Brazil Stands Alongside Peru And Others as Australia Issues Travel Advisory on Protests and Security Alerts

Australia is urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to security risks and protests in Brazil, Peru, Kenya and Colombia. Australia has issued high travel guidance related to Brazil, Peru, Kenya and Colombia, focusing again on the protests, security situations, violent crimes, terrorism, kidnappings, extreme weather and potential transport disruptions in many of these major tourism markets.

The guidance advises Australian travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in all four countries. However, the risks and travel requirements vary significantly between destinations. Brazil faces heightened attention around its election period. Peru continues to operate under emergency security conditions in Lima and Callao. Kenya faces terrorism, kidnapping and protest-related risks, while Colombia continues to deal with armed-group activity and instability in selected regions.

For tourists, the message is not that travel has stopped. Instead, visitors are being urged to prepare carefully, monitor developments and understand destination-specific entry and safety requirements before departure.

Brazil Faces Heightened Attention Around Election-Period Gatherings

Brazil stands at the centre of the updated guidance because political activity may affect travel during the country’s election period. The first round of the general election took place on 4 October, while a second round is scheduled for 25 October. The presidential inauguration ceremony is scheduled in Brasília for 5 January 2027.

The advisory warns that political gatherings, demonstrations and increased security measures could occur before, during and after these events. Large-scale protests can also develop at other times.

Travellers should monitor local information, follow instructions issued by authorities and avoid situations where large crowds are gathering. Changes to security arrangements can occur quickly during politically sensitive periods, particularly in major urban centres.

Brazil Travellers Also Face Urban Crime and Road Safety Concerns

Beyond demonstrations, the Australian advisory highlights serious urban security concerns across Brazil. Violent crime, including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, remains a major issue, particularly in larger cities and during large events such as Carnival.

Travellers are advised not to go out alone at night and to avoid isolated locations, including beaches. Particular caution is recommended around favelas, where crime levels can be high. The guidance says travellers should not enter these areas, including as part of organised tours.

Transport safety also matters. Visitors should use prepaid or official taxis. Those using rideshare services should confirm that the vehicle registration and driver information match the details shown in the application before entering the vehicle.

Severe Weather Could Disrupt Brazil Travel Plans

Weather represents another important consideration for visitors planning journeys across Brazil. The advisory states that the wet season generally extends from November to July, although heavy rainfall can occur at different times depending on the region.

Flooding and landslides can affect roads, urban areas and transport connections. Severe storms can also delay flights, creating knock-on effects for domestic connections, airport transfers and organised itineraries.

Travellers planning multi-city trips should therefore allow flexibility between flights and ground connections. Those visiting areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall should monitor conditions closely and be prepared to adjust travel arrangements when authorities issue warnings.

The guidance specifically tells visitors to remain prepared for possible itinerary changes when severe weather affects local infrastructure or aviation operations.

Brazil Entry Rules Remain an Essential Pre-Departure Check

Entry requirements form another important part of the Australian guidance for Brazil. The advisory states that travellers covered by the advice need a visa to enter Brazil and cannot obtain that visa after arriving at an airport or land-border checkpoint.

This means documentation must be arranged before departure. Travellers should also remember that entry and exit conditions can change with limited notice.

Families face additional requirements. Brazilian children, including dual nationals, require written consent from any parent who is not travelling with them when departing Brazil.

For tourists, these rules make pre-travel documentation particularly important. Checking visa validity, passport requirements and family travel paperwork before reaching the airport can help prevent delays or refused travel.

Peru Keeps High-Caution Status as Emergency Measures Continue

Peru is also covered by Australia’s high-caution advice. A state of emergency has been in place across Lima and Callao since October 2025, accompanied by an increased security presence.

Visitors may encounter armed forces in public areas. Political demonstrations, strikes and protests also remain common, particularly around the historic centre of Lima.

Previous demonstrations have disrupted transport services, including routes used by tourists travelling towards and from Machu Picchu. This makes political developments relevant even for travellers whose itineraries focus mainly on heritage attractions.

Visitors should check current conditions before travelling between destinations, follow local instructions and build flexibility into transport plans. Sudden demonstrations can affect roads, buses and connections with little warning.

