Emergency Help Abroad – Brazil

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Brazil — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons (including knives) without authorisation is illegal.

• Public drunkenness may attract police attention, especially in major cities.

• Drink-driving laws are strict and heavily enforced.

• Bringing illegal substances into the country results in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Brazil has diverse cultural norms — respectful behaviour is expected in religious and community areas.

• Modest dress is recommended in churches and traditional neighbourhoods.

• Littering or damaging beaches, forests or natural reserves can lead to heavy fines.

• Disrespecting cultural ceremonies or religious icons may cause offence.

• Graffiti and vandalism are criminal offences.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a photocopy.

• Pickpocketing, bag-snatching and robbery can occur in tourist zones.

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in city centres.

• Some areas, including favelas, are unsafe for visitors without official guides.

• Bribery is illegal and can worsen your situation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Road conditions vary — always follow speed limits and wear seatbelts.

• Using unlicensed taxis is unsafe — choose registered or app-based services.

• Overstaying your visa can lead to fines.

• Certain areas may restrict driving or access during events or police operations.

• Using mobile phones while driving without hands-free is illegal.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing favelas or sensitive areas without a guide may be dangerous.

• Drone use is regulated and restricted near airports and military zones.

• Never photograph police, military operations or secure facilities.

• Ask permission before photographing individuals or cultural ceremonies.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing sand, shells or rocks from beaches or protected areas is illegal.

• Feeding wildlife, especially monkeys and birds, is prohibited.

• Swimming in rivers with strong currents or unknown conditions can be dangerous.

• Entering closed waterfalls, cliffs or rainforest trails is not allowed.

• Starting fires in natural reserves or forests is strictly forbidden.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites or heritage monuments is illegal.

• Removing artefacts or natural materials from protected areas is prohibited.

• Entering indigenous territories without permission is forbidden.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in Brazil.

• Don’t display expensive jewellery, phones or watches, especially in crowded public places.

• Don’t walk in quiet streets at night, particularly in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

• Don’t ignore red flags at beaches, where strong currents and rip tides are common.

• Don’t enter favelas without a trusted guide, as safety varies by area.

• Don’t leave bags unattended on beaches, especially in Rio and Salvador.

• Don’t use unofficial taxis, and rely on recognised apps or hotel-arranged transport.

• Don’t drink tap water, and choose bottled or filtered alternatives.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash, especially in big cities.

• Don’t take photos of police or military sites, which may cause issues.

• Don’t explore remote rainforest trails without expert guidance, due to wildlife and navigation hazards.

• Don’t underestimate mosquito risk, particularly for dengue and Zika.

• Don’t buy wildlife products, such as feathers or illegal souvenirs.

• Don’t assume all beaches are safe for swimming, especially where sharks or strong currents exist.

• Don’t join protests or large demonstrations, which can turn unpredictable.

• Don’t ignore heat and humidity, especially in Amazon and northeast regions.

• Don’t trust extremely cheap tours, which may lack proper safety standards.

• Don’t wander into poorly lit parks at night, where theft is more common.

• Don’t attempt to cross busy multi-lane roads, and use pedestrian bridges where possible.

• Don’t underestimate distances between cities, which can be vast.

• Don’t overstay visa limits, as enforcement is strict.