Brazil - Any recent experiences getting visa?

Has anyone (US citizen) gotten a Brazilian tourist visa recently?

The visa service I've used in the past says there's a 13-day ('working' days) minimum and that it's frequently taking longer. There's also apparently no expedited option and if I tried to go directly to an embassy, I'd have to schedule an interview (not feasible).

They quote a similar minimum processing time here in Australia... and again - no expedited service offered.

I suspect their policies might be worldwide.

The good thing.. if I am reading it right... is that one can apply well in advance of travel... it doesn't have to be within 2 months (or whatever) like some countries require.

I know of people who used http://www.passportvisasexpress.com and were satisfied with their service. You can drop them a line and see how long it would take and how much it would cost. Good luck!

I went to the Brazilian Consulate (in Miami) last Thursday and my visa is suppose to be done in 5 working days.

I just picked up my visa at the NYC consulate yesterday. I dropped it off on the 17th and was told to pick it up on the 28th. So much for 5 days but luckily it wasn't a big seal for me. In NYC visa application drop off time is 10am-12pm you are given a receipt with the date to pick up the visa. Pick up times 230pm-4pm. I got there at 220pm and there were 40+ people ahead of me. Took about 20 minutes to get my passport. Note: make sure to have your receipt with you as they will not give you your passport back without it on the same day. They turned two people away telling them they needed to come back in a week.

I dropped mine off on a Monday at the consulate (in Chicago) and was told it would be available on Friday. Actually picked it up the next week. This was last month.

There was no "appointment", but I had to fill out the form on line first and get a form with a bar code. Be sure to follow the instructions to the letter. More than half of the people there were being turned away because some piece of paper or the payment wasn't right.

The good thing.. if I am reading it right... is that one can apply well in advance of travel... it doesn't have to be within 2 months (or whatever) like some countries require.

Unless things have changed very recently, you must enter Brazil within 90 days of the issue date of your visa. If not, you'll need another one.

Unless things have changed very recently, you must enter Brazil within 90 days of the issue date of your visa. If not, you'll need another one.

They gave me a 90 day tourist visa, while they gave my wife a 10 year
tourist visa.
But you can't be sure what you'll get in advance.

My wife and I both received 10 year visas last week.

Just received my 10 year visa today, processed thru New York in about a week.

Apparently the 90-day "rule" is no longer in effect. Scroll down to #20 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1358425

just as an update on the other side of the game, last Friday I went to the US consulate in SP to get a tourist visa. The appointment had been scheduled 3 months ago (no sooner date was available) and it took me 4 hours to complete the process. Really long lines, but generally speaking it was fairly organized. It has cost almost 300 BRL - approx. 190 USD and the passport will be mailed back to me in 6-10 working days time.

As far as I know, all BR/US visas are now valid for 10 years.

I'm lucky to live in DC and have the world's embassies at my doorstep. I just also recently procured my Brazilian visa from their consulate which has become a difficult process.

First you have to complete the online application and then submit two individually signed forms with 2 photos. Bring 2 copies of your driver's license, your itinerary, and a USPS money order (no exceptions!). When you drop it off, they tell you that it's going to be around a 10 business day turnaround. The good thing is that you can follow your application's progress online. Make sure to check your status daily.

For me, fortunately, it took 4 days. However, when I went to retrieve my passport (make sure you bring the 2nd stamped visa form that's your receipt with you!!!), they told me it wasn't ready. I had to badger them into looking before they finally fetched it for me. You'll probably get the standard 10 year multi-entry one (I assume they give that to everyone).

In a panic mode here, but my own fault. I had a valid visa for travel to Brazil, but it was in a different passport (federal employee) that I no longer possess because I retired.

Now I'm asked to fly to Brazil on Saturday the 10th, and someone at Provisa said that if I fedex my materials to them today, they can have my visa/passport returned to me by Thursday the 8th.

Has anyone gotten their visa that quickly? Part of the problem is that you need to have a ticket purchased in order to apply for the visa......

In a panic mode here, but my own fault. I had a valid visa for travel to Brazil, but it was in a different passport (federal employee) that I no longer possess because I retired.

Now I'm asked to fly to Brazil on Saturday the 10th, and someone at Provisa said that if I fedex my materials to them today, they can have my visa/passport returned to me by Thursday the 8th.

Has anyone gotten their visa that quickly? Part of the problem is that you need to have a ticket purchased in order to apply for the visa......
Mine came in a week door-to-door ( went thru NY consulate, using a service ) so it sounds like it is possible.

I'll post again here, with success or failure! and total price--yow.

