CARNIVAL 2026 – GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE CELEBRATION

This situation leads to a sudden surge in various petty crimes, particularly property-related offenses, like street robberies, thefts, and mass robberies. Crimes become more prevalent in tourist locations, especially on the beaches, during this time.

Rio’s streets are taken by large dancing crowds, cell phones become one of the most vulnerable items people carry. In 2025, during the six official days of festivities, 375 devices were stolen or robbed per day in the downtown area alone. The result is 2.5 times higher than the average recorded in the city during the rest of the year. In 2026, more than six million people are expected to visit Rio; thus, the number of cell phone thefts and robberies tends to increase, just like the fear of returning home without a phone.

Scams also pose a significant risk, taking advantage of tourists’ unfamiliarity with the local customs and culture. To steer clear of such schemes, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the typical practices of the locals, ensuring you are not susceptible to deception.

Beyond the beaches, pools, and the Carnival “blocos”, the risks increase in many other locations, including nightclubs, airports, subway stations, bus terminals, and even within vehicles. Even well-regulated establishments like hotels are not immune to criminal actions.

Brazil has a severe scenario of gender-based violence, marked by rising feminicide rates. During Carnival, especially in street parties, many crimes involving women as targets are reported. Alcohol and drug consumption make the situation even worse, since women can get more vulnerable and perpetrators more aggressive.

Heat, exhaustion, excessive alcohol consumption, and long hours of partying can impact the body, making people more vulnerable to criminals. Simple measures, like proper hydration, can prevent incidents.

Therefore, exercising extreme caution in the upcoming weeks is strongly recommended.

Here are some guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience during the Carnival festivities:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure of valuables/expensive items
• Maintain heightened situational awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings. Given the increased crowds and potential for opportunistic actions, staying alert can help minimize risks
• Try to travel in a group, preferably with local friends. At night, avoid walking on the streets alone
• Never travel by bus. Avoid the metro at night, as well as stations in the North Zone. Prefer taxis from cooperatives or call one through the App Taxi.Rio
• Divide your money into two separate pockets, and some in a hidden pocket if possible
• If possible, store documents, cards, cell phones, and money in a money belt (a small bag used under your clothes)
• Always carry a copy of your passport with you, but leave the original in a safe place
• Attention to one of the most common scams at Carnival: the credit card scam
• In case of a verbal offense, very common during festivities with a lot of drug and alcohol consumption, do not pay attention and move away calmly. If the aggressor insists on following you, look for your group and the local authorities
• When approached by a criminal, keep calm and do not make sudden moves. Give him your valuables and let him go
• Never forget to notify the authorities of the crime, especially if you lose an official document containing sensitive personal data. Some crimes can be initially reported online. For that purpose, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, and the São Paulo police have dedicated webpages. After that, it is necessary to finalize the process at a police department, but it should be much quicker after filling out the online form
• Keep yourself informed about the schedule and details of Carnival events. Being informed can contribute to a more organized and secure experience

Popular Scam

Normally, these scams are carried out by malicious street vendors or drivers (taxi etc.). They take advantage of the customer’s distraction to memorize the password or induce the client to enter the code in the purchase amount field. Already aware of the password, the fake merchant exchanges the card and returns another very similar.

• Before entering the password, check that the value typed is correct
• Do not use a machine with a broken display or that does not allow data to be read
• Be alert if your password numbers appear on the machine screen after typing them
• Do not lose sight of your card

Attention to your health

Rio’s extreme heat during the summer, associated with the long walks following the “blocos” and alcohol consumption, can easily lead to dehydration, heat stroke, dizziness, and fainting. Such situations not only threaten your health but also your security, just like in a date rape drug situation. Therefore, partygoers should take precautions:

• Eat well
• Enjoy the festivities responsibly by moderating alcohol intake. Excessive consumption may impair judgment and increase vulnerability to various risks
• Drink fluids constantly, which can be water, juices, or sports drinks
• Wear a hat or cap. Protecting your head is essential to avoid overheating and, consequently, dehydration
• During the hottest times of the day throughout Carnival, try to stay in the shade or in less open areas

Street “blocos”

