Rio de Janeiro Secure Transportation Services

Secure Transportation and Executive Protection Services in Rio de Janeiro

ETS Risk Management has been providing protective and associated security transportation services in Rio de Janeiro and throughout Brazil for nearly 12 years. We supply high quality Secure Transportation (ground and air), security drivers, Executive Protection, asset and supply chain security, and project management services both in Rio and across Brazil. We support client operations throughout the country using our modern range of both non-armoured and armored vehicles, and Executive Protection services from our highly trained and experienced teams located out of  Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. All stem from either military or law enforcement backgrounds with over a decade of experience operating in country in high risk / high stress environments.

Our local security team, led by the ETS Brazil Manager, a former Captain in the Policia Militar, provides clients with the pinnacle of Executive Protection and corporate risk management services in Brazil. The vast majority of our work is in facilitating safe and secure transportation of business travelers in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. We also assist with the security transportation of valuable assets over ground, and in project management of complex operations in more remote locations.

Our local security drivers are highly trained, English speaking and have a deep knowledge and understanding of the many risks and threats that Brazilians face every day, especially in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The ETS team has been working together since providing security services and protective operations prior to, and during, FIFA 2014, and also extensive operations during Olympics Rio 2016.

ETS Security Experience in Rio de Janeiro

ETS was involved extensively in both FIFA 2014 and Rio 2016 protecting tier-one sponsors , VIPs, and Celebrities in Rio de Janeiro. Services included ensuring the security of large groups of executives, secure ground transportation mostly conducted with armored vehicles, and security personnel liaising with local Law Enforcement agencies. Close protection services were provided during sport events and after hours activities and entertainment. ETS, in the past 10 years, has provided high level security 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, Media organizations and 10, 100 and 500 Fortune companies for which ETS Risk Management is the preferred security provider.

ETS Security Overview - Rio de Janeiro

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is a vibrant nation known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and bustling cities. Despite its many attractions, Brazil faces significant security challenges, including high levels of crime, ongoing political unrest, corruption, and occasional terrorism risks. The country’s wide economic disparities contribute to many of these issues, with urban centers facing particular security concerns. Travelers should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, particularly in cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador. Brazil is a vast and diverse country with significant regional differences in safety and security.

Brazil has some of the highest crime rates in the world, particularly in urban areas. Its generally considered high risk for business and leisure travellers due to violent crimes, such as armed robbery, carjacking, and homicides being prevalent, especially in poorer neighbourhoods known locally as favelas​. Non-violent crimes including thefts, pickpocketing and credit card scams are also prevalent in tourist and highly populated locations such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Lapa. 

Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most iconic cities, is famous for its stunning beaches, Carnival celebrations, and landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. However, alongside its vibrant culture and beauty, Rio faces significant security challenges. These include high levels of crime, particularly in urban and tourist areas, occasional civil unrest, and health risks. While Rio remains a popular destination, travelers must take precautions to mitigate the risks associated with its safety and security environment.

The city has one of the highest crime rates in Brazil, with both petty and violent crimes posing threats to residents and visitors alike. The stark economic disparities in the city, particularly between wealthy districts and favelas, contribute to the prevalence of criminal activity. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common in tourist-heavy areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Lapa, and Santa Teresa. These crimes typically occur in crowded places, including beaches, public transport, and tourist attractions. Travelers should avoid displaying valuables and be cautious of their surroundings.

Violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, and assaults, is more frequent in Rio compared to other cities in Brazil. While tourists are often targeted for petty theft, more serious incidents such as armed robberies can occur, particularly in areas with poor police presence or at night. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night and stay in well-lit, populated areas.  Kidnappings, including "express kidnappings" where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs, are also a risk, although they are less common in tourist-heavy areas​.

Travel by road in Brazil can be hazardous due to aggressive driving behavior, poor road conditions in certain areas, and the risk of carjacking, particularly at night. Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death as the standard of driving is poor and travellers are advised to avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas, and to use toll roads where possible​.  Major roads that handrail or dissect through favelas are hotspots for criminal activity and there have been cases, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, of armed robberies occurring on buses. Commonly occurring crimes include accessing static vehicles at traffic lights or during periods of heavy congestion in order to steal valuables, and in these instances, armed violence cannot be ruled out. 

Secure Airport Transfers Rio de Janeiro

We provide secure transfers from airport to hotels and hotels to airport at competitive rates, with an exceptional range of security services available. These include armed EP officers and myriad options for both armored and non-armored vehicles, depending on client preference. Our local security team, all English speaking, can offer meet and greet in a low profile manner at the airport or hotel, escort you to the vehicle, and ensure smooth and safe transition to your destination.

Non-Armored / Armored vehicles Rio de Janeiro

Our security transportation network in Rio de Janeiro has a full range of modern non-armored and also low profile armored vehicles to suit our clients’ needs. All are available with highly trained, English speaking security drivers. Please contact us for more information or to discuss your requirements.

 

All clients utilizing our services get free access to the ExploreSecure® Travel Security Training.