Travel alert: Kidnapping at popular tropical destination leads to federal warning

Threats of violence – particularly involving kidnapping – has prompted the U.S. State Department to update its travel advisory for a popular tropical destination.

On Aug. 8, the travel update for Brazil was updated to indicate the increased risk of kidnapping. Brazil is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory. According to the advisory, there was a kidnapping for ransom of a U.S. traveler in Brazil, though no details of location were provided.

The remainder of the advisory dealt with other violence across the country.

“Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night,” the State Department said. “Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro.

“Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night,” it added.

Do not travel to some areas

Certain areas of the country are under a do not travel alert due to crime. Those areas include:

• Anywhere within 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. This includes Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa.

Staying safe in Brazil

If you decide to travel to Brazil, the State Department recommends:

• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt and always stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks. Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid walking on beaches or going on hikes after dark.
• Don’t display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Be especially vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Be alert to date drug scams.