Protests take place regularly, often without warning, in a number of Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. There have been violent incidents and injuries. Take extra care and avoid all large gatherings and demonstrations. Monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities. Strikes affecting transport and security may take place at short notice across Brazil. These are often short but may cause disruption. Monitor local media for updates and advice. Levels of crime and violence are high, particularly in major cities. You should be particularly vigilant before and during the festive and Carnival periods. Bank card fraud is common. There is an underlying threat from terrorism. 169,732 British nationals visited Brazil in 2013. Most visits are trouble free. If you’re a single parent or guardian travelling with a child, you may need additional documentation. Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil, and incurs severe penalties. The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.