This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in southern Brazil. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s  Brazil country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Brazil at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Do not travel to any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime. (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.) Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due to crime. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime & Safety Situation

Crime Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Porto Alegre as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Street crime incidents such as muggings, pickpocketing, and armed robbery are indicative of Brazil’s elevated levels of violence, and are the greatest risk to employees as well as visitors to southern Brazil. Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with higher than normal incidence of violent crimes, most notably murders and armed robberies.

The Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (CCPSCJ), a Mexico City-based advocacy group publishes a bi-annual report ranking cities by highest homicide rate. The report only considers cities outside of combat zones with populations greater than 300,000 that provide murder statistics. In 2017, the CCPSCJ bi-annual report cited Porto Alegre’s rate as 40.96 homicides per 100,000 residents, resulting in a ranking as the 39th most dangerous city; sixteen other Brazilian cities ranked in the top 50. The 2019 report cited that the homicide rate dropped to 30.54, resulting in Porto Alegre falling out of the top 50.

In December 2019, the website Numbeo released its independent Crime Index Rate report, which listed Porto Alegre as the twelfth most dangerous city in the world. Numbeo’s indices are web-based user surveys that ask participants questions related to crime and safety, rather than using published criminal statistics.

In response to the Federal Government’s National Plan for Public Security and Social Defense, Rio Grande do Sul started its own security improvement program, “RS Seguro,” to develop strategies to decrease crime rates, integrating law enforcement agencies, federal and state government, and public and private society.

The Public Security Secretariat has invested resources to combat high crime rates in Rio Grande do Sul and, according to recent statistics, has succeeded in some key issues in the past year. Homicide has decreased 25%, theft by 15%, and carjacking by 32%. Despite these successes, the state crime rates are still disproportionately high.

Civilians have contributed to the combat of crime through direct police support. A group of local businesspeople and investors created Instituto Cultural Floresta (ICF) to discuss security concerns and to have a voice in law enforcement through donations of equipment. Since March 2018, ICF donated equipment, including SUVs and guns, worth more than R$14 million (US$3.5 million) to state police.

Brazil’s criminal justice system suffers from low conviction rates. An acute shortage of jail space in Brazil and resulting prisoner furloughs contribute to the cycle of violence. Despite laws that regulate firearms, weapons such as handguns, rifles, military grade weapons, blades, and improvised weapons are frequently involved criminal activities. These crimes can include gratuitous violence.

Local police stations and jails are often overflowing with criminals. Some criminals have needed to wait for initial booking and arraignment while handcuffed to recycle bins or police cars due to lack of jail space.

Petty street crime is the greatest risk in Porto Alegre. Although the risk is greater at night, street crime also occurs during the day. Incidents of theft on city buses are frequent, making taxis and other car companies such as Uber and Cabify the safest method of travel. 

Bank robberies and assaults on ATMs and armored money trucks by criminal gangs remain a great concern statewide. These incidents increasingly involve the use of heavy weaponry and explosives. The criminals' superior firepower can overwhelm police, particularly in rural interior towns.

Gangs have attacked bank branches during day and night. In small cities, where the security is not as omnipresent as in Porto Alegre, thieves have used explosives to assault banks, and have used innocent bystanders as “human shields,” creating a barrier to allow them to escape safely.

The incidence of crime against tourists is greater in areas surrounding the airport, hotels, bars, nightclubs, the Porto Alegre centro historico, public transportation, and other establishments that cater to visitors. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public. Cell phones users are frequent victims of petty theft. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Brazil’s criminals often use motorcycles to evade police. A common street crime involves motorcycle-riding thieves driving alongside stopped cars and robbing the car’s driver or pedestrians on the sidewalk. In most cases, the thieves depart after taking the victim’s belongings, but sometimes victims receive injuries. Porto Alegre averages 88 armed muggings a day. Consulate employees have also been victims to these types of crimes. Comply with criminal demands for valuables, and do not resist; doing so increases the likelihood of serious bodily harm.

