Americans who are heading to Brazil are being warned to watch their drinks, stay alert at ATMs and avoid certain areas after U.S.officials recently flagged an array of safety risks. The State Department updated its "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for Brazil on Aug.
31, though officials noted the country's advisory level remained unchanged.The main reasons for the advisory update are "crime and kidnapping," officials said. TERROR THREAT LOOMS OVER COASTAL DESTINATION AS US WARNS ATTACKS COULD STRIKE WITHOUT NOTICEThe advisory also warns that, in Brazil, violent crime "occurs in urban areas, day and night.Crimes include murder, armed robbery and carjacking."The State Department also said criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing them.Americans traveling to Brazil are being urged to exercise increased caution due to concerns related to crime and kidnapping.
(Mauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Images)"Assaults are common, including with sedatives or drugs placed in drinks, especially in Rio de Janeiro," the advisory said.ROBBERIES, ASSAULTS AND RAPES SPUR NEW US TRAVEL WARNING FOR POPULAR CARIBBEAN GETAWAYU.S.officials also maintain a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning for certain areas, including international land borders, informal housing developments and certain areas surrounding the capital of Brasília.Travelers are being warned to use extra caution at night, particularly around beaches, bars and transportation centers in Brazil.
(Tercio Teixeira/AFP via Getty Images)Kidnapping for ransom involving U.S.citizens is rare but occasionally occurs, according to the State Department."Brazilians are most often targeted, but foreigners remain vulnerable," the advisory said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"Express kidnapping — in which criminals force victims at gunpoint to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs or transfer funds via banking apps (commonly Pix) — is an ongoing threat to both locals an...