Security Message for U.S. Citizens in the greater Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area
August 12, 2015
This message is to alert U.S. citizens to the recent police actions that culminated in the death of local drug gang leader. Media reports that gang members have threatened reprisals against law enforcement officers. Due to a possible increase in violence, we advise U.S. residents and travelers to be extra cautious in the greater Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area in the aftermath of this event.
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Brazil are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The U.S. Consulate General in Rio is located at Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147 and can be reached at phone number 21-3823-2000, emergency after-hours phone number 21-3823-2029, American Citizen Services fax number 21-3823-2093, and e-mail acsrio@state.gov<mailto:acsrio@state.gov>. Travelers may also consult the website of the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro for more information.
U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Brazil which is located on the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.
