Originally Posted by
oklAAhoma
I was surprised to see how much the process has changed in just a little more than a year. Last February, the Houston Consulate refused to expedite visas and was quite reluctant to take in-person applications. Documents had to be submitted by mail or travel agent.
While helping a friend prepare for a trip in May, I learned that now all applications must be submitted in person or by an approved agent. Nothing by mail will be accepted.
Originally Posted by
mikew99
I have come to learn (the hard way, unfortunately) that
(1) Each consulate makes its own rules as to how, and from whom, it accepts visa applications; and
(2) these rules can change any time!
It's a good idea to check the rules at the consulate within your jurisdiction and allow plenty of time to work through the process.
Understatement of the century. The Internet is filled with horror stories about how difficult it is to get a tourist visa to Brazil. There are also a few stories (in this thread, for example) about it being a cinch.
Many people (myself included) would simply not have planned travel to Brazil had we known in advance how difficult it would be. I've gotten visas before and never had a hassle, so I didn't think to research in advance.