Emergency Contacts Tips for US Citizens Traveling to Brazil

What are the emergency contact numbers in Brazil, including police, ambulance, and fire services?

Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Fire Service: 193

Can you provide the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in Brazil?

U.S. Embassy in Brazil

SES Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70.403-900 – Brasília – DF
Phone: +55 (61) 3312-7000
Fax: +55 (61) 3225-9136
Email: [email protected]

Is there a local equivalent of 911 or an emergency hotline in Brazil?

Yes, the emergency number in Brazil is 190.

What is the procedure for contacting local authorities in case of an emergency in Brazil?

In the event of an emergency in Brazil, the first step is to call 190 which is the number for the police, fire department, or medical services. The emergency operator will be able to direct you to the relevant services depending on the situation. You can also call the hotline 112 for emergencies, this is a nationwide number that works with both fixed and mobile phone lines. Additionally, most major cities have their own emergency numbers so it may be worth checking what those are before travelling to Brazil.

Are there specific numbers or hotlines for reporting incidents such as theft, loss, or suspicious activities in Brazil?

Yes, Brazil has a nationwide emergency number, 190, which can be used to report crimes such as theft, loss, or suspicious activities. Additionally, many cities and regions have their own local police emergency numbers that can be used to report these types of incidents. Lastly, the National Security Force (Força Nacional de Segurança) also operates a hotline, 0800-612411, dedicated to crime prevention.

How can I reach medical emergency services, and are there English-speaking medical facilities in Brazil?

Emergency medical services in Brazil can be reached by dialing 192. English-speaking medical facilities are available in some cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Additionally, many hospitals and doctor’s offices have staff that are proficient in English.

What steps should I take if I lose my passport or other important documents in Brazil?

1. Report the lost or stolen documents to the local police.
2. Visit the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate and request a new passport.
3. Submit a proof of loss of documents to the Brazilian authorities.
4. Submit all necessary documents for the issuance of a new passport.
5. Pay any applicable fees for the issuance of the new passport.
6. Wait for the issuance of the new passport before travelling out of Brazil.

Is there a 24/7 helpline or hotline for travelers to seek assistance or information in Brazil?

Yes, there is a 24/7 helpline for travelers to seek assistance or information in Brazil. The helpline is operated by the Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur) and is known as “Turista Helpline”. It can be contacted via phone at 0800-702-1222 or via email at [email protected].

What are the local search and rescue services, and how can they be contacted in Brazil?

Local search and rescue services in Brazil are provided by the Fire Department, the Military Police, and the Civil Defense. Depending on the region, these services may be referred to as Corpo de Bombeiros, Polícia Militar, or Defesa Civil. The best way to contact these services is to call the emergency number for your local area (generally 192 or 199).

In case of a natural disaster, whom should I contact for information and assistance in Brazil?

In case of a natural disaster, you should contact the local fire department or Civil Defense Office for information and assistance. You can call the national emergency hotline 129 for assistance in Brazil. Additionally, you can contact the nearest Red Cross office or the Brazilian Federal Police.

What support services does the U.S. embassy or consulate in Brazil offer in times of crisis?

The U.S. embassy and consulate in Brazil offer a range of support services in times of crisis to assist American citizens and their families. These services include offering assistance in an emergency, providing information about local resources and contacting family or friends in the U.S., assisting victims of crime, providing information about local laws and regulations, issuing replacement passports, providing guidance on voting overseas, helping with the repatriation of remains, and helping locate missing Americans. Embassy and consulate staff can also provide assistance with notarizing documents and securing legal advice.

Is there a local equivalent to the U.S. State Department’s Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) that I can contact in Brazil?

Yes, there is. The equivalent in Brazil is known as the Assessoria de Brasileiros no Exterior (ABRE), which is part of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ABRE can provide information and assistance to Brazilian citizens living abroad or visiting other countries, including passport services, assistance in emergency situations, information on visa requirements, etc.

How can I register with the U.S. embassy or consulate for updates and assistance during my stay in Brazil?

The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia and consulates in Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Sao Paulo offer a voluntary program called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling in STEP, U.S. citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Enrollees also receive important information from the embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, helping them make informed decisions about their travel plans. You can register for STEP online through the State Department’s website.

Are there specific contacts or resources for Americans dealing with legal issues in Brazil?

Yes, there are multiple resources available for Americans looking for legal assistance in Brazil. The U.S. Embassy in Brazil’s website provides a list of English-speaking attorneys located throughout Brazil who can provide legal assistance to Americans. Additionally, the American Bar Association has compiled a list of international resources, including contacts in Brazil, which can be accessed here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_services/resources/international_law/international_resources/.

What is the process for reporting incidents of harassment or discrimination in Brazil?

In Brazil, any incidents of harassment or discrimination should be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. The reporting process depends on the specifics of the case and the authority to which the complaint is made. Generally, all complaints should be made to the public prosecutor’s office (Ministerio Publico) or to a labor union (Sindicato). Complaints can also be filed with the Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabalho e Emprego) or the Brazil Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA).

The complainant should provide as much information as possible, including details about the incident and any witnesses or evidence. The authorities may require additional documents such as medical certificates or police reports. After the complaint is filed, the appropriate course of action is determined by the authorities. Depending on the situation, it could involve an investigation, legal action, mediation, or other measures.

Is there a local non-emergency police contact for situations that require police assistance but are not immediate emergencies?

Yes, most police departments have a non-emergency line that can be used for situations that require police assistance but are not immediate emergencies. The non-emergency number can usually be found on the police department’s website or by calling the main department line and asking for the non-emergency line.

How can I contact my country’s embassy or consulate if I’m in a remote or rural area of Brazil?

If you are in a remote or rural area of Brazil, you can contact your nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy by visiting their website. On the website, you should be able to find the contact information for the nearest consular office. Additionally, if you need immediate assistance, you can call the emergency number provided on the embassy or consulate website.

Are there local crisis hotlines or mental health support services available in Brazil?

Yes, there are a number of local crisis hotlines and mental health support services available in Brazil. These include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (186), Mental Health Care Hotline (0800-726726), São Paulo Psychosocial Support Network (Tel: 11 3775-0500), Mental Health Care Center (SP), and several others. In addition, organizations such as the National Association for Mental Health (ANPAM) and the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP) provide mental health support services and resources.

In case of a transportation-related emergency, whom should I contact for assistance in Brazil?

In the event of a transportation-related emergency in Brazil, you should contact the Brazilian Tourist Information and Assistance Service (SAT). SAT is a non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to travelers in Brazil. SAT has 24/7 multilingual support lines in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and can assist with medical emergencies, lost passports, and other issues.

How can I quickly and efficiently communicate with emergency services if there is a language barrier in Brazil?

If you need to communicate with emergency services in Brazil and there is a language barrier, try using an app or service such as Google Translate. Google Translate has a feature called “Transcribe” that allows you to speak into your phone and it will translate what you said into Portuguese. You can then read the translation out loud to the emergency services operator and they should be able to understand. Additionally, it is helpful to have someone else present who speaks Portuguese and can help translate if needed.