Security Alert: 2026 Carnival Season Reminders.
Event: The annual Carnival celebration will take place between Saturday, February 14 and Wednesday, February 18. While the most famous events occur in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Recife, you can expect to see large gatherings and parades, also known as “blocos,” throughout Brazil. Ahead of the festivities, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and exercise increased situational awareness.
Actions to Take During Carnival:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Plan extra time to arrive at your destination.
- Make contingency plans in case you are separated from friends or family during the celebrations.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Opportunistic crime, including cell phone theft, is a common issue during Carnival.
- Keep windows closed when inside a vehicle. Park inwell-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables inside.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration during the hot summer days.
- Avoid favelas (comunidades) at all times, even during street parties/blocos.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave drinks unattended.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt as criminals are often armed.
- Stay informed. Monitor the media for the latest security developments.
- Report any criminal activity first to local police (190) and then contact us at the numbers listed below if you need assistance.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Brasilia
SES – Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70403-900 – Brasilia, DF Brazil
Telephone: 55-61-3312-7400
Email: BrasiliaACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre
Avenida Assis Brasil, 1889
Passo d’ Areia
91010-004 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Telephone: 55-51-3345-6000
Email: PortoAlegreACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Recife
Rua Goncalves Maia, 163, Boa Vista
50070-125 – Recife, PE Brazil
Telephone: 55-81-3416-3050
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147, Castelo
20030-020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
Telephone: 55-21-3823-2000
Emergency after-hours telephone: 55-21-3823-2029
Email: ACSRio@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo
Rua Henri Dunant, 500 Chacara Santo Antonio
04709-110 – Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
Telephone: (11-) 3250-5000
Email: SaoPauloACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs:
+1 888-407-4747 or + 1 202-501-4444
Brazil Country Information Page
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