So, I did receive the visa, from Provisa's NYC office, on Saturday afternoon before my flight Sunday morning. I must say, I wasn't too impressed with them, it did work out in the end, but, if my flight had been on Saturday, which I had originally intended, and which they said would not be a problem, I would have been S-O-L. Throughout the week, they were pretty non-responsive, and when I did reach them, nonchalant. The total bill for this was upwards of $650.

ouch

Applied at Los Angeles Brazilian consulate yesterday. Followed the instructions on the web site to a "T" in completing the application.

The clerk there asked for our travel itinerary first and kept it along with the application and our passports.

We have another appointment one week later to pick things up.

Total cost - $140 each, payable only in USPS money order.

My wife and I need Brazil visas for a cruise starting in Rio---cruise line uses a firm (CIBT) that wanted 25 business days ---and no expedited service available. I went to itseasybrazil.com and they had several levels of service---I used the 6-8 day service.

My wife is from Brazil. The last time I needed to renew my visa, I had my brother (college student with nothing better to do) drive from Dallas to the office in Houston to renew it. Took him about an hour to do it for me. Make sure you ask for a 5 year visa. It is the same cost as the 6 month one they give you by default.

Wait... what? You need get visa BEFORE traveling to Brazil as a US citizen? This isn't good... I'm supposed to go there next Thurs... Please tell me I'm missing something here. Maybe only for business purposes?

Wait... what? You need get visa BEFORE traveling to Brazil as a US citizen? This isn't good... I'm supposed to go there next Thurs... Please tell me I'm missing something here. Maybe only for business purposes?

Visas are required for ALL visitors to Brazil traveling on a U.S. passport. The visa cannot be issued on arrival in Brazil; it must be obtained in advance.

holy crap, I'm in a scram mode now... Only good news is that their consulate is within walking distance from me and I'm in between jobs so I'll be running there first thing tomorrow morning. I can't believe I totally missed this.

I just got my visa. I was cutting it kinda of close. Just booked the trip on sunday. Fedex'd everything to a agency in Houston on monday and I just received the return fedex number. I will have it back tomorrow ( as long as there isn't any fedex problems).

I just got my visa. I was cutting it kinda of close. Just booked the trip on sunday. Fedex'd everything to a agency in Houston on monday and I just received the return fedex number. I will have it back tomorrow ( as long as there isn't any fedex problems).

Wow, that's giving me hope. Thanks for that data point. I'm gonna wake up tomorrow, take passport photos, then running straight to the DC consulate!

Well, this is just getting worse. So my travel buddy's passport is expiring in one month and we just read this in the required docs: "A passport valid for at least 6 months prior to its expiration date, and with at least one blank page available for the visa stamp"

I assume this a HARD requirement? If so, we have no way of getting the visa in time...

Wait... what? You need get visa BEFORE traveling to Brazil as a US citizen? This isn't good... I'm supposed to go there next Thurs... Please tell me I'm missing something here. Maybe only for business purposes?

It's called reciprocity. Don't like it? Contact your congress rep and tell them so.

Well, this is just getting worse. So my travel buddy's passport is expiring in one month and we just read this in the required docs: "A passport valid for at least 6 months prior to its expiration date, and with at least one blank page available for the visa stamp"

I assume this a HARD requirement? If so, we have no way of getting the visa in time...

Yes, unfortunately. They do not waiver on this. Note that a valid visa in an expired passport is OK, so MAYBE if you tell them that he's getting a new passport ASAP they'll issue the visa in his current passport and he'll just need to carry both. IME a person holding a passport valid for less than 6 months will be denied entry at the border, even with a valid visa.

Has anyone gotten a BR visa from the SF consulate recently?

I cancelled a trip last fall because the SF office had done some kind of software upgrade that went badly. There was a huge backlog. According to their website, confirmed by the visa facilitator I usually use, because I live on the west coast, I have to use that consulate (which seems to have a particularly bad track record generally, compounded by the bad software upgrade).

I am thoroughly disgusted. I sent my passport to a travel document service in D.C. the middle of last November. I still don't have it back. I am being told it is a particularly busy time and the visas are being processed by Brazil not in the order they are received but by the date of the trip. Fortunately, I still have some time yet and am trying to remain optomistic although I have this absolutely helpless feeling. :(

This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...

Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.

Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.

I'm a US passport holder living in the Netherlands and actually got my Brazil visa (in 2009) from the Brazilian consulate in Brussels, Belgium. It was fairly painless (except for the having to walk to the post office to pay the fee bit) and took somewhere around a week IIRC.

This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...

Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.

Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.

I second this but there is a potential downside.

First my experience. In the US, for some reason, it takes 1-2 weeks minimum to get a visa. Given that I typically used a "facilitator", maybe they add a couple days to the processing time. I'm just too darn far away to go to the consulate directly. I've received visa from the consulate in HK and Singapore pretty much "on the spot".

Now the downside. In both those cases (HKG and SIN), I've been asked to "show cause" why they should process my visa application instead of sending it back to the US consulate. I was able to demonstrate that I was there for a legitimate work reason and they accepted it.

