Category Archives: 2014 FIFA World Cup – Security Update

Brazil World Cup Travel Advisory: Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre

MANAUS

City Description

Manaus is the capital city of the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil. It is located on the north bank of the Negro River, 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers. Due to its location in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, access to the city is primarily through boat or airplane. As of 2014, the city’s population is 1.9 million, making it the most populous in the Brazilian Amazon area and the 7^th most populous in the country.

Security

While Manaus is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.

Transportation

International Airport

Eduardo Gomes International is the airport that serves Manaus. The airport has two passenger terminals, one for scheduled flights and the other for regional aviation. It also has three cargo terminals.

Highways

There are two federal highways that connect Manaus with the rest of the country.   There is a paved road that heads north, BR-174, and which connects Manaus to Boa Vista, the capital of the State of Roraima, and to Venezuela. The BR-319 heads south and connects Manaus to Port Velho, the state capital ofRondônia. Access to this highway however requires a ferry crossing to Careiro, across the Rio Negro and River Amazon, which take about forty minutes. BR-319 is only paved for about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to Castanho. After that, the highway is not paved and cannot be used.

The two major state highways are the AM-010 and the AM-070. The AM-010 heads east, to Itacoatiara, Amazonas at the banks of the River Amazon. The AM-070 heads south and reaches Manacapuru, which lies at the banks of the Solimoes River. Both roads are paved and operate all year round.

PORTO ALEGRE

City Description

Porto Alegre is the capital and largest city in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Its population in 2010 was 1,509,939, making it the tenth most populous city in the country.   The city lies on the eastern bank of the Rio Guaiba, where five rivers converge to form the Lagoa dos Patos.

Security

MS Risk advises all travellers to the city of Porto Alegre to remain vigilant at all times. Watch out for robbers near the city’s Historic Centre, particularly on rua dos Andrads and near the bus station.

During the night, MS Risk advises travellers to avoid the following areas: the inside and surroundings of Farroupilha park, which is the city’s largest drug dealing spot; the Historic Centre near the UFRGS Centro university campus, particularly along rua Sarmento Leite; the southern unlit area of Marinha park and Harmonia park. Most of these places are known to be drug dealing spots and should be avoided.

Transportation

International Airport

Salgado Filho International Airport serves flights operated by major Brazilian airlines to many areas in Brazil and South America.

Metro

Porto Alegre has a metropolitan train system, known as Trensurb, which links the downtown area to cities north of the metropolitan area, including Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do Sul, São Leopoldo and Novo Hamburgo. Trensurb has nineteen stations, with a total extension of nearly 40 kilometers (25 miles).

Highways

There are two federal highways in the city: BR-290 and BR-116, both of which run close to the city’s northern and northwestern border.

• BR-290: Runs east-west across the state, linking the northeast coast of the state to the Uruguay-Argentina-Brazil border. It runs close to the northern border of the municipality.
• BR-116: Is a longitudinal highway which runs northeast-south across the state, linking Porto Alegre to several satellite cities and other Brazilian capitals to the north, and Pelotas and Uruguay to the south.

RIO DE JANEIRO

City Description

Rio de Janeiro, or Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and is the 2^nd largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America. There are approximately 6.3 million people living within the city proper, making Rio de Janeiro the 6^th largest city in the Americas and the 26^th in the world.

Security

Rio de Janeiro continues to experience high incidences of crime. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to robberies and street thefts, especially in the evenings and at night, in areas adjacent to major tourist attractions. Although crime occurs throughout the year, it is more frequent during Carnival and the weeks prior, as tourists begin to arrive. It is therefor likely that the crime rates will increase during the World Cup and in the weeks prior to its start.

There have been attacks, including shootings, along the trails that lead to the Corcovado Mountain and in other parts of the Tijuca Forest.

If robbed, do not attempt to resist or fight back.   Instead you are advised to relinquish your personal belongings. At all times, MS Risk advises you to pay close attention to your surroundings and the behavior of those nearby. There have been reports of thieves and rapists slipping incapacitating drugs into drinks at barks, hotel rooms and street parties.

MS Risk advises that you choose your lodging carefully, considering the location, security and the availability of a safe to store your valuables. Do not answer your hotel room door until you positively confirm who is on the other side as there have been several incidents where mass holdups of guests have occurred at hotels and hostels in the city.

Rio de Janeiro’s favelas have become a popular tourist destination. A favela pacification programme, instituted in 2008, installed police stations in some favelas, primarily in the Zona Sul area, however most favelas continue to exist outside the control of city officials and the police. Travellers to favelas are urged to exercise caution when entering any “pacified” favelas and are advised to not travel to any favelas that have not been “pacified” by the state government. Travellers should be advised that even in some “pacified” favelas, the ability of police to provide assistance, especially at night, may be limited.

MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant while on the roads, especially at night. There have been shootings and carjackings on the Linha Vermelha, which links the airport to the Southern Zone of the City.   Motorists in Rio de Janeiro should be especially vigilant at traffic lights and when stuck in traffic. Carjackings and holdups can occur at intersections, especially at night.

Incidents of crime on public transportation are frequent, and at times have involved violent crimes. When travelling by yellow taxi, you are advised to onlyuse taxis that openly display company information and phone numbers as well as red license plates. MS Risk also advises travellers to not use public vans.

Transportation

International Airport

The City of Rio de Janeiro is served by the following airports:

• Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport: Which is used for all international and most of the domestic flights. The airport is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown Rio.
• Santos Dumont Airport: This airport is mainly used to travel to São Paulo, with some short- and medium-haul domestic flights and general aviation. The airport is located on Guanabara Bay, which is just a few blocks from downtown Rio.
• Jacarepaguá-Roberto Marinho Airport: This airport is used by general aviation. The airport is located in the district of Baixada de Jacarepaguá, within the municipality of Rio de Janeiro approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city center.

Highways

Rio de Janeiro has roads that lead to all neighbor States. Some roads, including Via Dutra to São Paulo, and a portion of the BR-101, which covers the Rio-Niterói bridge, have been chartered to private enterprises. While the quality of the highways has greatly improved in recent years, this has resulted in a significant increase in toll fairs.

Metro

Rio de Janeiro has two subway lines with 42 kilometres (26 miles) and 32 stations, along with several commuter rail lines. The two lines serve the city seven days a week. The first line runs from General Osório in Ipanema to Uruguai Station in Tijuca while the second line runs from Botafogo, sharing ten stations with the first line, and terminates at Pavuna in northern Rio.

SuperVia connects the city of Rio de Janeiro with other locations Greater Rio de Janeiro with surface trains.

Security Update: Fifa World Cup

No big news today regarding the security of the World Cup, this is despite the media’s best efforts to blow everything out of proportion to make a good story.  The ‘storming of gates’ by Argentine fans at the Maracana in Rio turned out to be 30 people, all but one of whom were caught by the second layer of security.  There have been shortfalls in manpower, notably in Brasilia on Sunday but FIFA has been saying to show up early to avoid disappointment, this advice had not been heeded. Although it has been a slow news day, the fear of protest still remains. Here’s a short video about what the Brazilian Forces have done to prepare and what expect if the event does go sour: Telegraph Security Video

It seems my capacity to predict the weather is similar to a Russian goalkeeper’s ability to catch a ball kicked square at his chest.  (If you missed the reference watch it here).  Although I do maintain that one should be prepared for heavy rain with little warning, be prepared to get completely soaked very quickly.

Today’s games are in Rio (30C with a small chance of rain), Manaus (30C with a small chance of rain), and Porto Alegre (clear and 15C). Expect protests in Rio especially around Copacabana, where the fan village is, and as near to the Maracana stadium as they protesters can get (3-5km). One big difference between protestors and security forces is that the former don’t tend to come out in force in foul weather so if it does rain, the likelihood of protest drops significantly, probably because it’s harder to light the rag at the top of the Molotov cocktail…

Remember to keep your wits about you and get to the stadium early to account for long security queues to get in.  There is also a likelihood of a long walk to the stadium, the last time I was at The Maracana it took over 30min just to walk to the stadium from the drop off point and the security cordon has been widened since then.  Keep your valuables safe and out of sight; an expensive watch makes you a target, not the subject of admiration.

Security Update: Fifa World Cup

Fourteen games into the World Cup Finals and no serious incidents.

The big story yesterday was the weather, particularly the heavy rain in Natal that saw a month’s rain in the previous 48hrs causing flash flooding and landslides.  Further heavy rains are forecast for many of the host cities in the coming week so don’t get caught out.

 There haven’t been any serious security incidents concerning fans reported since the Finals got underway.  There were several protests reported and the response by the police remains heavy handed.  The escalation of force from verbal warnings, to tear gas, to non-lethal firearms can be rapid and dramatic.  We strongly recommend avoiding these situations and leaving at the first sign of trouble.

Today’s games are in Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, and Cuiaba.  Brazil vs Mexico will be a lively match. There’s no trouble anticipated anywhere but there is some heavy weather anticipated in Fortaleza and Cuiaba to be ready to get wet.

Security Incidents Reported in Brazil Over Past 24 Hours

There have been several reports of security incidents over the past 24 hours. Most notably was the attempted mugging of BBC staff near their hotel in Rio. There was no one injured and the people in question got away ‘un-mugged’ however, the BBC has put out an alert for staff.  There was the difficulty getting into the stadium for the kick off of the Switzerland v Ecuador match in Brasilia due to long cues to get through security.  FIFA had, in fact, warned fans weeks beforehand to ensure that they arrive with plenty of time to get through the checks.  It is also important to note that to achieve the security cordon around some of the stadia, some may have to walk up to 5km to the stadium.  Queues to get into games are likely to get worse after FIFA security were embarrassed on Friday by Chilean fans letting off fireworks after there victory over Australia in Cuiaba.

