World News
US updates Brazil travel advisory citing crime and kidnapping risks
The State Department maintained its Level 2 caution status while highlighting threats like drink spiking and express kidnappings.
The short version
- The U.S. State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil on August 31, keeping the overall tier unchanged.
- Officials warned travelers about violent crime, drink-spiking robberies, dating app schemes, and express kidnappings.
- Specific high-risk areas—including international land borders, informal housing developments, and areas around Brasília—remain under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory.
Key facts
- On August 31, the U.S. State Department updated its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Brazil, citing concerns over crime and kidnapping.[Fox News]
- The advisory highlights risks of violent crimes including murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and drink spiking, noting that foreigners are frequently targeted in bars or via dating apps, particularly in Rio de Janeiro.[Fox News]
- Officials warned of express kidnappings, where victims are coerced at gunpoint to withdraw cash or send money through banking apps.[Fox News]
- A Level 4 Do Not Travel designation remains in effect for international land borders, informal settlements, and specific locations surrounding Brasília.[Fox News]