Peru Tourists Warned About Crime, Kidnapping and Transport Risks

The advisory identifies violent crime in several major Peruvian destinations, including Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Travellers are encouraged to avoid walking alone, particularly at night, and to protect valuables in hotels, restaurants and public spaces.

Mobile-phone theft has increased, with particular concern around people using phones close to roads where thieves can quickly approach.

Kidnapping is another risk highlighted in the guidance. The advisory refers to express kidnapping incidents in which victims can be forced to access money. Criminal activity has also affected some remote travel areas.

Bus passengers should keep passports, travel documents and valuables secure rather than storing important belongings in overhead racks or beneath seats. Reputable bus operators offer a safer option for longer journeys.

Hiking and Taxi Safety Become Key Considerations Across Peru

Adventure tourism requires additional preparation in Peru. Travellers planning hiking or mountaineering activities are advised to use experienced guides and carry GPS-enabled equipment capable of monitoring or sharing their location.

This advice is particularly relevant for tourists visiting remote mountain environments where terrain, weather and access can make rescue operations difficult.

Taxi safety is another important issue. The advisory warns against hailing unlicensed taxis from the street. Visitors are encouraged to arrange licensed transport through telephone dispatch systems or recognised taxi applications.

Cars can also become targets when stopped in traffic. Drivers and passengers should keep doors locked and windows closed. These precautions are especially relevant for airport transfers and journeys through busy urban areas.

Peru Offers Tourist Stays of Up to Ninety Days

Despite the heightened security guidance, Peru remains accessible to international tourists. According to the advisory, tourists covered by the guidance generally do not require a visa and can receive permission to stay for up to 90 days when arriving in the country.

Travellers who remain beyond their authorised period may be required to pay a fine before departure.

Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice, meaning visitors should check requirements again before travelling.

Emergency passports may be accepted for entry, transit or departure when they hold at least six months of validity.

The advisory also notes that restrictions and operating conditions can change quickly, reinforcing the importance of monitoring local information during a trip.

Kenya Faces Protest, Terrorism and Kidnapping Concerns

Kenya is another prominent tourism destination included under Australia’s high-caution guidance. The advisory warns that protests and demonstrations can block roads and sometimes turn violent. Security forces have previously used tear gas to disperse crowds.

Travellers should avoid large gatherings and follow local security updates.

The advisory also identifies an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks, meaning visitors should remain vigilant in public spaces.

Kidnapping represents another significant risk. Border regions near Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan are identified as particularly sensitive areas. Foreign nationals have previously been targeted.

These security concerns make route planning important for anyone travelling beyond Kenya’s established tourism circuits or undertaking journeys near border areas.

Kenya Visitors Should Prepare for Crime, Scams and Severe Weather

Violent crime remains another concern in Kenya. The Australian guidance identifies carjackings, kidnapping and home invasions among the risks travellers may face. Visitors are advised against walking around after dark.

Scams can also create problems for tourists. Criminals may use false police or government identification while attempting to obtain money or information. Travellers should therefore remain cautious even when someone appears to hold an official role.

Weather can also disrupt tourism. Kenya normally experiences rainy periods from March to June and again from October to November.

Flash flooding can damage infrastructure, interrupt essential services and affect national parks. Travellers should never attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas and should monitor conditions before longer road journeys.

Kenya Airport Travel Could Be Affected by Sudden Disruption

The advisory warns that protests and industrial action can affect transport networks across Kenya, including airports. Flight delays, cancellations and interruptions to airport operations may occur with limited warning.

Passengers should therefore check directly with airlines or travel providers before travelling to the airport and allow additional journey time where disruption is possible.

Entry procedures also require preparation. Travellers must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation before travelling to Kenya.

Entry and exit conditions may change at short notice. Foreign residents are also required to carry their alien identity cards, while travellers arriving from certain yellow-fever-endemic countries may need to present a valid vaccination certificate.

Enhanced health screening may also apply to travellers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia or the Democratic Republic of Congo under the conditions outlined in the advisory.

Colombia Security Alert Focuses on Santa Marta and Regional Unrest

Colombia is the fourth country covered by the heightened Australian advisory. Recent clashes involving illegal armed groups have led authorities to strengthen security around Santa Marta and surrounding districts.

Roadblocks and unrest could disrupt journeys along the Troncal del Caribe, or Ruta 90, an important road used by visitors heading towards Tayrona National Park.

