Several Brazilian diplomatic missions have posted holiday notices warning that consular and visa counters will be closed from Friday 13 February through Tuesday 17 February for Carnival, with limited emergency services only. The Embassy in San Salvador, for example, flagged reduced hours on 12 February and full closure during the holiday, mirroring guidance issued by posts in Rome, London and Washington. (embassies.info)
Applicants with scheduled biometric appointments have been rebooked for the week of 18 February, and pick-up of ready passports is suspended until Ash Wednesday afternoon. Business-visa seekers attempting last-minute travel to Brazil should therefore adjust itineraries or apply for the on-arrival ‘visitor-business’ visa where eligible.
![Brazilian Consulates Announce Carnival Closure, Visa Processing Paused 13–17 February]()
Meanwhile, travelers and employers looking for alternative ways to keep plans on track can turn to VisaHQ. The platform offers real-time consular updates, electronic visa submissions, and document legalization assistance—even when physical counters are shut. Check out the options at https://www.visahq.com/brazil/ for help navigating Carnival-week disruptions and other Brazilian entry requirements.
Companies planning to deploy staff abroad must also factor in the closure: legalisations of Brazilian documents for use overseas (e.g., powers of attorney, corporate certificates) will be on hold, potentially delaying deal closings. Mobility managers should re-sequence start dates or route travellers through countries where visa-exempt status applies.
Tip: some consulates maintain a drop-box for passport return even when counters are closed; check mission websites for local variations. Emergency travel documents for Brazilian citizens continue to be issued on a 24-hour duty-officer basis.
Applicants with scheduled biometric appointments have been rebooked for the week of 18 February, and pick-up of ready passports is suspended until Ash Wednesday afternoon. Business-visa seekers attempting last-minute travel to Brazil should therefore adjust itineraries or apply for the on-arrival ‘visitor-business’ visa where eligible.
Meanwhile, travelers and employers looking for alternative ways to keep plans on track can turn to VisaHQ. The platform offers real-time consular updates, electronic visa submissions, and document legalization assistance—even when physical counters are shut. Check out the options at https://www.visahq.com/brazil/ for help navigating Carnival-week disruptions and other Brazilian entry requirements.
Companies planning to deploy staff abroad must also factor in the closure: legalisations of Brazilian documents for use overseas (e.g., powers of attorney, corporate certificates) will be on hold, potentially delaying deal closings. Mobility managers should re-sequence start dates or route travellers through countries where visa-exempt status applies.
Tip: some consulates maintain a drop-box for passport return even when counters are closed; check mission websites for local variations. Emergency travel documents for Brazilian citizens continue to be issued on a 24-hour duty-officer basis.