One of the most popular and traditional ways to celebrate the Carnival in Brazil is the street “blocos”. In 2026, there will be hundreds of official “blocos” – see the official schedule – of different styles and in almost every neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. In São Paulo, it is no different; the “blocos” – official schedule – are expected to parade throughout the whole city. Some security tips can improve this experience:

• In the Carnival “blocos”, do not stand at all in the middle of it, since chances of being stolen, groped, or squeezed by the crowd are higher. Try to remain on its edges
• If, for any reason, you end up surrounded by the crowd, remain calm and follow the movement until an opportunity to leave appears
• In crowded areas, inappropriate approaches, especially towards women, are very common. If anyone touches, grabs, or coerces you, shout and ask for help from people nearby, and look for help from your friends and the authorities
• Avoid going to “blocos” that pass through very narrow streets, like the ones from Santa Teresa, and the extremely popular and overcrowded ones located Downtown (Centro), the case of “Bola Preta”

Protecting the cell phone

In Brazil, the cell phone is the most targeted item by thieves and robbers. With the smartphone in hand, criminals can access bank accounts and social networks, carry out financial transactions, and steal data, causing harm to the victim that goes beyond replacing the device. Whenever possible, use a cheap or old cell phone to use it in the “street blocos” and similar situations. In addition, increase your cell phone protection

• Don’t use your cell phone in the middle of the crowd. If absolutely necessary, go to a safe area, such as the interior of a building. If possible, bring an older phone without banking apps or personal information. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance for your phone, covering accidental damage, theft, or loss
• Keep your phone safe: never leave it in your back pocket or in an inconspicuous place
• Disable contactless payments and prefer to enter your PIN
• Adjust the maximum transaction limits on your mobile phone in your bank’s app
• Activate two-factor authentication in your bank’s app
• Set up transaction alerts on your bank accounts to identify suspicious activity
• Your bank password should be unique. Never write down the combination, and never use the “remember/save” feature in browsers and websites
• Register your device in the Secure Cell Phone app, created by the federal government specifically to deter theft

Prevention of harassment and violence against women

To provide better protection to women this season, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) has reinforced its campaign to prevent harassment and sexual violence against women. Prosecutors will enforce the legislation protecting women during Carnival events. They will be directly involved in the festival circuit to inspect them. In case of a complaint or need for guidance, the public can contact the Women’s Ombudsman of the MPRJ and the Victim Support Center (NAV). How to contact:

• Online form: https://www.mprj.mp.br/fco
• Telephone: 127, extension 2 (free call in RJ) or (21) 3883-4600
• In-person service: Av. Marechal Câmara, 370, ground floor, Centro – RJ (Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm, on business days)
• If you were a victim, directly or indirectly, you can also contact the Victim Support Center (NAV/MPRJ) directly: WhatsApp: (21) 2215-7130 | (21) 2215-7138 Email: nav@mprj.mp.br

At the Beach

• Bring only the strictly necessary to the beach and do not leave your belongings unattended when you go for a swim. Locals tend to ask other bathers
• Pay attention to strong marine currents, indicated by red flags or warning signs put by the lifeguards on the sand
• If it is not possible to avoid the weekends, prefer going to the beaches outside of peak hours, in the morning, before 11:00, or in the late afternoon, after 15:00
• During holidays or on weekends, the beaches are normally overcrowded, it is when most crimes occur. Hence, whenever possible, prefer weekdays
• In Rio, generally, the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Arpoador are the ones that have more incidents. The access to and from gang-controlled areas is faster, and Arpoador Beach is half enclosed, only having an “exit” to Ipanema
• Prefer quieter beaches, like Leblon, São Conrado, and Barra da Tijuca
• Always be attentive to your surroundings, and never allow children to move away from you
• If you find yourself in a mass robbery, be quick: try to remain calm, grab the kids, and move with the crowd, trying to reach a Municipal Guard or a Military Police nearby. Leave your belongings in the sand. The most important thing is your and your relatives’ safety
• Check with the local public services about the beaches’ bathing conditions. Thus, you can avoid contact with contaminated water

Useful Contacts

190 – Military Police

191 – Federal Police

192 – Ambulance (SAMU)

193 – Fire Station

197 – Civil Police