I droped my passport and papers the other day at the consulate in NY.
when i checked the status on-line, all is in red from left to right( pick-up).

The status is ready to collect.


I do not know what that means.Visa was rejected and i can pick up my passport?:confused:

This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...

Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.

Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option.

Wow, I wish I had seen this a couple of months ago! Excellent idea.

I second this but there is a potential downside.

First my experience. In the US, for some reason, it takes 1-2 weeks minimum to get a visa. Given that I typically used a "facilitator", maybe they add a couple days to the processing time. I'm just too darn far away to go to the consulate directly. I've received visa from the consulate in HK and Singapore pretty much "on the spot".

Now the downside. In both those cases (HKG and SIN), I've been asked to "show cause" why they should process my visa application instead of sending it back to the US consulate. I was able to demonstrate that I was there for a legitimate work reason and they accepted it.

Good point. An additional proviso.

A drawback of getting a visa elsewhere is that they might not issue the 10-year visa, as was the case for me in Lisbon last year.

That is quite common. For example, you can get a visa in Puerto Iguazu with a very short turn around time, but it is usually for only 30 days. Same fee as the 10 year multi-entry visa issued by the Brazilian Consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. So it really depends on your plans for visiting Brazil.
Some Brazilian Consulates in the U.S. are really not a problem, Boston for one example.

A drawback of getting a visa elsewhere is that they might not issue the 10-year visa,

That is also a drawback of being Australian

At least you're not from Spain, hmmm.

I've been waiting on my technical visa for about 3 months now. We had to postpone the trip twice already. I haven't even had my consulate interview yet. :(

Technical visa? Out of curiosity, which?

Temporary Visa I - Cultural Visa - The purpose of the trip is to:
as a scientist, professor or researcher, participating in scientific or technological studies;
or
Temporary Visa V - for the purpose of:
to render technical assistance;
as a scientist, professor, teacher, technician, or a traveler holding an employment contract with a Brazilian organization or corporation;

The latter is essentially a work visa, and documents are carefully scrutinized, which takes time and some Brazilian patience. Best wishes for a great experience in Brazil once it comes through.

Correct, VNP.

The technical visa does indeed require a large amount of supporting documentation, including a mandatory letter or introduction from the hosting university, agency, or corporation in Brasil. Note that it is not a Business Visa, and there are certain circumstances in which additional information (a local or EU Police report ) is required.

If one has and submits all required documents, then the process is normally expedited to facilitate your flight and arrival schedule. " To the head of the line or queue, " so to speak.

No Tourist Visa ever required (reciprocity), but I was required to obtain a Residente Permanente when I purchased property. All well worth the time, and effort.

Brasil is obviously an attractive country for business at the moment. Be patient, accommodating, and above all, friendly.

Technical visa? Out of curiosity, which?


The Temp Visa V. We are going down to train service dealers on equipment; a five day trip. I went through our HR dept to apply for the visa; sad mistake. We should have just lied to them and told them we were going down for meetings and get a business visa. Once they found out what our purpose was, it changed everything.

And who knew HR-types had scruples. They wouldn't change the application type to accommodate our schedule. :p

We had to provide a letter from our host stating why we are needed to provide the training. We also had to provide documents showing that we are qualified to train Brazilian workers; college degrees, certificates showing we are qualified trainers on the equipment, etc.

I have to take a copy of my police record to the interview. My co-worker is japanese, so he had to get a background check from the FBI. The funny thing is, his application is going through faster than mine.:rolleyes:

If one has and submits all required documents, then the process is normally expedited to facilitate your flight and arrival schedule. " To the head of the line or queue, " so to speak.


I wish. No one asked us what our schedule was... Well, no one from the Brazilian Labor Ministry, that is. :(

Technical Visa V (Vitem) is complicated and a pain to process. From the US, requires a background check to prove to the government of Brazil that you are "not a criminal". For the NY consulate they require an FBI background check. To get the FBI check, you need your fingerprints and form filled out, sent to West Virginia, and wait 4-8 weeks for the results.
Some other consulates (Boston, Chicago) may only require a State or County Police background check to be done.
Once you obtain the Technical Visa, be aware that you have to register with the Federal Police in Brazil within 30 days of arrival in country. Even if your visit is 2 weeks or so, you still need to register if you want to come back into Brazil in the future. Plan on half a day and probably a local lawyer to help you through the registration, where they'll take your fingerprints again.
Again, Technical Visa only...Tourist or Business Visa isn't nearly as complicated.

I can't believe Art Vandelay replied to my post... Art Vandelay!!


http://forum.wwu.edu/sites/forum.wwu.edu/files/pictures/picture-13444.jpg

My application was approved and I went to the consulate in Houston this week. I didn't get the visa because the criminal record check didn't have the correct type of stamp on it. They want an embossed (raised letter) stamp and the Sheriff's Office used a rubber stamp.

