Q's for successful visa application

Hi wkeith,

Depending on your citizenship, which I assume is American given your current location the process is a mere formality. It is technically a reciprocity visa because the United States requires visas from Brazilian citizens. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I know of no US citizen ever denied a tourist visa to Brazil. You will most likely get a multiple entry visa valid for 10 years although the decision is entirely up to the consulate. The process is in my opinion just to collect the money. The process of Brazilian citizen applying for a US visa is far more difficult and cumbersome.

Locate the consulate applicable to you here:
http://washington.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/

You MUST apply for the visa in the jurisdiction of a the Brazilian consulate that serves your state. I.e. You can not apply for the visa at the Consulate of Brazil in Chicago.

I always applied for visas on my own in lieu of utilizing a third party. Russian and Chinese visas I did use a 3rd party.

When I applied for my tourist visa I just printed out a hotel reservation (which I later cancelled) and included it with my application. They want proof of return too (train/airline/bus ticket).

Regards,




Matt V. - Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Visit my Personal Blog - brazilbs.blogspot.com

Thanks a lot Matt, for the rapid and informative reply.  I feel more confident about going forward with my plans now!

Keith W.
Tucson, AZ.

Hi Keith,

No problem. I hope you have an enjoyable trip.

I want to mention one thing. I do not know how long you plan on being in Brazil but the past few times I have entered they only mark my passport valid for a 90 day stay (written of the DPF police stamp in the airport). There are times they never stamped it all too which is technically them just being lazy. If you intend on being in Brazil longer than 90 consecutive days you will need to request an extension at the Federal Police closest to your location. I live in the state of the Amazonas and there are only two Federal Police stations that provide this service - Manaus (capital/large city) and Tabatinga (border of Colombia and Peru). Just take this into consideration wherever you may be if you plan on staying over 90 days.

Regards,




Matt V. - Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Visit my Personal Blog - brazilbs.blogspot.com

Hi wkeith,

Matt is right. Applying for a VITUR Tourist Visa in the USA is pretty much pro forma, no big deal at all. Unless you happen to be on the FBI's most wanted list there's little chance your application will get kicked.

As Matt points out you must apply at the Consulado-Geral do Brasil in Los Angeles, CA which has jurisdiction over Arizona. You will need to show proof of your travel arrangements, especially return and address of hotel, hostel, friend, etc. in Brazil where you will be residing.

Don't bother with any kind of agent in order to apply for the visa, it's a waste of time and money. They won't do anything that you can't do by yourself anyway.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

The LA trip will be a good excuse to hop on the AMTRAK train, as I've been wanting to do - The station's a short walk away.  Thanks!  -- Keith W., Tucson

I'm not sure that you even need to go to the Consulado-Geral in person. You apply for the visa online and then follow their instructions.

Matt probably applied for his visa well after I did so he can probably give you more up-to-date info in that regard, but the online application is done here:

https://scedv.serpro.gov.br

Click on "Solicitar Visto" or "Visa Request" depending on what language you want the instructions.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Yeah, I've been to the Brazilian Consulate-LA website, and got the form.  They have a web page for signing up for in-person appointments, and the deal is you have to appear in person unless you do use a 3rd party service, for which the Consulate adds an additional $20 fee to the basic $160 fee, plus there's the 3rd party service's own fee ($69 for the one I checked into).

I posted my questions more because I was afraid there might be pitfalls which could cause my application to be denied, but you guys have given me reassurance by your replies.  Thanks again.

When I applied I did it in person. A good excuse to leave work early. But I do know that I could mail it in without the need for a 3rd Party. Things might have changed since late-2011. I just tried to verify but the Consulate web-site is down for Chicago. I will check back later and advise.






Matt V. - Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Visit my Personal Blog - brazilbs.blogspot.com

I double-checked on the in-person requirement.  That's definitely the case, at least for the L.A. consulate.  Maybe policies differ depending on the particular consulate.

These are cut-and-pastes from the site: "No visa applications will be accepted/processed by any kind of mail"
"You must schedule an appointment to apply for your visa at the Consulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles."

You do submit an online application, but then you bring a printed receipt from your application along with your other required documents to the appointment.  In fact (didn't note this til today), you're even required to come back in person to PICK UP your visa.  You have to really WANT IT if you want to see Brazil!

Have a Bom Dia!  --- Keith W

On the Brazil Visa topic.  I'm filing for a Brazilian Visa in New York City. I'm retired. What do I fill in on the application for employer name?

You can just write "RETIRED" in the blank space. I presume you're talking about a VITUR Tourist Visa application, right?

Cheers,
William James Woodward, EB Experts Team

Yes it is a  VITUR Tourist Visa application.
Thanks for the information