In the Porto Alegre metropolitan area, there are currently over 1,000 surveillance cameras monitoring and deterring crime, controlled and monitored by a state-funded central command center. In neighborhoods such as Bela Vista, Higienopolis, Auxiliadora, and Petrópolis (the site of Consulate direct-hire housing), static guards oversee main access points. Larger apartments and commercial sites often employ 24/7 on-site private unarmed security guard services. Although there have been no reports of residential break-ins and burglaries against U.S. employees, residential burglaries pose a constant concern. The Regional Security Office manages a robust residential security program to ensure that U.S. direct-hire residences have enhanced security countermeasures. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Avoid all favelas or vilas (slum neighborhoods), especially those that do not have around-the-clock police presence.

Carjacking and vehicle theft is a common crime in the area, with an average of 80 incidents each day. Perpetrators usually carry firearms and may quickly escalate to violence. Numerous carjackings have occurred in the immediate vicinity where official U.S. employees reside.

Arrastões (mass robberies) occur when a gang of criminals sweep through public places and rob pedestrians, beachgoers, patrons, customers, and vehicle drivers/occupants stuck in traffic. An arrastão can occur randomly day or night regardless of location. Police struggle to react and capture the criminals. Comply with demands for valuables and not resist. While rare in Rio Grande do Sul, this type of crime has occurred in bars and restaurants, and on public transportation.

Use extreme caution when using a credit/debit card; use cash whenever possible. Cyber criminals can install corrupt point of sale (PoS) card readers at stores (commonly called chupa-cabra), restaurants, or ATMs. These devices steal card information wirelessly or with the help of an employee accomplice. Establish strict rules for using credit/debit card and monitor transactions daily. In addition to using only trusted ATM machines at major banks, hotels, or shopping malls, exchange dollars only at banks or other reputable money exchanging services. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

A growing area of concern is the rise of cybercrime. Brazilians are frequent victims of stolen identity involving credit/debit cards. Recent investigations have revealed that hackers compromised banks' security measures, resulting in the theft of thousands of account numbers. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Call156 for the Traffic Police (EPTC). Most roads in large cities are paved; however many roads outside urban areas are in very poor condition with large potholes. Some roads may become impassable during the rainy season. Porto Alegre has poor water drainage systems. Potholes appear suddenly and remain unrepaired for weeks.

Defensive driving is a requirement, as traffic can be aggressive and unpredictable. The level of public and private driver training and safety awareness does not reach minimum U.S. standards.

Crime on the roads remains a problem, especially during evening travel, in traffic jams, and travel into rural areas. Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings, and keep doors locked, windows closed, and valuables out of sight when stopped in traffic.

Street lighting is unpredictable, vehicle accidents are common, and accidents involving motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are frequent. A severe lack of parking results in informal parking that blocks roads and sidewalks. Peddlers and beggars create a further hazard.

Brazil has zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and has enacted a law to combat drunk driving known as “Lei Seca” (Dry Law). A State Government program aims to catch drunk drivers via frequent, unannounced checkpoints in strategic places; most Brazilian cities use this approach. Additionally, Brazil uses automatic photo-ticketing systems and speed traps to discourage speeding, mailing tickets to the owner of the vehicle.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Avoid using public transportation because of a high threat of crime. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed POST as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The threat of terrorism has a minimal impact on the work and life of the community.

Brazil is a non-aligned country with no significant enemies and is not the target of any known radical groups.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Porto Alegre as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Extremist groups occasionally conduct acts of civil disobedience and may conduct violent confrontations with police. There have been political protests in the past year throughout the country. While most protests in Porto Alegre are peaceful, they can become confrontational. Avoid large crowds or ongoing protests. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Political elections in November 2019 increased discussions among civilians, becoming a polarized debate between right and left wing. State budgetary issues are still a concern, and state employees have not received their full salaries in a timely manner for the past three years. Decisions like reform of labor and retirement laws have resulted in low state government approval ratings. Since the election of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, protests and resulting turmoil occur frequently, with protestors and counter-protestors demonstrating on issues including human rights, the right to bear arms, labor laws, and social security system reform.

