Brazil Visa.. well THAT wasn't so hard!

[trooper]

When looking at the requirements for a Brazilian Visa application I got the impression they were actively trying to discourage folks from visiting...

Still... I got together the required docs.. and toddled off to Yarralumla.

The guy on the front desk at the Embassy could NOT have been friendlier or more helpful.

That was Tuesday arvo. Tuesday THIS week.

The website says a processing time of "20 working days".. "no expedited service possible" "no calls asking about visa progress will be accepted" etc etc

Got a call today saying passport /visa was ready to pick up......:mrgreen::shock:

 

[thewinchester]

While I've not yet enjoyed the merry-go-around that is getting visas for countries, even I'd agree as a former public servant that a two day turnaround for a visa is unbelievably fantastic.

 

[adrian]

Did you appreciate having to provide your bank statement? I didn't....

 

[casanovawa]

I don't recall having to provide any bank details but when i sent my application off in April when i was leaving late may, they seem to take the full 20 days plus a few days either side for postage that they seemed to promise on their website...

In fact i had to call up and delay my flight from SYD to EZE because i was due to fly out the next day and my visa/passport hadn't arrived back (a few hours after i called and changed flights the express envelope turned up at the post office with my passport in it!!)... But yes, bit of a PITA having to get these things from Perth by sending off your passport (chance of it getting lost etc) and costing $75 from memory and then taking quite a while to get it back...

Living in Canberra the process would be a bit simpler...

 

[TonyHancock]

Got a call today saying passport /visa was ready to pick up......:mrgreen::shock:

Don't forget your yellow fever shots!!

 

[trooper]

No bank details required... and I'm pretty sure we are not required to get the Yellow Fever shots... but will check AGAIN following the good ol' belt AND braces approach... Thanks for the reminder!

 

[TonyHancock]

No bank details required... and I'm pretty sure we are not required to get the Yellow Fever shots... but will check AGAIN following the good ol' belt AND braces approach... Thanks for the reminder!

If you have visited Brazil in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.

Source - Travel Advice for Brazil - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

[trooper]

That's why I thought we could give it a miss... we are going through Brazil at the start of the trip.. returning to Oz several weeks later..

I must however check whether Avianca requires the certificate... as that same link suggests some airlines do..

Thanks again!

 

[TonyHancock]

That's why I thought we could give it a miss... we are going through Brazil at the start of the trip.. returning to Oz several weeks later..

I must however check whether Avianca requires the certificate... as that same link suggests some airlines do..

Thanks again!

I got caught out on the Yellow Fever shots. As dual national I used my UK passport to enter and leave Brazil (No Visa required) and didn't check the smart traveler site. It was no great hardship getting back into Australia just consumed more time than I would have liked.

 

[Timba-Jet]

I found the Sydney office surprisingly efficient when I got my Visa in Jan 10. I think they get very busy in the weeks before carnival.

Bank/credit card statement was needed as proof of sufficient funds.

For those wanting a freebie and also traveling to Buenos Aires, there was was a clinic offering free yellow fever shots at Puerto Madero

 

[wilco]

I had a similar experience in Barcelona. Submitted my documents including bank statement took about 4 hours (at the consulate) then had to return the next day to collect it, which also took about 4 hours. On arrival in Brazil, I was again asked to show my bank statement, which I no longer had, so was escorted to a cash point to withdraw funds so that they could see the balance in Reais. Luckily it showed the available balance as some times it doesn't. All this travelling in First class ex Miami. Couldn't believe the difficulty, but it was so worth it. Brazil is an amazing country and I trust you will enjoy it.