FBOs at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Governador Andre Franco Montoro SBGR GRU

City threat summary

São Paulo presents an elevated street crime environment, with U.S. government assessments designating the city at a critical threat level for crime, including a specific kidnapping risk indicator.

The U.S. Department of State currently rates Brazil at Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution, with civil unrest assessed at a medium threat level and terrorism assessed at a low threat level for the São Paulo region.

Pickpocketing, theft, and opportunistic criminal approaches toward travelers are consistently flagged by multiple Western government advisories as recurring concerns in and around major transportation hubs and commercial areas throughout the city.

Country overview

Brazil remains under a U.S. State Department Level 2 advisory — Exercise Increased Caution — driven by pervasive violent crime and kidnapping risk across urban areas, with the UK FCDO advising against all but essential travel to defined river areas in western Amazonas State.

The country is in an active electoral period, with a presidential runoff between incumbent President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro scheduled for October 25, 2026, introducing heightened political tension and a non-trivial risk of localized civil unrest.

Organized criminal groups, including the PCC and Comando Vermelho — both newly designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. State Department in mid-2026 — operate extensively and contribute to an elevated baseline threat environment.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Belém SBBE CRITICAL
• Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade SWVB CRITICAL
• Belo Horizonte SBCF ELEVATED
• Brasília SBBR ELEVATED
• Guarulhos SBGR ELEVATED
• Manaus SBEG ELEVATED
• Recife SBRF ELEVATED
• Rio de Janeiro SBRJ ELEVATED
• Salvador SBSV ELEVATED