I just need to vent--trying to get a Brazilian visa has been a nightmare.

I've had 2 in the past (one expired as I didn't get there within the 6-month initial validity, and I got a 2d in a passport that I'd lost.

I contacted the assistant in our office that deals with them and was given the forms. By the time I got the photo taken care of, it was last Friday, and she was on vacation, so I assembled the letter, photos, application in duplicate (etc etc) and sent it to our visa service in Houston, Tx.

Monday: Call from visa service, saying application has changed and please fill out and fax new one.

Tuesday: Call from them saying revise your company letter of guarantee

Friday: Another call from them saying consulate still not happy, and tried to send me an email (had wrong address)...

I'm scheduled to leave Monday evening, and if worse comes to worse, could leave Tuesday even. and still make my meeting.

Visas are so frustrating...and the US and Brazil can't get them eliminated bilaterally. Everywhere else in S. America can deal with not having them.

Frustrating!!!