U.S. and Canada Issue Travel Warnings for Brazil Ahead of Carnival Season

Travelers are being warned to “remain vigilant” when visiting Brazil for the 2025 Carnival season.

The Government of Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for Brazil suggesting travelers avoid all non-essential travel to specific regions within the country, due a recent increase in violent crime:

“Since early January 2025, there have been clashes between military police and an organized criminal faction in parts of Porto Velho. Multiple deaths, significant property damage, and disruption of public transportation have occurred. Dozens of vehicles, including buses, have been set on fire.”

Canadians are being advised to avoid non-essential travel to the following regions:

• within 20 km of the border with Argentina, excluding Iguaçu National Park
• within 20 km of the border with Bolivia, excluding Pantanal National Park
• within 20 km of the border with Colombia
• within 20 km of the border with French Guiana
• within 20 km of the border with Guyana
• within 20 km of the border with Paraguay
• within 20 km of the border with Peru
• within 20 km of the border with Suriname
• within 50 km of the border with Venezuela

For the rest of Brazil, travelers are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution.”

In the U.S., Brazil remains a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil issued a security alert ahead of Carnival 2025 for a “drugging-dating scam.”

“Be alert to date drug scams.  Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims.  Do not accept drinks from strangers,” the post advised.

For a total list of current travel advisories, visit the Government of Canada travel advisories page or the U.S. Travel.State.Gov website.