The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Americans planning to visit Brazil, citing ongoing crime and possible kidnappings.
“Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers,” the agency said in its advisory posted Thursday.
As if that wasn’t enough to manage, “gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade,” the State Department said.
Also, keep an eye on your cocktails.
That’s because “assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims.”
But if you must go, the State Department advises, among other things, that you:
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
- Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be alert to date drug scams.
- Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night. Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil.
- Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
- Develop a communication plan with family, employer, or host organization so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you’ll confirm you’re safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
And if you’re a U.S. government employee, stay off the municipal buses “because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.” the State Department said.
