Brazil

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 190 for police (Policia)
• Dial 191 for police on interstate roads (Policia Rodoviaria)
• Dial 192 for ambulance services (Ambulancia or SAMU)
• Dial 193 for fire department (Bombeiros)
• Dial 180 for domestic violence national helpline

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Register with STEP to receive notifications from the U.S. Embassy

Crime

• The violent crime rate is high in most Brazilian urban centers. 
• Public transportation, hotel sectors, and tourist areas report high crime rates, but crime can happen anywhere and at any time. 
• Remain alert and  aware of your surroundings.

Brasilia’s administrative regions

These are commonly known as “satellite cities.” Avoid Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa, especially at night.

Border areas

Avoid traveling anywhere within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay. Illegal criminal networks operate along Brazilian borders. This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.

Travel restrictions for U.S. government employees

Due to crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to:

• Travel anywhere within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the international borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay. Illegal criminal networks operate along Brazilian borders. Travel to the Foz do Iguaçu National Park and Pantanal National Park is allowed.
• Enter any informal housing developments in Brazil. These are commonly referred to as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados.
• Travel at night to Brasilia’s administrative regions. These are commonly known as “satellite cities.” They include Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa.

Crime on public buses and informal taxis

• Avoid public buses, especially at night. 
• Passengers are at a higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses. 
• The U.S. government recommends its employees avoid public buses throughout Brazil.
• Do not hire informal or unregistered taxis. Registered taxis have white  license plates with red characters or red plates with white characters and openly display company information and phone numbers.

Disabling drugs

Beware of the widespread use of sedatives to drug and rob tourists, including U.S. citizens. 

• Victims’ drinks are tampered with, causing them to lose consciousness. 
• Victims remember little. Their valuables are gone when they regain consciousness. 
• While victims continue to be randomly targeted in bars and nightclubs, foreigners are also targeted through online dating applications. 

Take the following steps to avoid this type of crime:

• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone and avoid leaving with strangers.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Before you go on a date with someone from a dating app, let a loved one know who you’re meeting, where you are going, and the details about the app account. 
• Avoid inviting strangers to your residence, speak to your building’s door attendant in advance about any invited guests.
• Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right or if you suddenly feel ill, walk away from the situation.
• If you believe you may have been drugged, seek immediate medical attention. Some people can have life-threatening reactions to these drugs. After that, report the crime to local police and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Avoid trips outside metropolitan areas at night Road conditions throughout Brazil can vary widely. 
• Dangers include road debris, horse-drawn carriages, unmarked speed bumps, potholes, and other poor infrastructure.

Armed robberies of pedestrians and motorists 

Armed robberies are common and can happen near public beaches. 

• Personal belongings are taken, even if momentarily unattended.
• If confronted, hand over your personal belongings without resisting. Resisting will increase your risk of injury.
• Carjackings and robberies occur at any time, especially at intersections and in tunnels. 
• Some robberies involve people being forced to make purchases or withdraw money from ATMs.
• Be aware of your surroundings when on the phone. Mobile phones are often targeted by thieves on motorcycles or bicycles riding past tourists.
• Do not pull over for anyone hitchhiking or with apparent “car troubles” as this could be a scam to get you to pull over and exit your vehicle.

Credit card fraud and ATM scams 

Credit card fraud and ATM scams are common in Brazil. 

• Work with your financial institutions to monitor accounts. Keep your credit card in view while it is scanned where you are paying.
• Do not use ATMs in unfamiliar, remote, or lightly protected areas. 
• Be aware that criminals often target ATMs and businesses in the early hours of the morning. This is when there are fewer witnesses and law enforcement response times may be delayed. 
• If you use an ATM, select one inside a secure facility, such as an airport, hospital, bank, or government building. 

Crime during electricity blackouts

• Power failures in large urban centers are common and sometimes followed by increased crime. 
• Most hotels are equipped with generators. This reduces the impact of a blackout, but you should stay alert.

Safety tips: 

• Keep a low profile. Avoid openly displaying your cell phone or cash. When using a ride share service or taxi, arrange for pick up in a secure area.
• Avoid public events and crowds. Any public event, including concerts and sporting events, can turn violent.
• Limit the personal belongings or credit cards you carry. Carry your money in your front pockets. Make copies of all your personal documents including your credit cards, license, or passport. Keep the originals in a safe place. This will help you if you lose your documents.
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that may attract thieves and consider leaving them home. If you choose to wear expensive jewelry or carry a camera, hide it until you arrive at your destination.
• Stay aware of the street environment. Avoid anybody who looks suspicious. Seek a safer location. Go into a store, bank, or cross the street.
• Do not walk on beaches after dark. Assaults are common.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas and near popular tourist locations in Rio de Janeiro.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Brazil. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers may pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• Romance and online dating
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Brazil: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 190. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact local law enforcement via 190 and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help.  
• There is a national helpline for victims of domestic violence (dial 180).
• Most Brazilian cities have specialized police units for women’s assistance like Delegacia Especial de Atendimento à Mulher (DEAM). 
• DEAMs provide a trained environment for women to report crimes. They can also receive referrals to support services such as shelters, medical and mental health care, and legal aid. 
• Dial 180 or review Women’s Ministry website for domestic violence resources and help. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Large areas of Brazil outside of cities have limited to no cellular service coverage. Make a plan that does not rely on GPS navigation apps.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Before operating a drone in Brazil, please review National Civil Aviation Agency rules.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Water safety hazards

