US Government Limits Services in Brazil Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

On Monday, the US Embassy in Brasilia announced that, as of yesterday, it would no longer be offering routine services. Instead, it would focus on providing emergency services only for US citizens in Brazil.

The United States has an Embassy in Brasilia along with Consulates in Porto Alegre, São Paulo, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. The US also has Consular Agencies in Manaus, Fortaleza, and Salvador.

Under normal circumstances, the Embassy, Consulates, and Consulate Agencies offer services to both US citizens and non-US citizens. A US citizen might need to renew their passport or notarize a document, while a Brazilian, for example, might need to interview as part of their visa application process.

But the Coronavirus outbreak has put a temporary stop on these routine services not related to safety. Visa interviews will be rescheduled, as will all other non-emergency appointments for both citizens and noncitizens.

If you have a truly time-sensitive or urgent matter that needs the attention of the US government in Brazil, e-mail your closest Embassy or Consulate. They will continue to service US citizens needing emergency services, such as those needing same-day passports.

It’s safe to say that business won’t be as usual in Brazil until things calm down a bit. Expect delays in filings with local government offices, like the State Trade Boards, and with local notary offices as they cope with limited staffing.

For updates from the US Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, including notice of when services return to normal, click here.