The United States Embassy in Brazil announced on October 1 that all consular services will be temporarily suspended for security reasons. The announcement came on the eve of the Brazilian election, but did not specify the exact security concerns.
“In consideration of safety, consular services at the U.S. Embassy and all consulates in Brazil will be suspended starting on October 2 (Friday),” the announcement stated. “During this period, American citizens seeking emergency assistance should not go to the embassy, consulates, or any other U.S. diplomatic facility. For emergency assistance, please contact the duty officer.”
The U.S. State Department did not provide further details on the security issues, nor did it link the suspension of consular services to the upcoming Brazilian election on Sunday. According to Reuters, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, “We are closely cooperating with our Brazilian counterparts to address security concerns.”
The U.S. authorities did not specify when consular services in Brazil will resume.
Brazilian citizens will be voting for a new president on Sunday. The current president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is a leftist figure who had previously warned that foreign entities might try to influence this election.
Violent crime is also a significant concern for voters in this Brazilian election, prompting various candidates to promise stricter security measures.