Rio 2016 Safety in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a popular tourist destination; however, petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching is common. Thieves operate in outdoor markets, in hotels and on and around public transport.
Vigilance is recommended in these areas and beaches should be avoided after dark. Tourists should particularly avoid favelas (shanty-towns), where crime rates are very high. It is also recommended to park in well-lit areas; approach your car with the keys ready; drive with the doors locked and the windows up.
It is advisable to carry a minimal amount of personal belongings and to leave valuables at home (passport, cards, jewellery). Please note that you are required to carry photo identification at all times, and so you should apply for the new Passport Card for an alternative and handy form of identification https://www.dfa.ie/passportcard/
If you are a victim of crime, you should cooperate and not resist. Be ready to hand over valuables if you’re threatened; don’t attempt to resist attackers, they may be armed or under the influence of drugs. If you’re a victim of a crime while in Brazil, make a report immediately to the local police. We advise you to obtain a “boletim de ocorrência” (police report) at a “delegacia” (police precinct). Check out our travel advice in Brazil for further information.
Brazilian police authorities have developed a dedicated Public Safety Guide for those intending to travel to Rio de Janeiro during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which provides useful information and contact details.
Other information
- You are obliged to carry an identity document while in Brazil. However, as mentioned above, we recommend leaving your passport in a safe place in your hotel or accommodation carrying instead a laminated copy of your passport or applying for the new Passport Card. You should also leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
- It is mandatory to present certificates of vaccinations against poliomyelitis for children between the ages of three months and six years. Those who have been in some yellow fever endemic countries up to three months before travelling to Brazil should present international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.
- Don’t resell tickets – it’s a criminal offence. You could be arrested or jailed.
- You can’t use an Irish driving licence – make sure to bring an international driving licence (Available from the AA) and that you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
- Due to heightened security, there are likely to be long queues to access public transport and venues, so arrive early and follow the instructions of Olympic and Paralympic officials.
- Take care to eat before drinking alcohol, make sure to drink plenty of water and don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil. Some (but not all) banks in Brazil accept international debit cards. Check with you bank as to whether you can use your debit and credit cards in Brazil and if there is a daily withdrawal limit for your debit card. Visa are the official sponsors of the Rio2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and so, Visa Cards are the only form of payment accepted in many official Olympic Venues.