Any recent experiences getting visa?
Dec 15, 2012 | 10:16 pm
#46
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 127
I can't believe Art Vandelay replied to my post... Art Vandelay!!
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.
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.
Dec 16, 2012 | 8:54 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: ALB
Posts: 31
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.
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.
Dec 16, 2012 | 1:30 pm
#48
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 127
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'll be sure to ask the consulate about registering with the police. I'll be there for only 5 days.
Dec 20, 2012 | 8:15 pm
#49
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM, Ex-TX/ CA
Programs: Ex CO/ UA Gold, Hotels.. TBD
Posts: 734
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.
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.
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?
Dec 20, 2012 | 8:49 pm
#50
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 127
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
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
Dec 20, 2012 | 9:23 pm
#51
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
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.
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.
Dec 23, 2012 | 12:10 pm
#53
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 127
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.
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.
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!!
)
Dec 23, 2012 | 12:42 pm
#54
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP and others
Posts: 4,749
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'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!!
)
Jan 5, 2013 | 6:45 pm
#55
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 543
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.
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.
Jan 5, 2013 | 9:33 pm
#56
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 127
That seems like quite the first date.
(Back to our regularly scheduled topic!!)