I need a tourist visa for an upcoming trip to Brazil, the consulate nearest me (Houston TX) does not handle applications by mail, only in person from 8AM-12PM. Travelling to Houston just to hand in my application in person would be a huge PITA.
There are a number of private services that advertise online that say they can handle everything for you for about a $50 fee, has anyone had any experience one way or the other with this kind of thing? Are they legit? I think it would be far easier to let someone near the consulate (perhaps with a working relationship with the people there) handle things on my behalf, but am a little wary as it involves mailing off my passport etc.
I used a NY company when I had to travel to Russia on several occasions, even though I live near DC. Never had any problems. Just make sure that it is a reputable firm – I used the one my employer recommended – since you have to send in your passport with the paperwork. I’m not sure it there is a Better Business Equivalent for passport processing companies – maybe the airline can recommend a firm?
Back in '94 I had to travel to Saudi Arabia for business. The company took our passports and other papers and expressed them to DC where they were walked though the visa process at the Saudi Embassy. Got everything back in four days.
Lots of travel agents offer this service. Last time I planned a trip to St. Petersburg I got the folks at Intourist to get my visa for me. It was much more convenient than visiting the Russian Embassy in person, which would have required me to take time off work, go through security, stand in line for possibly hours, deal with crabby bureaucrats, etc. (I know this from experience as the last time I had to get a Russian visa I did everything myself.)
I can’t speak for any individual service; the best thing to do is to check for reviews online, or approach a reputable travel agency to see if they can get you a visa or recommend a visa processing service.