Anti-U.S. Sentiment

Most Brazilians regard U.S. nationals in a positive manner, and are friendly to foreigners.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Flooding and mudslides are a seasonal problem in Porto Alegre. Monitor weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Many streets and neighborhoods lack drainage systems, exacerbating flooding, especially during the spring and summer heavy rain season. Roads closures and excessive flooding issues are frequent during these seasons, in both urban and rural areas.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

The Brazilian army is responsible for defending critical cyber infrastructure. Brazil’s Computer Emergency Response Team monitors and addresses general cyber security incidents. Given Brazil’s highly networked economy and the fact that authorities still are developing cyber doctrine and capabilities, analysts note continued critical infrastructure risks.

Power failures in large urban centers are common and sometimes followed by increased crime. Most tourist hotels have generators, minimizing the impact of a blackout, but you should remain cautious.

Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft

The risk of economic espionage is not particularly high in Brazil, but other intellectual property rights (IPR) issues continue to challenge U.S. companies. Concerns also persist with respect to Brazil’s inadequate protection against unfair commercial use of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical products.

Brazil remained on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Special 301 Watch List in 2019 due to high levels of counterfeiting and piracy, including online piracy. Illicit goods enter Brazil over its extensive land and sea borders, with the tri-border area with Paraguay and Argentina a particular concern. Many firms have raised concerns about intellectual property rights enforcement, including counterfeit goods. Brazil’s software industry consistently sees licensing compliance under 50%.

Avoid street vendors selling knock-off designer products; by buying them you may face a large fine.

Cargo theft remains a major security issue on the roads throughout Brazil. As a result, many companies employ countermeasures, including armed security escorts for high value loads and the use of satellites to track truck movements. Review OSAC’s Report, In-Transit Cargo Theft in Brazil.

Personal Identity Concerns

The law prohibits racial discrimination, specifically the denial of public or private facilities, employment, or housing, to anyone based on race. It also prohibits the incitement of racial discrimination or prejudice and the dissemination of racially offensive symbols and epithets and stipulates prison terms for such acts. The 2010 census reported that, for the first time, more than 50% of the population identified themselves as belonging to categories other than white. Despite laws and a high representation within the general population, darker-skinned citizens, particularly Afro-Brazilians, frequently encounter discrimination and are underrepresented in national government positions.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Brazil does not have legal restrictions on same-sex marriage, relations, or events coordinated by LGBTI+ organizations. According to the 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, violence against LGBTI individuals remains a serious concern nationwide. There were 141 killings of LGBTI individuals in the first 135 days of 2019. Transgender individuals were particularly at risk; there were 163 killings of transgender persons nationwide in 2018, and police arrested suspects in only 9% of the cases. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Brazilian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care. However, accessibility to public transportation and the ability to accommodate the needs of physically disabled persons are limited in most areas. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

Brazil is the number two consumer of cocaine in the world, behind the United States. Brazil is a heavy importer of cocaine and is part of international drug routes to Europe and Africa. Locally produced cocaine and marijuana also flow in illegal distribution routes within South America (Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay are the most common routes). According to local police contacts, marijuana is the main drug of choice in Porto Alegre. Cocaine, ecstasy, and crack are also common, with crack being very popular amongst poor people due to its easy access and low cost. In Porto Alegre, the gang called Bala na Cara (Bullet in the face) controls cocaine distributiong; it has connections to one of Brazil’s powerful prison gangs, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (First Capital Command or PCC).  

Kidnapping Threat

While kidnappings for ransom have become less common in recent years, incidents continue to occur. One tactic of organized gangs is to target individuals observed withdrawing money from ATMs or exiting banks. Using ATMs located in secure locations such as shopping malls or major hotels reduce the chances of criminal targeting. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Brazilian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporarily importing or exporting items such as firearms, antiquities, mineral samples, tropical plants, wildlife, medications, and business and communication equipment. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The emergency line is 197 for Civil Police, 194 for Federal Police, and 190 for Military Police. Call +55 (51) 3371-2703 for the Tourist Police. Police response varies in Porto Alegre. Police officials frequently cite lack of resources, unpaid wages, staffing shortages, lack of basic equipment, and low morale as reasons for widely varying response times and unsolved crimes. When police do respond, victims must go to the police station to file a report and complete other investigative formalities. In general, public confidence in police is low due to perception of heavy handedness, ineffectiveness, and corruption. However, confidence has increased somewhat in the past few years. 

