Visa backlog could impact thousands of cruisers heading to South America

[mercedes]

Planning a cruise to South America this winter? If it stops in Brazil, as many South America cruises do, and you live in the West, you better be sure you apply for a visa far in advance.

Industry watcher Seatrade Insider today reports a marked slowdown in visa processing at Brazil's Los Angeles consulate could cause problems for thousands of cruisers heading to South America in coming months.

Brazil's Los Angeles consulate handles visa applications from California, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming -- states that represent a significant percentage of cruisers nationwide.

The slowdown is ‘severe and it hit at the worst time," the head of the National Association of Passport and Visa Services tells Seatrade Insider, adding that in the worst case if passengers are unable to get visas lines may have to bypass Brazil this winter. "We're not at the point of no return, but we’re getting close."

The news outlet says the backup comes in the wake of the implementation of a new online visa processing system at the Brazilian consulate earlier this year.

[lindasuelucas]

what a shame...hope they get moving on this real soon.