Maps of U.S. Citizen Caution Areas

The caution area maps shown below were created to help U.S. Citizens travelers avoid potentially dangerous areas. The maps show areas most frequented by U.S. Citizens – they are not exhaustive representations of every informal housing development.

The areas in red below indicate areas with greater numbers of known informal housing developments though they may be scattered and not clearly defined. The areas in yellow are neighborhoods that may contain informal housing developments – caution is recommended in both red and yellow areas.

Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as “Favelas”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados), even on a guided tour. Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities. Even in these communities that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice. While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries or gates, or even names such as “favela”, “vila”, “comunidade”, or “conglomerado”, other such developments may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction. In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding these communities, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities. Except under limited circumstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to enter any informal housing developments in Brazil.