The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Brazil, warning American visitors of risks including murder, armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping, as well as drink-spiking incidents linked to dating apps and bars. The advisory, revised on 31 August, keeps Brazil at Level 2 ("exercise increased caution") overall, but highlights crime and kidnapping as the main drivers behind the update, reflecting growing concern about violent and opportunistic crime targeting both locals and foreigners.

The warning notes that assaults involving sedatives slipped into drinks are common, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, while so-called "express kidnappings" see victims forced at gunpoint to withdraw cash from ATMs or transfer funds via payment apps such as Pix. Certain areas, including international land borders, informal settlements and parts around the capital Brasília, remain under a stricter Level 4 "do not travel" warning. Officials are advising tourists to stay alert at night, avoid displaying wealth, watch their drinks closely and take care on public transport, especially buses, where robbery risk is higher. The update comes alongside similar recent US advisories for Israel and Ecuador.