Travellers should follow local information and prepare to alter their plans at short notice. If unrest develops nearby, the advisory recommends leaving the area when it is safe or remaining in a secure location until conditions improve.

The warning demonstrates how security developments can directly affect tourism access, particularly where major attractions rely heavily on road connections through affected areas.

Colombia Maintains Stronger Warnings for Several High-Risk Areas

Australia advises travellers to reconsider their need to visit Quibdó in Chocó and Ipiales in Nariño because of security threats linked to illegal armed groups.

The warning also applies to areas within 20 kilometres of parts of Colombia’s borders with Brazil and Peru, subject to the exception identified in the advisory around territory south of the Putumayo River in Amazonas.

Other high-risk locations include areas near the Ecuadorian and Venezuelan borders, parts of Cauca, Buenaventura, Tumaco and the Darién Gap.

Terrorist activity remains a concern in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, including Cali. The wider advisory warns that attacks may be planned elsewhere and tells visitors to remain aware of local security developments.

Crime and Kidnapping Add Another Layer to Colombia Travel Planning

Violent crime and gang activity remain major concerns across Colombia. The advisory warns that criminals may sometimes present themselves as police officers.

Travelling alone or at night is discouraged in higher-risk locations. Kidnapping remains a concern in some areas, and travellers entering places with elevated kidnapping threats are advised to consider professional security support.

Hikers can also face robbery risks. The guidance recommends using reputable and experienced guides when undertaking outdoor activities.

Petty theft is possible even within popular tourist districts, meaning visitors should maintain normal security precautions around phones, passports, wallets and luggage.

Together, these warnings reinforce the importance of researching specific regions rather than treating security conditions as uniform across the entire country.

Colombia Remains Accessible for Short Tourism Visits

For tourism visits of 90 days or less, travellers covered by the guidance generally do not require a visa for Colombia.

However, entry and departure requirements may change at short notice, and Colombian authorities or transport providers may request additional documentation.

There are also specific considerations for travellers crossing from Colombia into Ecuador by land. Under the conditions described in the advisory, people planning to enter Ecuador through land borders may need an apostilled police check covering the previous five years because of the current state of emergency in Ecuador. Children travelling with family are exempt from that requirement.

Visitors planning multi-country South American journeys should therefore check border rules separately for every crossing.

Australia’s Advisory Puts Preparation at the Centre of Travel

Across Brazil, Peru, Kenya and Colombia, the central message is consistent: tourism remains possible, but travellers need stronger preparation and greater awareness.

Brazil’s election period creates the possibility of demonstrations and heightened security. Peru combines emergency measures with protest and transport risks. Kenya requires vigilance over terrorism, kidnapping, demonstrations, weather disruption and airport delays. Colombia presents a more geographically complex picture, with particularly strong warnings applying to specific border districts and areas affected by armed-group activity.

Entry procedures also differ sharply. Brazil requires advance visa preparation under the supplied guidance. Peru allows eligible tourists stays of up to 90 days. Kenya requires an electronic travel authorisation. Colombia generally permits eligible tourism stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

For travellers, understanding those differences could be just as important as choosing flights, hotels and attractions.

What Travellers Should Check Before Departure

The Australian guidance makes clear that careful preparation can reduce avoidable travel problems across all four destinations.

Travellers should monitor local developments before and during their journeys, particularly where protests or security operations are underway. Airlines should be checked before airport travel when demonstrations, industrial action or severe weather could affect operations.

Visitors should also confirm visas, electronic travel authorisations, passport validity and border documentation before departure rather than assuming requirements remain unchanged.

Those travelling between cities should use reputable transport providers, avoid higher-risk districts and leave additional time for disruptions.

Adventure travellers should use experienced guides in remote regions, while anyone travelling during heavy rainfall should monitor road conditions and emergency warnings.

Australia advises tourists to exercise a high degree of caution in these 4 countries as protests and security issues have the potential to disrupt holidays and threaten safety. The warning follows reports of political instability, violent crime, terrorism, kidnapping and transport disruptions.

The advisory is a clear signal that Brazil, Peru, Kenya and Colombia are still popular destinations for Australian tourists looking to escape the harsh winter, but there are some things to be wary of.