Funny, because when the clerk stamped it, I questioned whether it would be adequate enough. He assured me it would and that they do it all the time. :(

No worries. I go back next week with the correct stamp and I do not need an appointment. Just show up at 11am and they will issue the visa on the spot. I live in Austin, so will take the family and make a day of it. :)

I'm always looking for a good latex man :)

It took me three trips to NYC to get it all done. Sounds like you're taking it in stride as you will need to do whenever dealing with the Brazilian government.

Just make sure when you get down there that you get the Federal Police appointment. After it's complete they told me the piece of paper they give you can be used for internal ID instead of your passport, but I'm paranoid enough to keep mine with me all the time.

Thanks again, Art. yeah, taking it in stride. We've bumped this trip out several times to accommodate the visa process. Our associates down there have been very understanding.

I'll be sure to ask the consulate about registering with the police. I'll be there for only 5 days.

I'm always looking for a good latex man :)

It took me three trips to NYC to get it all done. Sounds like you're taking it in stride as you will need to do whenever dealing with the Brazilian government.

Just make sure when you get down there that you get the Federal Police appointment. After it's complete they told me the piece of paper they give you can be used for internal ID instead of your passport, but I'm paranoid enough to keep mine with me all the time.

I am experiencing the round trips :) PS: Do they take the passport? OR verify and give you back an additional Paper ID you can carry since you are there for a longer trip?

Good news, got my visa today. So, it turns out the stamp was good after all. Don't know what the girl was thinking or why she denied the visa the first time. Frustrating and a big waste of money to have to come back. But, brought the family this time and made a day of it.

I was told to register with the federal police and, in fact, was given a form to take to them... Whether I'm there for 90 days or 5 minutes.

For Xlmsoa, i went to the Houston consulate and they will give you the visa on the spot, if Regina doesn't send you back for a different stamp :mad:

Jolly Good !!!

Glad to hear the good news.

Having dealt with the FP on various projects, I would strongly suggest you go there straightaway. They will be notified when you enter the country, so don't delay.

Above all, do not wear shorts, as it is considered disrespectful.

And you won't need the furry Ushanka in the Summer.

Nevermind, I saw your post.

Jolly Good !!!

Glad to hear the good news.

Having dealt with the FP on various projects, I would strongly suggest you go there straightaway. They will be notified when you enter the country, so don't delay.

Above all, do not wear shorts, as it is considered disrespectful.

And you won't need the furry Ushanka in the Summer.Great advice, Swiss. I'll do that. (Both long pants and immediate appointment!!) In fact, sending an email to our host to see if she can set an appointment for us.

I'm very excited to be going to Brazil. My wife is less than excited that I'm going to Brazil (She's from Colombia, guess there's some intracontinental competition!! :) )

Great advice, Swiss. I'll do that. (Both long pants and immediate appointment!!) In fact, sending an email to our host to see if she can set an appointment for us.

I'm very excited to be going to Brazil. My wife is less than excited that I'm going to Brazil (She's from Colombia, guess there's some intracontinental competition!! :) )

I can understand her point of view. The first date I had with Mrs jbc was when she accepted my invitation to go with me to Cartagena. Since we're both now Brazilians (I'm naturalized) admiration for the beauty of Colombia seems less competitive than it is realistic.

If you are not lucky enough to live close to a Brazilian Consulate to get your visa in person (Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.) you need to use a visa service and you must use the consulate according to the region in which you live (although I am not sure how strict they are in this. There are many visa services and they each charge a bit differently and processing times depend both the service and the consulate.

The Consulate fee for the visa is $180.
There are extra fees for rush services if the consulate even provides such a thing. Some (like San Francisco) offer no expedited service.

I looked into the following visa service companies and found the following surcharges on top of the Consulate fee:

cibtvisas.com, $99 8 days or more, $105 rush 4-7 days
visacentral.com, $69 8 days or more, $118 rush 4-7 days
brazil.visahq.com, $110 30 days
brazilvisas.abriggs.com, $55 non-rush, $135 rush
brazil.visatobric.com, $52 4-7 days processing
traveldocs.com, $64, 7 days processing

Anyone have any experiences with these companies? I hate to send my passport and have it missing for months. I have many visas to get as I am planning a RTW trip.

I can understand her point of view. The first date I had with Mrs jbc was when she accepted my invitation to go with me to Cartagena. Since we're both now Brazilians (I'm naturalized) admiration for the beauty of Colombia seems less competitive than it is realistic.

I'm sorry I missed this earlier...

That seems like quite the first date. :)

(Back to our regularly scheduled topic!!)

The Consulate fee for the visa is $180.


Note:
The fee for a Brazilian visa is actually U$160 currently + U$20 for having someone else present the paperwork at the Consulate.