Ottawa has raised Brazil’s risk rating in its latest global travel-advisory update, grouping the South American giant with Germany, Mexico and Antarctica as destinations where visitors should “exercise a high degree of caution.”
The notice, issued 26 January, cites rising violent crime in major cities, sporadic political demonstrations and lingering institutional tension in the wake of the January 2023 Brasília riots. Canadian officials emphasise that most trips remain trouble-free but urge travellers to avoid displaying valuables, use registered transport and steer clear of large gatherings that can escalate quickly.
The advisory carries no legal weight but often influences corporate duty-of-care thresholds. Several Canadian mining and engineering firms with projects in Brazil told Global Mobility News they will now require additional security briefings and may limit evening travel for assignees in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
![Canada Heightens Travel Advisory for Brazil Amid Crime and Protest Concerns]()
Brazilian tourism authorities downplayed the impact, pointing to record foreign-currency inflows of USD 7.3 billion in 2025 and insisting that major events like Carnival run under robust security plans. Nevertheless, travel-risk insurers expect premium surcharges for certain urban ZIP codes.
Companies moving staff between Canada and Brazil should review crisis-management plans, ensure travellers enrol in embassy registries and clarify evacuation triggers in mobility policies.
The notice, issued 26 January, cites rising violent crime in major cities, sporadic political demonstrations and lingering institutional tension in the wake of the January 2023 Brasília riots. Canadian officials emphasise that most trips remain trouble-free but urge travellers to avoid displaying valuables, use registered transport and steer clear of large gatherings that can escalate quickly.
The advisory carries no legal weight but often influences corporate duty-of-care thresholds. Several Canadian mining and engineering firms with projects in Brazil told Global Mobility News they will now require additional security briefings and may limit evening travel for assignees in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
Brazilian tourism authorities downplayed the impact, pointing to record foreign-currency inflows of USD 7.3 billion in 2025 and insisting that major events like Carnival run under robust security plans. Nevertheless, travel-risk insurers expect premium surcharges for certain urban ZIP codes.
Companies moving staff between Canada and Brazil should review crisis-management plans, ensure travellers enrol in embassy registries and clarify evacuation triggers in mobility policies.
Source: The Traveler
