Thread: Visa for Brazil

Originally Posted by scotfitz

Just a little clarification... The visa is good for 5 years, but the first use must be within 90 day of issue. We had to mail our passports and application to the MIA office. I also send a copy of my wife's ID and printed listing. We had no problems and no question asked. Also, they would not accept via regular mail , we HAD to send it to them USPS Next Day / Second Day or FedEx. For the return of the passports they only required a SASE, but I spend a few extra $$ and enclosed a prepaid USPS Next Day envelope.

Scottfitz--I don't know when you applied but as of today, I disagree--Brasil is still not giving out 5 yr visas the way they used to. I have very accurate information from a high source in DC ( and I just asked about it for next year) and it just isn't the norm for the casual traveler. 3 yrs ago, I submitted a letter (I went back to my visa files and the letter response from the BC was that they would grant 5 yr visas in only exceptional cases now) When I called today, they absolutely stood by the 90 day and their policy of rare exception for a 5 yr. I still have my visa and it was never good for 5 years.
Perhaps you have extenuating circumstances, but it not the norm and advising a nonrev otherwise [without written verification from the consulate] might be a poor idea.