Two weeks ago I got an opportunity to do some consulting business for a new client in Brazil. I had 2 weeks to get a visa, so I contacted TRAVISA to smooth the way for me. After explaining exactly why I was going, they said it would be no problem and requested that I send them my passport, application forms, etc. I FEDEXed all the info they requested along with the extra payment for RUSH service.

At the end of the first week they contacted me requesting additional information required by the embassy, which I quickly provided. Now it is Thursday of the second week and I was just informed that my visa was denied, and too late to get one before my travel date. I asked why, since I complied with every request. Their reply was that "we" requested the wrong type of visa.

I admit, I don't know anything about Brazilian visa types, which is why I engaged the services of TRAVISA to begin with. They offered no solutions, but essentially said "better luck next time."

I am now out an actual approx. $10,000 in fees plus who knows how much potential future business. Oh yeah, my non-refundable plane tickets too.

I would have expected that TRAVISA would know the type of visa to apply for given my explanation of the nature of the business. They are refusing to accept responsibility for their administrative mistake that cost me real income.

Do I have any recourse, or is my only option to badmouth them to my grave?

i've sent my 2nd tourist visa app to travisa...the 1st 1 was during the holiday season 12/03 for a mocambique visa for feb [yes i dillydallied, could have sent it in earlier] but needed it due to 3 european trips [mrs] in jan...sweated it out & got pp back the day before 1st mr....

but, on topic...i hope that there is a typo in your post, for $10k in fees to recover, an attorney would be in order....i have encountered less than friendly people in immigration in brazil at iguasu, but smooth sailing at manaus....good luck on your recovery...sorry i can't comment on business visas....however, i have been lead to believe that reciprocity w/usa is a factor in their attitudes.

While this doesn't excuse the Travisa service, I am confused about something. If you are in Maryland, why did you use those guys at all? Why not just go to DC and get the visa yourself?

Why not just go to the embassy now and re-apply?

I probably wasn't clear--the fee is for my services in Brazil, not for processing the visa. Sorry for any confusion.

As for walking it through, I contacted the embassy and they indicated that it would be impossible for me to get it the same day (Friday). If I submitted it Friday, they could not promise it back any earlier than Tuesday.

If I knew it was going to be such an ordeal, I would have taken the time to do it myself. I could have done the research, determined the requirements, etc. I thought that I was employing a professional services firm who could do all this for me. Well, live and learn.

boltor...i'm sorry that your deal didn't go thru, but "work permits" seem to be hard to come by...i did some work in amsterdam & paris in 1979, but my company paved the way, because we were working w/ a partner co. in holland.....i also worked in cameroon in 1983 but under a usaid grant....i also made some sales calls in canada w/marketing types where i was told to put "conference" was the reason for the visit. there are other instances of problems w/international work with which i'm familiar. i don't think travisa, w/ a $45 fee [for processing paper work for tourist visa] should be expected to be a consultant for work permits...however, because they said, in effect, "no sweat", when you talked to them, i believe you have a legimate complaint...good luck

Definitely talk to your lawyer about this.

I would say this is half your fault, half your potential customers. If you were trying to get a business visa for brazil, the process could take upwards of 2 months. You should have done a little research first.

These "express visa" places are rip-offs for people who aren't inclined, or able to do a little research first. 10 minutes in google and you would have all the info you needed. Paying someone do drop it off, when you can just mail/FedEx it in yourself seems a little silly to me.

I'm being a little harsh here, but if you plan on doing business in Brazil, there's a lot to learn. Your "2 weeks notice work visa" problem is nothing compared to the obsticles you're going to encounter.

In a pinch, and I'll go on record that I'm not advocating this, but...

You can get a tourist visa "next day". The only money you'll be out is the fee for the visa ($100) and the change fee for your tix. With the tourist visa you drop off your paperwork one day and pick up the visa the next.

Flipside