognises homosexual stable unions and gives homosexual couples equal rights.

 

You should carry some form of photo ID with you at all times.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil.

 

Dual nationality

 

The Brazilian immigration authorities often require dual foreign/Brazilian nationals visiting Brazil to travel on Brazilian (rather than foreign) passports.  

 

Travelling with children

 

There are additional requirements for all children under 18 entering or transiting Brazil without their parents or legal guardian, or travelling with one parent only. Contact the Brazilian Consulate in your home country for further information and advice.