Entering Brazil while waiting for VITEM XI visa from consulate

@doctorscoop I left Brazil to get my FBI Background Check fingerprinting in Miami. When I tried to return to Brazil I was stopped at customs with only two days left on my Visa to apply for Permanent Residency Visa by Spouse.

They would not let me in to Brazil and with all the possible documents with me and assistance from my Brazilian Wife by phone in Ceara it still took almost two hours and probably some decision making from a higher-ranking official in Brazil.

I would simply say be prepared to be stopped and returned to the USA (This was in Sao Paulo on my return).

Roddie in Retirement

There is a procedure for returning to Brazil with a expired CRNM, but ONLY IF you currently have an open protocol for renewal. In this case, you applied for a VISA, but that VISA has not been approved. That being the case, you have no legal justification to enter Brasil. If you must return, then I would recommend that you get an electronic tourist visa since the turn around time for that is a week or so. The bottom line is you need the VISA in hand, if you don't have it, you won't be allowed on the plane.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are in the US and you have a US passport, you don't need a VISA to enter Brazil until October 1st. So, I'm not sure why you're saying you don't have enough time to get your VISA.

06/27/23 Im currently waiting to receive my VITEM XI visa from the consulate here in the US. However, I have a trip planned to visit coming up very soon and will not get my passport back as I’m still waiting on acceptance. I received a second passport in preparation for that
-@doctorscoop

Do you mean that you're a dual citizen and will be traveling on your "other" passport?   If that's the case, you shouldn't have much trouble entering or leaving Brazil, although you'll probably have considerable trouble re-entering the US.

If you mean that you convinced the State Department to issue you a second US passport while you still have a valid one, how did you manage it, without reporting your passport as lost, which probably would have resulted in its being canceled?

Apologies for the confusion. This is the first time I am applying for the family reunion visa. I just want to make sure it won’t be an issue with entering the country to come for a visit while I’m waiting for my visa. I am aware a visa is not necessary until October 1st and will be visiting in July.

My lawyer did get back to me finally and did say I shouldn’t have a problem entering while I’m waiting for my family reunion visa. Thank you for the help though.

@abthree In the US you are allowed to apply for a second passport if you have immediate travel and your initial passport is sent away for a foreign visa. There’s also a couple other reasons you can get it as well.

06/27/23 @abthree In the US you are allowed to apply for a second passport if you have immediate travel and your initial passport is sent away for a foreign visa. There’s also a couple other reasons you can get it as well.
-@doctorscoop

Good to know - thanks.

In that case, you should have no trouble as long as you haven't exceeded your  180 day limit during the past 365 days.  Boa viagem!

What if you are entering Brazil late September and returning after 10/1/2023 on just a U.S. passport?

respectfully,

hocytek

@hocytek from what I have read as long as you are entering before October 1 it should not be an issue

What about returning back after 10/1/2022---- on just a passport? Apologies. I just need to be 100% clear on the protocol on returning back to the U.S. post 10/1/2023. I sent an e-mail to the Brazillian consulate of Chicago directly to demonstrate due dilengence on my part. I hope to recieve an e-mail shortly.

hocytek

@hocytek I checked Boston’s consulate (the one located near me). It said as long as you enter prior you do not need a visa even if you are leaving after.

Here is the link with the announcement:

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado- … nformation

hope this helps!

Do you mean returning to the US after 10/1/2023?

@mikehunter On paper YES, in reality I was very, very, very uncomfortably close to not coming back with my US Passport. It took almost 2hours of begging etc. I would love to go back to the U.S. in September to get my stuff out of storage, but I am NOT leaving Brazil until my Permanent Visa by Spouse is well on its way..

Roddie in Retirement

PS. The Passport Police where all bigger than me so I was afraid to throw the rule book at them.

@hocytek3 yep! If you are returning to the US after October 1 you should be fine as long as you entered Brazil before October 1 (according to the Boston consulate)

@hocytek3

Just called Consulate of Brazil. I will be ok. I can return on a U.S. passport after 10/1/2023 considering I am US citizen.

Thanks for everything .

hocytek.

@roddiesho Well, I'm not familiar with the process for obtaining spousal residency.  But you're getting a CRNM based upon being married, correct?  I left Brazil with an expired CRNM, but with the letter from MigranteWeb2 which documented I have an open process.  When I left Brazil, I specifically asked the PF officer if this letter could be used to re-enter Brazil with an expired CRNM.  She confirmed that the PF is well acquainted with that form (which also has barcode validations, etc). 

I'm not sure why you don't have your US Passport.  Yes, that is definitely required for international travel.

@mikehunter I was on the verge of the process, which is why I had all my documents since I originally planned on getting an appointment when I touched down in Fortaleza. Of course I had my US. Passport as well as my FBI Background Check, Fingerprints, Translated Marriage Certificates etc. At the time I was confronted I only had two days left on my Visa to start the process. Customs police did not think that was enough time and I was stopped.

P.S. Just to confirm. I am recounting what DID happen not what SHOULD happen according to the rule books. As the Boy Scouts say....

BE PREPARED!

Roddie in Retirement

@mikehunter

"Another thing to keep in mind, if you are in the US and you have a US passport, you don't need a VISA to enter Brazil until October 1st. So, I'm not sure why you're saying you don't have enough time to get your VISA."

The Really Big Agent with the bulging muscles at Sao Paulo Customs said that not me.