World Cup will delay consular visa processing

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The World Cup, which will take place in Brazil from June 12-July 13, will bring a crush of visa applications to Brazilian consulates worldwide.

What does the change mean? Brazilian consulates will be busy processing World Cup-related visas, so employers should apply for visas and work permits as soon as possible to avoid delays.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate. The volume of applications will continue to grow between now and the beginning of the event on June 12.
• Visas/permits affected: Work visas.
• Who is affected: Companies applying for visas and other consular services at Brazilian missions this summer.
• Impact on processing times: Significant delays.

Background: More than half a million people are expected to travel to Brazil this summer for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In anticipation of the greatly expanded visa processing activity required for the event, Brazil’s Ministry of Labor has created a unit dedicated solely to processing visa applications for workers directly associated with the event.

Consulates handling visa applications will grow increasingly busy as the World Cup nears, and delays are likely. Travelers should also expect some delays at ports of entry.

BAL Analysis: Companies assigning foreign nationals to work in Brazil this summer are advised to move quickly when filing work visa applications.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.