Photo: Shutterstock Rio de Janeiro's iconic annual carnival, one of the world's largest events of its kind, will officially open on February 13, 2026, and will last about a week. In preparation for it, authorities in the United States are publishing safety guidelines for American citizens. Here is a rundown:
A. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking around alone.
B. Make contingency plans in case you get separated from your group.
C. Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Casual crime, including theft of mobile phones, is common during Carnival.
D. Keep windows closed when you are inside a vehicle.
E. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
F. Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave drinks unattended
G. Do not physically resist a robbery attempt, as criminals are often armed.
H. Report any criminal activity first to the local police (190).
Brazil ended 2025 with 9,287,196 international visitors, marking the highest number of tourists ever recorded in the country.