Several protests have been reported in host cities throughout the country but with little interference with the fans.  In Rio, protestors outside the World Cup village on Copacabana through rocks at the broadcasters and fan zone but did not have large effect.  Remember to stay away from protests as they are a magnet for crime and unsavoury characters.  There is a stark difference between a political activist and someone willing to throw a brick at a policeman’s head.  Here is a clip of the police reaction to a protest approaching the Maracanã stadium last night during the Bosnia v Argentina game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCCGI18oz9o#t=78

 A few good tips for going to games: take a photo of your tickets so if they get stolen, the stadium police can arrest the thieves and get you your seat, the other is to download maps onto your mobile before leaving the hotel so you can follow the cab driver’s route to make sure you don’t get ripped off. Like in many places, cabbies might not know where they’re headed and won’t admit it to you so you can volunteer the directions before setting off.  Always carry a little bit of money with you just in case you do get mugged, criminals have a habit of reacting harshly to not getting anything; literally killing for nothing.

Today’s games are in Salvador, Natal, and Curitiba.  The only new location is Curitiba, which is the most advanced and efficient city in Brazil.  Good transport links and large, pedestrianized town centre make it a joy to visit.

Brazil World Cup Travel Advisory: Curitiba, Natal and Salvador

CURITIBA

City Description

Curitiba is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Paraná. The city’s population numbered approximately 1,760,500 people in 2010, making it the 8^th most populous city in Brazil and the largest in the country’s South Region.

Security

While Curitiba has been known, for many years, as a safe city, crime rates have been on the rise in recent years.

Crime involving tourists is generally non-violent and related to thefts and pickpocketing. While neighborhoods throughout the city are generally safe, you are advised to be cautious especially in the area near the Main Bus Terminal; Downtown squares, while safe during the day, during the night these areas are known to be hideaways for drug dealers and robbers; the Historical Center; and the neighborhoods of Batel, Rebouca and Prado Velho.

The neighborhoods located on the south side of the city, including Sitio Cercado, Fazendinha, Pinheirho, Cidade Industrial, Tatuquara, are the poorest areas and should therefore be avoided as the crime rates in these areas are particularly high.

Tourists to the city are advised to remain cautious when crossing streets throughout Curitiba. This is due to the fact that crossing signals do not always work, and often require maintenance.   Drivers in the city are also known not to respect pedestrians.

At night, you are advised to take a taxi when travelling in the city.

Transportation

International Airport

Afonso Pena International Airport is Curitiba’s main airport and is located in the nearby city of São José dos Pinhais. All commercial flights operate from this airport.

Bacacheir Airport is a smaller general aviation facility.

Public Transport

Curitiba’s public transportation consists entirely of buses. It is known as the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Rede Inegrada de Transporte.

Roads

Moving around by car can be difficult in and around the city center. This is due to the many one-way streets and frequent traffic. The Trinary Road System allows quick access to the city center for drivers.

NATAL 

City Description

Natal is the capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil.

Security

While the city of Natal was once safe, recent statistics have indicated that crime is on the rise, however it Natal is safer than other touristic cities in the northeast of Brazil, including Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.

While pickpocketing is common, violent assaults in the city are rare.

If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, MS Risk recommends that you travel by taxi and avoid walking along the Praia Forte. This is due to a recent surge in assaults and robberies that have targeted tourists along the beach. Ponta Negra beach is also not secure, with armed assaults on the beach occurring at any time, including day and night.

MS Risk advises all travellers to the beach to avoid taking any valuable articles with you.

Transportation

 International Airport

Augusto Severo International Airport in Parnamirim is located 18 kilometers (9 miles) from Natal.

Highways

Federal Highway BR-101 is the most important access to Natal, coming from the south of Brazil through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. If travelling from the State of Ceará, the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226.

When leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the RN-063, which is also known as the “Sun Route” (Rota do Sol). This route takes you to the beaches of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, and up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro Bridge, following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.

Bus

Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte, along with dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal, which is located in the Eastern zone of the city.

Taxis

Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are white and have red plates. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is. Fares are regulated by the government.

SALVADOR

City Description

Salvador is the largest city on the northeastern coast of Brazil and is the capital of the Northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia.

Security

While Salvador is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.

Transportation

International Airport

Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of downtown Salvador.

Highways

The BR-101 and the BR-116 Federal highways cross Bahia from north to south, connecting Salvador to the rest of the country.

Bus 

The bus station, or Rodoviária of Salvador, is located in Iguatemi district, with direct buses to larger cities in the country and to many destinations in the state of Bahia.