Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on 18 November raised its advisory level for Brazil, the UK, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and others, citing growing political protests, crime spikes in metropolitan areas and evolving Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements. The new notice does not forbid travel but urges German nationals to exercise “increased caution”, monitor local media and register on the ELEFAND crisis-tracking portal.
For Brazil, Berlin flags Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Norte and parts of São Paulo’s eastern suburbs as hotspots for armed robbery and youth-gang activity, noting a 12 percent uptick in violent incidents reported by consulates since September. The advisory also reminds travellers that from 10 April 2025 German passport holders transiting the United States en route to Brazil will need to comply with the U.S. biometric exit-entry system.
![Germany Issues Pre-Winter Travel Advisory, Adds Brazil to Heightened-Risk List]()
Corporate security teams should update risk assessments for assignees scheduled to arrive during Carnival 2026. Under most corporate travel-insurance policies, the shift from Level 1 (normal safety precautions) to Level 2 (heightened caution) may trigger mandatory pre-trip briefings and locator-app enrolment.
Immigration counsel stress that the advisory does not change visa-waiver rules: Germans can still enter Brazil for 90 days visa-free, renewable once. However, employees on the ground should carry digital and hard-copy ID at all times and avoid demonstrations, which have become more frequent around federal buildings.
For Brazil, Berlin flags Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Norte and parts of São Paulo’s eastern suburbs as hotspots for armed robbery and youth-gang activity, noting a 12 percent uptick in violent incidents reported by consulates since September. The advisory also reminds travellers that from 10 April 2025 German passport holders transiting the United States en route to Brazil will need to comply with the U.S. biometric exit-entry system.
Corporate security teams should update risk assessments for assignees scheduled to arrive during Carnival 2026. Under most corporate travel-insurance policies, the shift from Level 1 (normal safety precautions) to Level 2 (heightened caution) may trigger mandatory pre-trip briefings and locator-app enrolment.
Immigration counsel stress that the advisory does not change visa-waiver rules: Germans can still enter Brazil for 90 days visa-free, renewable once. However, employees on the ground should carry digital and hard-copy ID at all times and avoid demonstrations, which have become more frequent around federal buildings.
