Travelers warned of murder, kidnappings and drink-spiking robberies in vacation hot spot
FILE-Tourists watch the sunrise from Morro Dois Irmaos above the Vidigal favela, a day after a police operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP via Getty Images)
Americans heading to Brazil are being warned to watch their drinks, stay alert at ATMs and avoid certain areas after U.S. officials recently flagged an array of safety risks.
The State Department updated its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Brazil Aug. 31, though officials noted the country's advisory level remained unchanged.
The main reasons for the advisory update are "crime and kidnapping," officials said.
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The advisory also warns that, in Brazil, violent crime "occurs in urban areas, day and night. Crimes include murder, armed robbery and carjacking."
The State Department also said criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing them.
"Assaults are common, including with sedatives or drugs placed in drinks, especially in Rio de Janeiro," the advisory said.
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U.S. officials also maintain a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning for certain areas, including international land borders, informal housing developments and certain areas surrounding the capital of Brasília.
Kidnapping for ransom involving U.S. citizens is rare but occasionally occurs, according to the State Department.
"Brazilians are most often targeted, but foreigners remain vulnerable," the advisory said.
"Express kidnapping — in which criminals force victims at gunpoint to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs or transfer funds via banking apps (commonly Pix) — is an ongoing threat to both locals and foreigners."
Travelers are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying signs of wealth and use caution at night, particularly at beaches, bars, transportation centers and on public transit.
Officials also recommend watching drinks closely, avoiding food or drinks from strangers and remaining alert to potential online dating scams.
"Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night," the advisory added. "Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil."
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional comment.
The Brazil advisory comes amid other recent State Department warnings for Americans traveling abroad.
For example, officials are urging Americans traveling to Israel to reconsider their plans and to remain alert as security conditions can change quickly.
The State Department also warned Americans to exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping.