The FCDO added new information about Brazil's general election and political events to its Brazil travel advice at 16:00 UTC on Tuesday 29 September, on both its "Warnings and insurance" and "Safety and security" pages.
The advice states: "The first round of Brazil's general election will take place on 4 October. A second round is scheduled for 25 October. The presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Brasília on 5 January."
It warns: "Protests, demonstrations and strikes may take place in cities across Brazil. Even peaceful events can become confrontational and may turn violent. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters." The FCDO advises travellers to avoid political rallies, protests and demonstrations, to monitor local media, and to follow the instructions of local authorities. If you encounter a protest or feel uncomfortable in a large crowd, it says to leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so.
The same page reminds travellers that two explosions occurred at the Praça dos Três Poderes in central Brasília on 13 November 2024, and advises caution around major sites in large Brazilian cities.
What it means for operators
The windows to plan around are the first round on Sunday 4 October, the second round scheduled for Sunday 25 October, and the period around each result. Plan for rallies in city centres in the days before each vote and for gatherings once results are declared.
For teams and principals in Brazil over these dates, keep routes clear of campaign events and government districts, including the Praça dos Três Poderes area in Brasília, and have an alternative route and a hold location ready if crowds build. The FCDO's existing Brazil advice on favelas, taxi travel and street crime applies throughout.
