Documents to have before you go abroad:
*A copy of your VISA application from the British Embassy (or wherever you got your VISA processed): ask for this when you're applying for your VISA.
*When applying for your VISA, if they ask if you want any of your documents back: GET THEM BACK! I was ok, but if you don't get a copy of your VISA application: you need these documents when in Brazil.
*Your passport (duh!).
*Two passport size photos - they'll staple one to your application and the other to your temporary Brazilian ID
*Photocopies of your passport and VISA (although you can get these in the "Centro de Cultura e Eventos" at UFSC for 30 centavos when you get here).
*2oo reais - I brought it in cash because the cash machines in the lobby didn't take VISA Debit. There's an HSBC about a twenty minute walk away.
*Make sure you know your whole address, but you don't need proof of it.
Registering your VISA:
You will get told this not only when you pick up your VISA, but also when you go through border check at the first Brazilian airport, but hey, I'm letting you know anyway. You have thirty days after your arrival in Brazil to register your VISA. You have to register at the Policia Federal in whichever city you've been assigned to - because that's where it says you're going to be on your VISA.
The Policia Federal is on the right hand side of the Policia Justica, but it's the Federal you want. Make sure you get there early so you avoid having to go back another day. We got there for just before 8am and got fourth and fifth place in line. You then go away and come back for half 12/1pm.
We went to the Centro and got a coffee in the Beiramar Shopping Centre; it's about a half an hour walk :)
Make sure you are back for at least half 12, tell them at the Estrangeiro desk you're there and wait. You then get called via on screen at about 1pm.
You will get assigned a table to go to in another room. You fill out an application and give them your two photos, they then take your fingerprints and then you pay for the registration (just under 200 reais) in a separate room. Once you're back they'll ask you to sign your temporary ID, talk you through the validity of your VISA and the option of extending it later on.
Then you're done!
My tip is to put aside a day to do this when you arrive. It took us until 3pm to get it all done!
Boa sorte!
*A copy of your VISA application from the British Embassy (or wherever you got your VISA processed): ask for this when you're applying for your VISA.
*When applying for your VISA, if they ask if you want any of your documents back: GET THEM BACK! I was ok, but if you don't get a copy of your VISA application: you need these documents when in Brazil.
*Your passport (duh!).
*Two passport size photos - they'll staple one to your application and the other to your temporary Brazilian ID
*Photocopies of your passport and VISA (although you can get these in the "Centro de Cultura e Eventos" at UFSC for 30 centavos when you get here).
*2oo reais - I brought it in cash because the cash machines in the lobby didn't take VISA Debit. There's an HSBC about a twenty minute walk away.
*Make sure you know your whole address, but you don't need proof of it.
Registering your VISA:
You will get told this not only when you pick up your VISA, but also when you go through border check at the first Brazilian airport, but hey, I'm letting you know anyway. You have thirty days after your arrival in Brazil to register your VISA. You have to register at the Policia Federal in whichever city you've been assigned to - because that's where it says you're going to be on your VISA.
The Policia Federal is on the right hand side of the Policia Justica, but it's the Federal you want. Make sure you get there early so you avoid having to go back another day. We got there for just before 8am and got fourth and fifth place in line. You then go away and come back for half 12/1pm.
We went to the Centro and got a coffee in the Beiramar Shopping Centre; it's about a half an hour walk :)
Make sure you are back for at least half 12, tell them at the Estrangeiro desk you're there and wait. You then get called via on screen at about 1pm.
You will get assigned a table to go to in another room. You fill out an application and give them your two photos, they then take your fingerprints and then you pay for the registration (just under 200 reais) in a separate room. Once you're back they'll ask you to sign your temporary ID, talk you through the validity of your VISA and the option of extending it later on.
Then you're done!
My tip is to put aside a day to do this when you arrive. It took us until 3pm to get it all done!
Boa sorte!