Brazil Security Services
Brazil Secure Transportation and Executive Protection Services
ETS Risk Management has been providing protective security services in Brazil for over 10 years. We provide industry leading secure transportation (ground and air), Executive Protection, asset and supply chain security, and project management services. ETS supports client operations throughout Brazil, but most recently in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia.
Our local security team is led by the ETS Brazil Manager, a former Captain in the Policia Militar. His wealth of experience provides clients the pinnacle of Executive Protection and corporate risk management service in Brazil. The vast majority of our work is in facilitating secure transportation of business travelers in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. We also assist with the movement of valuable assets over ground, and in project management of complex operations in more remote locations.
The ETS team in Brazil, has been working together for over 10 years. This is since undergoing protective operations prior to, and during, FIFA 2014, and also extensive operations during Olympics Rio in 2016.
Secure Airport Transfers Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo
ETS’ Risk Management’s expertise in global secure transportation and executive protection, delivers unparalleled protection and complete peace of mind. Our comprehensive approach, ensures that our clients can navigate any destination with absolute confidence.
A large number of clients utilize ETS to facilitate secure airport transfers, from airport to hotels and vice versa. These are available at competitive rates with exceptional levels of service, including armed EP officers and a range of high end vehicle options. Our local security team, all English speaking, will meet and greet in a low profile manner at the airport or hotel, escort you to your vehicle, and ensure safe transition to your destination.
Helicopter transfers can also be arranged, if so desired.
ETS Security Experience in Brazil
Our commitment to providing tailored solutions and an exceptional level of protection has made us a trusted partner of several organizations operating in Brazil. ETS Risk Management was involved extensively in both FIFA 2014 and Rio 2016, protecting tier-one sponsors, VIPs, and Celebrities. Services included the security of large groups of executives, secure ground transportation, mostly conducted with armored vehicles, and executive protection services for media agencies. This also involved extensive liaising with local Law Enforcement and government agencies.
Secure transportation and close protection services were provided during sport events and after hours activities and entertainment. ETS, in the past 10 years, has provided high level protective services for many organizations expanding and developing new partnerships in Rio and Sao Paulo. We have facilitated secure transportation via land, air and sea to representatives of corporations, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), NGO’s and Media organizations. ETS Risk Management is also the preferred security provider to a number of Fortune 10, 100 and 500 companies.
Most recently, we have been involved in the comprehensive planning, risk evaluation, and security management of several large gaming and esports events in Rio de Janeiro. Preparations are also underway for The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference, in November 2025.
Please visit our case studies to learn more about ETS’ past performance in Brazil.
Secure Transportation and Armored Vehicle Rental in Brazil
The Secure Ground Transportation services offered by ETS Risk Management, stand as an industry leading solution in today’s unpredictable world. With a comprehensive approach that includes state-of-the-art vehicles, highly trained personnel, and a global reach, ETS ensures the safety and security of clients traveling through high-risk areas.
For enhanced security in high-risk environments, armored vehicles provide essential protection against potential threats. With reinforced plating, bullet-resistant glass, and advanced safety features, they are ideal for safeguarding personnel during transit. Whether for corporate executives, government officials, or valuable asset transport, armored vehicles offer peace of mind and ensure safe, reliable transportation in unpredictable situations.
Our secure transportation Brazil network has a full range of high end non-armored and also low profile armored vehicles to suit our clients’ needs. All are provided with a vetted, experienced security driver. Our local security drivers are highly trained, English speaking and have a deep knowledge and understanding of the many risks and threats that exist in Rio and Sao Paulo.
To learn more about Armored Vehicle Rental Considerations and how Armored Vehicle Ratings work please click on the corresponding hyper-link.
Brazil Risk and Security Overview
Brazil is a dynamic country with a rich culture, growing economy, and a leading role in South American geopolitics. However, it also faces significant security challenges, including high levels of crime, civil unrest, and localized political violence. Understanding the specific risks and the current security landscape is essential for travelers and businesses operating in Brazil.
The security environment varies greatly depending on the region. Major urban centers like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo experience higher crime rates, while rural and less-populated areas may present other challenges such as access to healthcare and infrastructure. Brazil is considered a moderate to high-risk destination by international security organizations, and caution is advised.
Crime remains the most significant security concern in Brazil, particularly in major cities. Brazil has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world, consistently recording high numbers of homicides each year. Armed robberies, muggings, and street crime are common, especially in popular tourist destinations like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, and Fortaleza. Criminals often target foreigners due to the perceived wealth gap.