Police/Security Agencies

The Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro have their own formations, rules, and uniforms, and are responsible for maintaining public order across the state. Polícia Militar is the country’s military police and is not associated with the Brazilian Armed Forces; they are the Brazilian equivalent of U.S. uniformed state police officers. Deployed solely to respond to or act as a deterrent against the commission of crime, these units do not conduct criminal investigations.

The Civil Police (Polícia Civil) acts as the state bureau of investigation. Each state has its own Civil Police Department to undertake detective work, forensics, prosecutions, and internal investigation, while the Military Police performs preventive police duties.

The Federal Police (Polícia Federal or DPF) are responsible for crimes against federal institutions, to include international drug trafficking, terrorism, cyber-crime, organized crime, public corruption, white-collar crime, money laundering, immigration, border control, airport security, and maritime policing. DPF is subordinate to the federal Justice Ministry.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line is 192. For fire emergencies or sea rescue, call 193. Medical care at private clinics in Porto Alegre is adequate. You need to pay cash in advance for medical care at private facilities. Public hospitals provide a lower standard of care and are often overcrowded and understaffed, but they generally do not require pre-payment and are experienced at dealing with medical emergencies, including trauma injuries. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Bring prescription medicine sufficient for the length of your stay, be aware that Brazil's humid climate may affect some medicines. Some prescription medicines (mainly generic) are available.

Brazil is experiencing an ongoing threat of mosquito borne illnesses, and has indicated that it will continue to work toward mitigating the threat in 2020. For information on mosquito mitigation, review OSAC’s report, What’s Bugging Your Staff: Mosquito-borne Diseases - Mitigation Tactics.

Mosquito-borne viral infection is a significant health risk throughout Brazil. Such infections include chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, and Zika. While chikungunya and dengue fever have become endemic countrywide, yellow fever and malaria are more prevalent in the non-urban areas. There are no prophylactic therapies for dengue and chikungunya. The most prudent strategy is to prevent mosquito bites through repellants, treated bed nets, window screens and air-conditioning.

All U.S. government personnel obtain yellow fever vaccination prior to travel to Brazil. Travelers should carry a documented yellow fever card.

The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert for countries affected by the Zika virus. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that causes flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, headache, joint pain, rash) for two to seven days. Because of concerns about an association of Zika virus infection during pregnancy with microcephaly, a congenital brain deformity, pregnant women and those who may become pregnant may want to avoid unnecessary travel to the region or special precautions.  

Incidences of water-borne diseases increase during periods of flooding. Only consume bottled or purified water, and take special precautions when eating fruits and vegetables, especially during the rainy seasons.

Leptospirosis, while not common, is a bacterial infection spread via rodent droppings and waste. Given the limitations of the sanitation system in non-urban areas of Brazil, exercise caution including vigilant hand washing after outdoor contact, and vaccinate pets that may contract the disease from food bowls and other exposed surfaces rodents may traverse. Early manifestations of the disease present a flu-like symptoms.

Pay special attention to HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition to elevated infection rates among high-risk populations such as commercial sex workers and mobile populations such as miners or loggers, World Health Organization data shows that Brazil has among the highest prevalence HIV rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. WHO recommends preventive sexual practices to include of use of condoms.

Several U.S. citizens have died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners. Ensure you have access to proper medical care if seeking such services.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

Porto Alegre has recently started an OSAC Country Council Program. Other OSAC Country Councils in Brazil are located in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Recife. Contact OSAC’s Latin America Team for more information or to join.

U.S. Consulate Contact Information

Av. Assis Brasil 1889, Passo d’Areia, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91010-0004.

Hours: Monday through Friday 0800-1700, except for Brazilian and U.S. holidays.

Regional Security Office (RSO): +55 (51) 3345-6197

American Citizen Services (ACS): +55 (51) 3345-6105

After hours emergencies: +55 (51) 98293-0446

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in Brazil

• Embassy Brasilia
• Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
• Consulate General Recife
• Consulate General São Paulo
• Presence Post Belo Horizonte

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)