Travelers warned of murder, kidnappings and drink-spiking robberies in vacation hot spot

The State Department updated its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Brazil Aug. 31, though officials noted the country's advisory level remained unchanged.

The main reasons for the advisory update are "crime and kidnapping," officials said. 

The advisory also warns that, in Brazil, violent crime "occurs in urban areas, day and night. Crimes include murder, armed robbery and carjacking."

The State Department also said criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing them.

"Assaults are common, including with sedatives or drugs placed in drinks, especially in Rio de Janeiro," the advisory said.

U.S. officials also maintain a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning for certain areas, including international land borders, informal housing developments and certain areas surrounding the capital of Brasilia.

Kidnapping for ransom involving U.S. citizens is rare but occasionally occurs, according to the State Department.

"Express kidnapping - in which criminals force victims at gunpoint to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs or transfer funds via banking apps (commonly Pix) - is an ongoing threat to both locals and foreigners."

"Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night," the advisory added. "Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil."

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional comment.

The Brazil advisory comes amid other recent State Department warnings for Americans traveling abroad.