U.S. citizens planning to travel to Belém, Brazil, for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) are being advised by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil to prepare for logistical challenges. The conference is scheduled from November 6 to November 21, 2025, and is expected to draw a large number of attendees, leading to road closures, increased law enforcement presence, and potential protests that could disrupt mobility.
The embassy notes that it will have limited ability to provide services in Belém during this period. U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and take several precautionary steps.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive security notices and facilitate contact in case of emergencies. They should also review the State Department’s Worldwide Caution notice, which warns of possible demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests worldwide.
The current Travel Advisory for Brazil stands at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to risks such as crime and kidnapping. Visitors must comply with Brazil’s entry, exit, and visa requirements. Those registered as COP30 participants need a COP30 Special Visa before traveling; information is available on the COP30 Registration Website. Other travelers must obtain a regular e-visa prior to arrival—without it, entry into Brazil will be denied and the embassy cannot assist with Brazilian visa issues.
U.S. citizens are advised to keep copies of their passport and Brazilian visa separate from the originals and consider leaving additional copies with someone they trust. It is recommended that travelers review the State Department’s Country Information Page for Brazil for details about health services and ensure their health insurance covers medical care in Brazil as well as medical evacuation if needed.
Further guidance includes reviewing the official COP30 website for event-related information such as lodging, transportation options, and airport details in Belém.
Recommended actions include maintaining vigilance in public areas, avoiding crowds or demonstrations, monitoring local media for updates, planning alternate routes due to possible traffic disruptions, and keeping friends or family informed about one’s location and safety status.
For assistance while in Brazil, contact information is provided for the U.S. Embassy in Brasília, Consulate General São Paulo, and Consular Agency Manaus.
The State Department offers more information on its travel website regarding warnings specific to Brazil as well as global security alerts. Travelers can also sign up for STEP or follow embassy updates via Facebook or Twitter/X. Additionally, U.S. citizens in Brazil can receive messages from the embassy through WhatsApp by following the designated channel using their device with WhatsApp installed; users may unfollow at any time.