Consulate General of Brazil

I went this morning to apply for a visa to visit Brazil. I read so many negative reviews about this place so I came expecting the worst which actually it turned out well.
We arrived at 9:55am and was given number 15. The embassy visa section only opens Mon-​Fri from 10am to noon. (though I heard they stopped accepting people at 1145am). Considering I came in few minutes before they open, it was already 11:30am when I finished. So be prepared to wait and they don’t take appointments!
If you’re given a number, they are going to process you regardless if its past noon. When I left at 11:30am, the room was packed so I can only imagine what time those people will be out of there. So please, come early before they even open! We were able to park on the street (metered) but spaces are limited. They do have valet parking available for a fee. Rest room is available next door (at the passport section) as well as copy machine for 25 cents a page. The embassy is located across from a Metrorail station if you’re coming from downtown or the airport.
I can’t stress this enough… Make sure you have everything ready or you will lose your place in line and must wait for your turn again and that is if they’re still giving out numbers. For example, make sure you bought your money order at a USPS location. They will not accept any other money order and definitely no personal check, no credit card and no cash! My visa costs $ 20 since I have Indonesian passport but I know if you have American passport it’s $ 160. Yikes! (reciprocity fee)
Follow the step by step instructions closely on their website. For examples: They need you to type up a letter addressed to the Consulate with reason why you want to visit Brazil including every details of your visit. (Where you’re staying, their info, flights and times info, what are you visiting, etc) and don’t forget to sign it. Bring the itinerary (flights and lodging info) with you. Also, bring bank statements or copy of paychecks for the past 3 months. A 2×2 passport photo with white background. Your passport must have 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months. I brought my greencard with me to show them and also made a copy of my passport for safekeeping.
If you read the instructions on website, you’ll see that you must upload the documents to their system called SCEDV in advance of your appointment. When I did mine, I uploaded my itinerary and then I clicked Print Receipt and given Application Number. You need to show this receipt at the embassy, with your passport photo glued on it. I was unable to upload the rest of the documents online for some reason and I mentioned this to the staff at the embassy. He said that’s fine as long as I have the original there with me. So even though you uploaded the documents online, make sure you bring the originals with you because they still need to see them.
In the end, I was given the option to leave a Self Addressed Stamped Return Express Mail (not priority) and they’ll mail the passport back when it’s ready. I told them I would pick it up in person and was given a pick-​up date 3 ½ weeks later. (Or 17 business days) So if you’re in a time-​crunch, make sure you apply for visa right at the 2-​months mark prior to your trip since they won’t accept anything more than 2 months. Oh yeah, pick-​up times are Monday-​Friday from 2pm-​3pm.
Ok, I read that people are complaining that the staff are rude. I noticed that their complaints are usually followed by admittance that they did something wrong. For example, the security guard won’t let me in because I showed up late. There was one instance where she arrived at 11:50 and still not allowed in. Well, considering I showed up there before 10 and left at 11:30, I see why they stop accepting people so that they can go home ontime lol. So yeah, come early!
The security guard though firm and sarcastic at times, he was actually nice and willing to answer few questions you may have. And the embassy staff who processed my application did not smile but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t nice. Actually, he was patience with me throughout while I asked him numerous questions about the visa process. I think he even cracked a smile in the end so no complaint there. Like another reviewer said, it’s all on how you present yourself. Try to be nice to everyone you meet because you don’t know what burden that person has at the moment.
Enjoy Brazil!

As promise, since I gave the consulate a US POSTAL envelope for my passport, it was mailed back to me. My Brazilian visa was laminated on my passport. I was told I would receive my passport on the Nov. 12, I received it on the 16^th. That’s fine, since it’s approved. Honestly, if you follow the steps on the Brazilian consulate’s website, you will not have any problems. The hardest part of the process, is driving to the location and finding parking.

I came here to inquire about a visa to visit Brazil. Unfortunately it was closed and I stumbled into the other side. But it was very easy to get to and there was plenty of street parking and even valet parking. There was a person at the front dedicated to guiding people in the right directions as they came in.