Brazil’s powerful criminal organizations, like the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho, operate in some regions. These are heavily involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities. Their presence often contributes to violent clashes with law enforcement.
Protests and civil unrest are relatively common in Brazil, particularly in response to political, social, and economic issues. Demonstrations often occur in major cities like BrasÃlia, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. These protests can disrupt transportation and, in some cases, turn violent. Key issues that have led to unrest include recent government corruption scandals and Economic inequality and unemployment.
Ground Transport
Ground transportation in Brazil, while essential for getting around the vast country, presents various safety and security risks. These risks include crime, traffic accidents, and poor infrastructure, especially outside major cities. While major highways in urban areas are generally well-maintained, many rural roads are poorly lit, unpaved, or in disrepair. During the rainy season, flooding and landslides can make driving especially hazardous, particularly in mountainous or coastal regions. Brazil has one of the highest road traffic accident rates in the world. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws contribute to these accidents.
Crime on the road is a significant concern, particularly in major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Salvador. Criminals often target vehicles in traffic jams or at red lights. Carjackings and armed robberies are common, especially at night or in areas with heavy congestion. Drunk driving is also a prevalent issue, particularly at night and on weekends.  Click here to learn about the F1 Grand Prix Sao Paulo Robbery Incident
Buses in Brazil can be overcrowded, and the quality of service varies significantly. While buses are a cheap and widespread mode of transportation, the risk of crime is higher compared to other options. Theft and pickpocketing on buses, subways, and trains are common in crowded areas, especially in metropolitan centers. Travelers are advised to stay alert, avoid displaying valuables, and consider alternative transport options if carrying valuable items.
As part of our service, all clients have free access to our ExploreSecure® eLearning Travel Security training pre-departure.
FAQ’s for Secure Travel to Brazil
Yes, travel in Rio de Janeiro can be safe as long as basic precautions are taken and the traveler maintains robust situational awareness. One of the biggest risks to travelers is opportunistic violent street crime. Very often business and holiday travelers utilize secure transportation services to minimize time on the streets, and to manage the risk of driving through or near high risk locations such as favelas etc.
Yes, private security can be armed in Brazil. There are appropriate licenses, rules and regulations but due to the high-risk of violent crime the vast majority of security are armed.
Yes, armored vehicles are widely used throughout Brazil and are commonplace. A lot of business travelers, high-net-worth’s, and celebrities utilize armored vehicles for transportation in Brazil due to the extra layers of security they provide and aligned to the risk of car jacking, and street crime.
The vast majority of business travelers, high-net-worth’s, celebrities and even families traveling to and within Brazil utilize secure transportation services, often supplemented with executive protection.
Due to the amount of violent crime, the prolific use of firearms, and the proximity of high-risk locations to tourist and business hot-spots private security and secure transportation is advised.
No, the road between the airport (GIG) and the main tourist locations on Copacabana and Ipanema crosses several locations considered high-risk e.g. Favelas. The road infrastructure in Rio is heavily overstretched, with all major and minor routes regularly heavily congested, and very few options for alternative routes. There are regular incidents of stray gunfire affecting the road users, as well as criminals and gangs occasionally utilizing traffic congestion to their advantage.
These factors compounded together will provide security teams a serious logistical and risk management issue. Significant travel disruption can be expected in all of Rio during normal days, both workdays and weekends.
Sao Paulo, as per Rio, can lull you into a false sense of security. Many trips can go by without incident. However, there is a credible and significant risk of violent crime, and all business travelers are at high risk of opportunistic crime no matter what your company, role, or reason for travel.
There is a propensity for violence in Brazil unlike many other countries, fueled by massive disparity of wealth, the easy availability of firearms, the influence (and power) of drug- and arms-trafficking gangs, and under funded and ineffective policing.
Each year a number of foreigners are killed or injured during attempted robberies, car-jackings and express kidnaps, the majority of targeted victims do not have personal security, or have not carried out basic security protocol.
No, it is not safe to go on a favela tour. We strongly advise you do not do these. You have zero control of your safety because gang violence or Police and gang interaction can turn deadly in seconds and you will have nowhere to go. Your guides cannot guarantee your safety if caught in a cross fire or by a stray bullet.
Explore our other services
The ETS team push simplification and customer relationship management at every juncture. We have an impressive worldwide network of former colleagues and associates from the global security community. This has supported our client operations since 2012 in over 80 countries and 102 cities.
