The United States suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil from Friday, 2 October, citing security concerns. Australia said its embassy in Brasília would close that day.
The measures came two days before Brazil’s general election on Sunday, 4 October. Neither government publicly stated that the security concern was caused by the election.
In its security alert, the US mission advised American citizens needing emergency help to contact a duty officer instead of visiting its diplomatic facilities. It did not give a date for consular services to resume.
The Australian embassy’s notice said its Brasília office would be closed on 2 October. It directed Australians needing urgent consular help to an emergency centre in Canberra and advised them to avoid US diplomatic facilities in Brazil.
Police investigate reported risk
Brazil’s Federal Police said it carried out two searches on Friday, one in São Paulo and another near the Federal District, while investigating suspected plans that could put US diplomatic facilities at risk.
In a statement issued after the searches, police said they had not found evidence corroborating the risks initially reported. They had also not identified suspects linked to criminal organisations. The investigation was continuing.
That finding does not establish why the diplomatic missions took precautionary action. It does mean a specific planned attack should not be presented as a confirmed fact.
What remains unclear
The US has not announced when normal consular services will resume. Australia’s published closure notice specified Friday, so it should not be taken to mean its embassy will remain closed throughout the election.
For people with consular appointments or travel plans, the practical step is to check the relevant mission’s latest notice. Brazil’s election is proceeding on Sunday; the service suspensions do not amount to a suspension of US or Australian diplomatic relations with Brazil.
