Visa Reciprocity

Justin's student visa has been stuck in consular limbo for many weeks.  It has been very frustrating not knowing what was happening.  It is now down to the wire.  We leave in a mere 48 hours and still - no visa.

Brazil has a reciprocity program concerning visas. Whatever the other country requires of Brazilian citizens, they in turn require it. For example, persons with British citizenship are not required to get a visa to travel to Brazil because Brazilians do not need a visa to travel to the UK. I support this program, although it has made life very difficult of late.  It makes me very empathetic for Brazilians trying to apply for a visa to visit the U.S.  Here is a list of just some of the supporting documentation that is deemed necessary to visit Brazil.

• Proof of Criminal Record (or lack their of)
• Proof of Health Insurance valid in Brazil
• Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination
• Proof of Income and Financial Support

This is just the short list.  They can request whatever supporting documents that they want, which can make the process very sticky.

Justin's visa has been processed now - and should be in the mail. Cross your fingers that it arrives today!