Is Brazil safe for Black travellers?
Afro-descendant majority and deep heritage; high crime and police violence
Why this rating
Afro-Brazilians are about 55% of the population and Salvador draws growing Black heritage tourism, and Brazil has strict anti-racism laws. However, crime is high (US Level 2) and UN experts found people of African descent are three times more likely than white people to be killed by police, so profiling risk is real for Black visitors mistaken for locals.
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- BRL
- Language
- Portuguese
- Best time to visit
- Dec-Mar (Carnival)
- Visa
- UK, EU: no visa needed.
- Health
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended.
- Emergency
- Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
- Plugs
- Type C, N · 127 / 220 V, 60 Hz
- Driving
- On the right
Know before you go
- UN expert mechanism (EMLER) found Black Brazilians three times more likely to be killed by police
- FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of western Amazonas
- Violent street crime is common in large cities
Border & airport: SSA (Salvador) airport generally smooth.
SafeRoute tip: Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Keep valuables hidden, use registered taxis or apps, and carry passport ID.
Travelling to Brazil?
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Create a free accountBlack-owned in Brazil
- Zanzibar · Salvador
Long-running African and Bahian restaurant and cultural space in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo — try the calulu (Angolan okra stew).
Black-owned · Chef Ana Célia Santos · Source · Website - Alaíde do Feijão · Salvador
Historic Pelourinho restaurant famous for feijoada, and a long-time meeting point for Salvador's Black movement. Now run by the founder's daughters.
Black-owned · Family of Alaíde Conceição · Source · Website - Afrotrip Brazil · Salvador
Black- and woman-owned travel company planning Afro-Brazilian heritage trips and private tours, with a focus on Salvador.
Black-owned · Carina Santos · Source · Website - Ilê Aiyê · Salvador
Brazil's first bloco afro, based in Curuzu/Liberdade — famous Carnival parades, the Noite da Beleza Negra and arts education projects.
Community-run · Community group (founded 1974 by Vovô do Ilê and others) · Source · Website - Olodum · Salvador
Pelourinho bloco afro credited with creating samba-reggae — catch live drumming shows and the Carnival parades.
Community-run · Community group (founded 1979 in Pelourinho) · Source · Website - Ackee Pousada · Olímpia (São Paulo state)
19-room Black-owned pousada opened in 2008, with pools, a whirlpool, hammocks and an orchard.
Black-owned · Carol Damiá · Source · Website - BIYOU'Z · São Paulo (Campos Elíseos)
African restaurant in Campos Elíseos, founded by Cameroonian immigrant Melanito Biyouah and serving dishes from several African countries since 2007.
Black-owned · Melanito Biyouha · Source · Website - Angurmê (at Kaza 123) · Rio de Janeiro
Afro-Brazilian kitchen built around angu, a corn-based porridge, run from Kaza 123 in Vila Isabel, with feijoada on Sundays and Wednesday-to-Sunday opening.
Black-owned · Júlia Ferreira · Source · Website
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City guides
Brazil: common questions
Is Brazil safe for Black travellers right now?
SafeRoute rates Brazil 68/100 (watch: mixed picture), last reviewed Sep 2026. Afro-Brazilians are about 55% of the population and Salvador draws growing Black heritage tourism, and Brazil has strict anti-racism laws. However, crime is high (US Level 2) and UN experts found people of African descent are three times more likely than white people to be killed by police, so profiling risk is real for Black visitors mistaken for locals.
What is the official travel advice for Brazil?
US Level 2 (Aug 2026); FCDO: advise against all but essential travel to parts of Amazonas only. Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
UK, EU: no visa needed. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.
What should Black travellers know before going to Brazil?
Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Keep valuables hidden, use registered taxis or apps, and carry passport ID. SSA (Salvador) airport generally smooth. Key warnings: UN expert mechanism (EMLER) found Black Brazilians three times more likely to be killed by police; FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of western Amazonas; Violent street crime is common in large cities.
Can I share my own experience of Brazil?
Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on Brazil, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.
Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.