• Many of Brazil’s beaches have very dangerous riptides, even if the water looks safe. Ocean currents and waves are unpredictable, even at popular beaches frequented by tourists. 
• Shark attacks occur at some beaches in northeastern Brazil, particularly near Recife. 
• Always observe posted warnings. 
• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol. 
• Follow local authorities’ guidance. Do not swim alone or in areas marked with red flags or warning signs or at beaches where there are no municipal lifeguards or first responder services.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Brazil, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. Use of slurs and charged language based on race and gender identity/sexuality is illegal under Brazil’s anti-racism laws.  U.S. citizens have been detained on charges of using these slurs.

Firearms rules

• Brazil prohibits importing, exporting, and possessing firearms without prior authorization of the Brazilian Government. 
• U.S. citizens are subject to arrest and prosecution in Brazil for possession of unauthorized firearms or firearm components anywhere in the country, including at airports. 
• This rule also applies to spent shell casings or ammunition, even if inside luggage during transit. This is regardless of whether those items were legally purchased in the United States or elsewhere.

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. This step is important for dual nationals. Detaining officials may not be aware of or ask about additional nationalities.  

Detention conditions

U.S. citizens detained in Brazil may encounter a variety of detention conditions. 

• Some detention facilities may be well-organized and clean. Others may be  overcrowded with poor living conditions or violence. 
• Delays in court proceedings are common throughout the judicial process.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on same-sex marriage, consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Brazil.  
• Brazilian public attitudes toward same-sex relationships are mixed but becoming more accepting. 
• Prejudice against same-sex relationships exists. This is especially true in more conservative or rural areas.
• Despite laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, violence against gay and lesbian individuals remains a significant concern. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Brazil prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care. The law is enforced. 
• Accessibility laws require public buildings to have ramps, wheelchair lifts, accessible toilets, and reserved parking spots. 
• In public settings, accessibility features may include  wheelchair access, accessible public transportation, measures to assist the visually impaired, and sign language use.  
• Implementation quality can vary depending on the region. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure, particularly outside large urban areas. 
• Brazil has strong legal protections for people with disabilities. However, uneven accessibility and inclusion efforts continue to affect daily lives.  
• Brazil’s urban centers have commercial services for medical equipment, assistive technology, and auxiliary aides and services. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources

Brazil is a very large country with varying medical resources, both private and public, throughout the country.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Brazil Traveler Information provides destination-specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance
• Medical Providers by Region

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 192 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Ambulances are not present or are unreliable in most areas except state capitals and other large cities.
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.  
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• At private Brazilian medical facilities, you must pay for your care at the time of your appointment. 
• At public medical facilities, costs are covered through Brazil’s universal health care system. 
• Public ambulances called via 192 offer free transportation.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of insurance coverage before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  Credit card payment is not always available.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Regional vaccination requirements

• U.S. citizens visiting Brazil and planning visits or transit through other countries before returning to the United States should review vaccination requirements for each destination before travel.
• Some neighboring countries require travelers with recent entries into Brazil to show additional proof of vaccination.
• Carry proof, such as a vaccination card, of any required vaccines.

Yellow fever vaccine

• The yellow fever vaccine is not required for entry to Brazil. However, other nearby countries require travelers with recent entries into Brazil to show proof of vaccination. This includes Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, and Suriname. They may require other vaccinations as well. 
• Local supplies of yellow fever vaccine are limited.  Any traveler wanting to get vaccinated, should do so before travel to Brazil. 
• To be effective, the yellow fever vaccine must be administered 10 days before your trip.

Healthcare facilities 

• Health facilities are available throughout Brazil. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals by consular district We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, public hospitals only have minimal staff available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse for overnight care. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died in Brazil during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Brazil.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Brazil, especially if you do not speak Portuguese.   
• Although Brazil has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Brazil, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and that professionals are accredited and qualified.  
• Some “boutique” plastic surgery operations offer luxurious facilities but are not hospitals and cannot handle emergencies. 

