Political tensions growing in Brazil

In Brazil, thousands of protesters took to the streets on Sunday in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belém, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Salvador and about 200 other towns across the country to protest government corruption and calling for the resignation of the president.

Advice

Today’s protests were peaceful. However, travellers to Brazil should be aware of the anti-government political tensions and potential for large protests that could turn violent. In 2013, nationwide protests against spending for the Confederation Cup occurred in many areas, with some turning violent. Tensions are growing again leading up to the 2016 Olympics.

To minimize safety risk, avoid all large public gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful situations can escalate quickly and unexpectedly.