Lots can be said about Brazil, but one thing is for sure – it’s a phenomenal place to visit.
We wish we could finish that sentence by saying it’s a phenomenal place to visit for all types of travelers, but that’s just not the case right now.
Family vacations and solo trips might be a stretch as the U.S. Consulate has just issued a new travel security alert, given a noticeable increase in crime backed by reports.
Some travelers may take these warnings with a grain of salt, but this one is particularly eye-catching as the alert urges “all travelers” to take caution.
Of course, crime is a fickle topic. Travelers can find themselves in a bad situation even in the ‘safest’ of places, but the opposite can also be said: nothing at all may happen in a place deemed ‘sketchy’.
Ultimately, it’s up to travelers to soak up the information and decide whether to book a trip or not.
When it comes to planning your trip to Brazil, here is why the U.S. Consulate issued a new travel alert:
Increase Of Violent Crime Reported
We’ve all caught ourselves daydreaming of exotic escapes. As diverse and beautiful as Brazil is between its borders, it is truly bucket-list worthy.
But, as they say, “timing is everything”. There’s not much worse than a dream vacation turned nightmare involving violence.
Crime has become bad enough for the U.S. Consulate of Rio de Janeiro to sound the alarm to keep American tourists safe.
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, so it would be ridiculous to label every city or state as a no-go zone.
That being said, the Consulate has offered some tips to remain safe and specific areas to avoid.
Rio de Janeiro
Travelers who have been to Rio de Janeiro lately may agree this alert is overdue, but better late than never, right?
The facts are the facts – Rio’s crime is surging. While tourists across the nation should be weary of their surroundings, Rio is the sole focus of the recent travel alert.
Given that the U.S. Consulate is located in this popular beach city, they’re ironically part of the reason the new alert was issued in the first place.
It seems as if Rio’s bad apples are hanging around Avenida Rio Branco near the Cinelandia metro stop and the Consulate, an area they are urging tourists to be extra vigilant.
Frequent reports of assaults and robberies are occurring in this vicinity, but so far, the U.S. State Department hasn’t updated its Level 2 travel advisory since October 2023.
“All Travelers” Should Be On Alert
U.S. government agencies can only do so much to protect their own abroad, but they are doing their best by providing some insightful tips:
- Remain aware of your surroundings at all times
- Keep a close eye on belongings
- Keep your electronics, including your phone, out of sight in public
That’s right – no selfies at the famous Copacabana Beach or showing off your fresh Acai Bowls or Caipirinhas on the ‘gram.
As much as we are glued to our phones, should you find yourself being targeted, the Consulate says it’s best to give up your belongings rather than fight back to avoid making the situation worse.
Should you need assistance, calling 190 is the same as calling 911 back home.
Bad Timing For Bad Press
Brazil will soon require Americans to pay for a tourist visa.
Initially, this new policy was supposed to be implemented last fall but has since been pushed to April 10, 2024, after multiple postponements.
With the new visa rules set to take place in the coming weeks, they now have to deal with some bad press that may give travelers pause.
According to the U.S. Mission Brazil, U.S. tourists will have to fork over $80.90 for visas with 10-year validity.
Some may qualify for an electronic visa, however, which can be authenticated by visiting Brazil’s official E-visa website.
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