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Common U.S. over-the-counter medications can generally be purchased in Brazil, although often under a different name.  
• U.S. citizens should review Ministry of Health information to understand Brazilian laws on importation of medication and controlled medications or substances. The Ministry of Health offers contact information for further guidance in Portuguese. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and only from trusted pharmacies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine 

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Brazil.  If you decide to use these services, make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Brazil to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• ART and surrogacy are highly regulated in Brazil with many strict requirements, including a mandatory familial relationship between the surrogate and the intended parents; a ban on commercial surrogacy and other conditions. Violating these conditions could result in civil or criminal penalties. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to consult with a local attorney before using ART or surrogacy in Brazil.
• U.S. citizens considering In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with surrogacy should be aware of specific restrictions. In Brazil, only a relative (like a mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, or cousin) of one parent can be a surrogate. Other arrangements need prior authorization from the Regional Council of Medicine (CRM). 
• Brazilian law prohibits the commercialization of organ and tissue trafficking. Surrogacy legislation falls under this law. Surrogates cannot use their own eggs or embryos. Donors cannot receive payment. If money is involved in surrogacy, it is considered criminal. This can lead to three to eight years in prison and a fine. 

Water quality and food safety 

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water unless tap water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Brazil.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Driving on Brazil’s roads poses significant risks. 
• Poor driving skills, bad roads, and high-density traffic make road travel hazardous. 
• Road maintenance is inadequate in many areas. 
• Flooding makes some roads through the Amazon impassable for much of the year. 
• Besides toll roads, which have their own services, roadside assistance is rare and informal through local mechanics. The fastest way to get help in an emergency on any road in Brazil is to dial 193. This universal number is staffed by local fire departments. This service is only available in Portuguese.

Traffic laws  

• You must obtain an Inter-American Driving Permit to carry with your valid U.S. license if you plan to stay more than 180 days and drive in Brazil. Such permits can be obtained through AAA or other sources.
• Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Brazilian federal law requires child seats for children under the age of 7 ½. From age 7 ½ years to 10, children must ride in the back seat.
• Stop signs are rarely enforced, so many drivers treat them like yield signs. 
• It is common for drivers to turn or cross one or more lanes of traffic without warning.
• Drivers often flash their lights or wave their hands out the window to signal other drivers to slow down or to give them the right of way at an intersection. 
• Pedestrian crossings are only observed in some places, such as Brasilia. 
• Drivers must have their daytime running lights on during the day and headlights on at night on Federal Highways.
• Under Brazil’s Lei Seca (“Dry Law”), you cannot operate a vehicle with any measurable blood-alcohol level. Checkpoints are often set up in urban areas, and randomly chosen drivers are required to perform a breathalyzer test. Those in violation are subject to legal penalties and having their vehicle impounded. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. government employees working in Brazil are allowed to use Uber. It includes safety features for riders such as traceable operations. 
• Avoid accepting rides from drivers with few or low ratings. 
• When using taxis, travelers should use marked vehicles, such as those found at major hotels. Registered taxis have white license plates with red characters or red plates with white characters and openly display company information and phone numbers.
• Ask hotel staff to call the cab if possible. 
• If you hail a cab from the street, make sure that you note the license plate and the number of the cab. 
• Know the route to your destination. Do not get into a taxi if there is anyone else but the driver inside. 

Public and commercial transportation 

• Avoid the use of public municipal buses in Brazil at any time of day, and especially at night. Passengers are at a higher risk of robbery or assault on public buses in Brazil. 
• U.S. government employees are advised not to use public municipal buses in Brazil. 
• Public buses are one of the main modes of inter-city travel. They can vary widely. Depending on the route and price, some buses are luxurious and well-kept, while others are basic and poorly maintained. 
• Bus hijackings can occur randomly.
• When using metro or subway systems in Brazil’s major cities, stay aware of petty crime. 
• Visit the website of Brazil’s national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.  Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Brazil should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Brazil has tropical, subtropical, and equatorial climates. It has unique regional weather patterns.

Drought

• Droughts are a recurring issue, particularly in the semi-arid northeastern region known as the Sertão. 
• Prolonged dry periods can lead to water shortages. 
• Droughts also impact hydroelectric power generation. This is a major energy source for Brazil.
• Droughts are most common during the May to October dry season. In extreme cases, droughts can persist for years.

Flooding and storms

• Flooding is one of the most frequent natural disasters in Brazil, particularly during the rainy season. 
• The rainy season typically occurs from November to March, with peak rainfall in December and January.
• Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash floods and landslides. This is common in urban areas and mountainous regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. 
• Landslides and mudslides are common throughout Brazil and can be fatal. 
• Monitor news and weather reports and follow municipal advisories before traveling to areas prone to flooding or landslides. 
• While Brazil is not frequently hit by hurricanes, it occasionally experiences tropical storms and cyclones. This can occur in the southern regions. They can cause strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. 
• Tropical storms are most likely during the transition months of March to May and September to November.

Local Resources

• Brazil’s National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN) provides real-time alerts and forecasts. 
• The National Water Agency (ANA) monitors water resources and implements drought mitigation strategies. 
• The Brazilian Navy’s Meteorological Service (CPTEC/INPE) provides forecasts and warnings for maritime and coastal weather events.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living Abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits

Embassies and consulates