Police Strike in Salvador, Bahia

U.S. Consulate, Rio de Janeiro – February 3, 2012

This message is to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns stemming from a state-wide work stoppage by the Military Police in the State of Bahia that began on Wednesday, February 1.  The areas affected include the popular tourist and business destination of Salvador.

There have been reports of store lootings, blockages of major streets and highways and of "arrastoes" (swarming or assaults by large groups of youths).  So far, there are no reports of assaults on U.S. citizens in the area.  Brazilian national security forces have been called in to maintain order and are reportedly already deploying into the city.

U.S. citizens are urged to monitor media reports about security conditions in Salvador and the State of Bahia and to consider delaying any non-essential travel to those areas until the security conditions have stabilized.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Brazil are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The U.S. Consulate General in Rio is located at Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147 and can be reached at phone number 21-3823-2000, emergency after-hours phone number 21-3823-2029, American Citizen Services fax number 21-3823-2093, and e-mail acsrio@state.gov.  Travelers may also consult the website of the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro for more information. 

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Brazil  which is located on the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website.  Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.