Brazil Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Brazil
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 29, 2025
Brazil recorded 19.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Brazil #22 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 33% over the past decade (from 28.6 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Brazil at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
19.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#174 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 33% over the past decade (from 28.6 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Brazil Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Brazil, the homicide rate for men is 8.8× higher than the rate for women — 34.7 vs 3.9 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Brazil:
Updated to add risk indicator for kidnapping . Exercise increased caution in Brazil due tocrimeandkidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to these areas due tocrime: Anywhere within 160 km/100 miles of Brazil's land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. This restriction does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park. Informal housing developments, such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, at any time. Brasilia's "Satellite Cities" at night.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Brazil
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 20, 2025).
Demonstrations and strikes
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Check the website of the nearest Embassy or Consulate for current information on demonstrations. Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Brazil. Review the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world and cellular service is intermittent in more remote parts of the country. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country, however, large areas of Brazil have limited to no cellular service coverage. Before using a GPS app, research the route to make sure it is safe as GPS apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate nearest you for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 190 and contact the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate nearest you for assistance. In most instances, you can report crimes to the tourist or civil police. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Brazil is divided among four services: 190 - Policia (Police) 191 - Policia Rodoviaria (Police on interstate roads) 192 - Ambulancia (Ambulance) 193 - Bombeiros (Fire Department) Inform the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate: the U.S. Embassy at 011-55-61-3312-7000 the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre at 011-55-51-3345-6000 the U.S. Consulate General in Recife at 011-55-81-3416-3050 or 011-55-81-3416-3080 the U.S.
Domestic Violence
Brazil enacted legislation in 2006 that criminalizes domestic violence against women to include the issuance of restraining orders, special courts to handle domestic violence cases, the creation of women’s shelters in larger urban areas, and a national helpline (dial 180). U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Ask property management about the presence and functionality of safety equipment, such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Dangerous areas/activities are marked with signs in major urban centers but may not be marked properly in other places. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot quickly reach areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Brazil Population & Demographics
Population of 211,998,573, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brazil safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include kidnapping. The homicide rate of 19.3 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Brazil?
Brazil has an intentional homicide rate of 19.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #22 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Brazil?
Brazil is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Brazil compare to other countries?
Brazil's homicide rate of 19.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.