Australia Alerts Tourists to Rising Health and Crime Risks in Brazil in Latest Travel Advisory: Everything You Need To Know Before Planning Your Trip

Published on December 6, 2025

The updated Australian travel advisory highlights key safety risks, strict entry requirements, and several health concerns that may affect tourism activities for travellers heading to Brazil. The Brazil advisory emphasises the need for careful preparation, awareness in crowded areas, and compliance with local regulations that may influence travel plans. Tourists are encouraged to stay informed about crime threats, review visa rules, confirm passport validity, and monitor changing conditions that could disrupt movement within major cities and popular tourist zones. This strengthened advisory from Australia aims to support safer travel decisions, reduce exposure to risks and help visitors manage potential delays during their stay.

Safety Risks for Travellers

Tourists face multiple safety challenges in Brazil, especially in major cities and festival periods. The advisory stresses that visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid isolated places.

Below is a brief overview of the main concerns:

• Violent crime is widespread.
  These incidents include mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, and they occur often in large cities.
• Risks increase during Carnival and major events.
  Tourism hotspots can become crowded, which may attract criminal activity.
• Travellers should avoid isolated areas.
  Beaches and quiet streets can be unsafe, especially at night.
• Favelas must be avoided.
  Crime rates are high in these areas, even when accessed through organised tour groups.
• Methanol poisoning cases are increasing.
  Tourists are urged to stay alert when consuming alcoholic drinks.
• Drink spiking is a growing risk.
  Visitors should monitor their beverages closely in nightlife areas.
• Protests may occur without warning.
  Roadblocks and movement restrictions can disrupt travel plans.
• Official or prepaid taxis should be used.
  Card payments must be checked before confirming charges.
• Rideshare details should be verified.
  Plate numbers and driver names must match the app.
• Drivers should keep windows closed and doors locked.
  Selected routes should avoid favelas entirely.
• Weather conditions may affect travel.
  Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, flooding and flight delays.

Health Considerations for Visitors

Health concerns remain relevant for tourists planning travel across Brazil. Measles outbreaks continue to occur, so travellers are advised to ensure vaccinations are current. The presence of insect-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever and zika virus makes protective clothing and repellents essential during outdoor activities.

Yellow fever vaccination should be considered when possible. Food and water safety also requires attention, as many infectious diseases spread through contaminated supplies. Travellers should rely on bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked meals. HIV/AIDS is an ongoing risk, and precautions are strongly encouraged when engaging in high-risk behaviour.

Local Laws Tourists Must Follow

Visitors must comply with strict local rules while travelling in Brazil. Illegal drugs must not be carried or used, as penalties are severe and may lead to long prison sentences. Travellers should carry photo identification at all times, such as a driver’s licence and a photocopy of their passport.

Dual nationals must enter using a Brazilian passport. Male travellers aged over 18 with Brazilian nationality may also face military service obligations. Same-sex relationships are legal, but acceptance can vary in rural areas. Public displays of affection should be avoided in less accepting communities. Travellers must not drink and drive, as Brazil enforces a zero-tolerance alcohol policy.

Entry and Travel Requirements

Brazil has strict entry rules that all tourists must follow. Visitors must prepare documentation carefully, as conditions can change without warning.

Below are the main requirements:

• A visa is required for entry.
  It must be arranged before arrival, as visas are not issued at airports or border points.
• Travellers without a visa will be sent back.
  Authorities return visitors on the next available flight.
• Conditions may change at short notice.
  Tourists should confirm requirements with a Brazilian embassy or consulate.
• Brazilian children require written permission to depart.
  This applies to dual nationals and those travelling without both parents.
• Passports must have six months of validity.
  Authorities may deny entry to travellers with shorter validity.
• Some enforcement is inconsistent.
  Tourists may receive conflicting advice, so early passport renewal is recommended.
• Lost passports must be reported quickly.
  Travellers in Australia should contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• Travellers overseas must contact consular offices.
  Any nearest Australian embassy or consulate can provide support.

Consular Assistance for Australian Tourists

The advisory explains the support Australian authorities can provide during overseas travel. Limited consular help is available in Rio de Janeiro through the Honorary Consulate. Full services are offered by the Australian Embassy in Brasilia and the Consulate-General in São Paulo. Tourists are encouraged to keep these contacts available before beginning travel.

Image Source: AI