Originally Posted by
GUWonder
That is not odd -- out of DC, Brazilian officials usually issue 5 year tourist visas (which must be used within 90 days if they are to be valid).
It may well be out of DC but it worth reiterating that it may not be usual at other consulates as discussed in this thread.
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=602280
As I posted there it's still a hit and miss YMMV situation but the general consensus is that it doesn't do any harm to turn up alone and dressed fairly respectably as opposed to in a group wearing shorts giving each other high fives and loudly proclaiming how much booty you're going to tap whilst in Brasil.