Is it really dangerous to go to Brazil in 2026? This large South American country is known for its beaches and beautiful landscapes but is often associated with violence and crime. But is Brazil really so dangerous that you can go there?

This article is a study on traveler safety in Brazil. We will discuss in particular the areas to avoid and the most dangerous cities for tourists. Thus, you will have all the elements in hand to decide if the level of insecurity in Brazil is possible for you, your family and your travel plan.

Indeed, there are many fears or misconceptions about security in this country. It is therefore important to understand the potential risks and precautions to take to travel safely in Brazil.

What are the risks of traveling to Brazil?

Because there are countries that are more dangerous for tourists than others, such as Mexico or South Africa, it is important to be aware of the potential risks that travelers to Brazil are exposed to.

First of all, there are tropical diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in Brazil. It is therefore important to take precautions before travelling, including getting vaccinated before leaving and carrying mosquito repellent.

Next, tourists should be aware that Brazil has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, which can pose a risk to travelers planning to drive or take long bus rides.

Finally, one of the main concerns for travelers to Brazil is crime. But in terms of crimes and violence, is Brazil a dangerous country in 2024? It is this part that we will develop below.

Is Brazil a dangerous country in 2026?

Brazil has had a reputation as a dangerous country for several years, largely due to high crime rates in some parts of the country. But what about in 2024?

On various specialized sites, we see that in 2026, Brazil is still one of the most dangerous countries in South America (see: statista.com, infobae.com , wionews.com ou travelinglifestyle.net).

And if we look at the figures of Numbeo world rankingYes, it's fair to say that Brazil is a dangerous country. Indeed, out of 142 countries ranked, Brazil is among the 15 most crime-ridden countries in the world. It ranks 12th with a crime index of 66.33, just after... Peru and the Jamaica.

However, it is important to understand that Brazil is a huge country, with a population of more than 200 million people, spread over a territory of almost 8,5 million km². Crime rates can therefore vary considerably depending on the region (see list of the most dangerous areas below).

Are tourist areas safe in Brazil?

The Brazilian tourism industry is constantly growing, with millions of visitors each year.

Since the murder rate is very high in Brazil, it is important to understand that most of these homicides are linked to criminal activities such as drug trafficking and gang violence. Tourists are rarely targeted directly by these types of crimes, but if they are in high-risk areas, they can be collateral victims.

On the other hand, the Brazilian authorities have taken many measures to guarantee the safety of travelers, especially in popular tourist areas.

However, it is important to take safety precautions, avoid certain cities and dangerous areas in Brazil (see below) and choose safe neighborhoods in the cities you will be visiting (see our recommendations for the main major cities). Brazilian cities).

Dangerous areas to avoid in Brazil

According to Western government sites (France Diplomacy, travel.gc.ca, eda.admin.ch, travel.state.gov ), here are the main areas to avoid in Brazil because they are too dangerous for travellers:

• The border area with Venezuela is the most dangerous in Brazil;
• All border areas (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Paraguay) are also to be avoided (crime, drug trafficking, illegal gold panning, conflicts);
• The states of the Northeast which are among those with the highest homicide rate and all the cities of the Northeast;
• The bordering Brazilian states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Roraima, as well as southern Mato Grosso, western Para and northern Amapa.
• The administrative regions of Brasilia commonly called "satellite cities" of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao and Paranoa;
• Recife and the entire region around it in the state of Pernambuco, in the northeast of the country.

Map of the most dangerous areas in Brazil

France Diplomatie provides travelers with the map below which indicates in red and orange all the dangerous areas to avoid in Brazil:

Note that in addition to these cities and dangerous areas of Brazil in red and orange, all the rest of the territory is still in heightened vigilance.

Most dangerous cities in Brazil

Some areas of Brazil are considered more dangerous than others. Indeed, in general in Brazil, large cities have higher crime rates than the national average. It is therefore important to exercise caution in these cities, especially in certain neighborhoods and favelas that are best avoided.

To avoid these neighborhoods, see the articles:

• Dangerous neighborhoods Brasilia
• Dangerous areas and neighborhoods in Salvador de Bahia
• Favelas and dangerous neighborhoods Rio de Janeiro
• Dangerous neighborhoods Fortaleza
• Favelas and dangerous neighborhoods Sao Paulo

Favelas are generally located on the hills and are areas that escape government control. Tourists visiting these areas run the risk of being caught up in inter-gang shootouts or becoming victims of armed robbery.

The most dangerous cities in Brazil are as follows (source statista.com:

• Feira de Santana
• Mossoro
• Victory of the Conquest
• Manaus
• Salvador
• Fortaleza
• Christmas
• Recife
• Teresina
• Caruaru

Tips for traveling to Brazil

Although there are risks for travelers to Brazil, there are precautions you can take to minimize these risks. Here are some tips for traveling safely in Brazil:

• Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated places;
• Don't carry too much cash on you and use credit cards or traveler's checks instead;
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or showing signs of wealth;
• Keep your valuables in a safe place, such as your hotel safe;
• Use trusted taxis or ride-sharing services approved by your hotel and keep the car windows rolled up;
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, do not consume products offered in the street;
• It is advisable to book excursions with approved providers and research the companies before booking.
• Travelers should also be aware of common scams, such as fake banknotes or fake airline tickets.

Finally, is it dangerous to go to Brazil?

Brazil is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture. Although there are risks for travelers, it is possible to discover this country by taking the appropriate precautions. If you're willing to exercise caution and respect local customs, Brazil can be an amazing travel destination.

Do research before your trip, especially on government travel advice sites, take precautions when traveling and in choosing the cities and neighborhoods you go to. With good organization, up-to-date information and a bit of common sense and caution, you can enjoy a memorable trip to Brazil.

Header image attribution: Alex Petrenko, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons