Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Brazil, you are subject to its laws.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Brazilian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Brazil are especially severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. The Brazilian judicial process can be slow and cumbersome.

There are also some things that might be legal in Brazil, but illegal in the United States.  For instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods in Brazil.  In addition, engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  In November 2008, Brazil passed a series of laws designed to strengthen protection of children against sexual exploitation. Brazilian police in tourist areas such as Rio de Janeiro are on the lookout for foreigners inappropriately touching or photographing minors.  If you break local laws in Brazil, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

According to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Brazil, you have the option to request that the authorities alert the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  We recommend that you carry the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate with you when traveling.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Water Hazards: Brazil’s beaches can pose a threat to the safety of travelers.  Many beaches have very strong and dangerous riptides, including those in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza.  Always observe posted flags and signs warning of strong swells and currents, and never swim while under the influence of alcohol.  Even if the water looks safe, there may be strong riptides.  Ocean currents and waves are unpredictable, even in popular beaches frequented by tourists.

Travelers are advised to adhere to local authorities’ guidance and refrain from swimming alone in areas marked with red warning signs or at beaches where there are no municipal lifeguards or first responder services.  There is a possibility of shark attacks in the waters of many of the beaches in northeastern Brazil, including those in Recife, Natal, and Maceio.  Heed signs posted on any beach you visit.

Brazil is an endemic area for schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasite, and travelers should avoid wading, swimming, or other contact with fresh water in streams, lakes, and ponds.

Electricity Blackouts: Power failures in large urban centers frequently occur in areas with high concentrations of hotels and residences in cities throughout the country.  During these blackouts, local authorities quickly increase police presence to maintain public security.  In addition, most tourist hotels are equipped with generators, minimizing the impact of a blackout on visitors.  Nonetheless, you should use caution in the event of a blackout during your visit to Brazil.  Residents should keep flashlights and sufficient supplies of food and potable water in their residences to prepare for extended blackouts.

Natural Disasters: Flooding and mudslides occur throughout the country, and can be fatal.  Monitor news and weather reports and adhere to municipal advisories before traveling to areas prone to flooding or landslides.  Many of Brazil’s larger cities have frequent heavy rainstorms that have caused flash flooding and crippled traffic for hours.

Customs Restrictions: Brazilian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into, or export from, Brazil of items such as firearms, antiquities, mineral samples, tropical plants, medications, and business equipment.  In the Amazon region, there is special scrutiny of the export of biological material which could have genetic value.  People propagating or exporting biological material without proper permits run the risk of being accused of “biopiracy,” a serious offense in Brazil.  Contact the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of Brazil's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Please also refer to our information on customs regulations.

Death of a U.S. Citizen: In the unfortunate event of a death, relatives or friends of any deceased U.S. citizen should contact the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia or one of the U.S. Consulates General in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Recife before contracting with a local mortuary.  We can issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad and help repatriate the deceased to the United States.

If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Brazil enjoy many of the same legal protections as non-LGBT people.  Although Brazilian federal law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, several states and municipalities have administrative regulations that prohibit such discrimination and provide for equal access to government services. Same-sex civil unions (also called “stable unions”) are legal in Brazil, but in practice, petitions for same-sex civil unions have been denied by some notaries on an individual basis. Brazil grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Brazilian citizens if they are found to be in a “stable union” under Brazilian law. There are no legal or governmental impediments to the organization of LBGT events. 

For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.  For more detailed information about LGBT rights around the world, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013. 

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Brazil, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States.  Brazilian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care. The federal government effectively enforces these provisions and requires priority be given to these individuals. Although federal and state laws have provisions ensuring access to buildings for persons with disabilities, states do not have programs to enforce them effectively. Accessibility to public transportation and the ability to accommodate the needs of physically disabled persons are limited in many areas.