Consular services at the United States Embassy and consulates in Brazil are suspended as of this Friday, the 2nd, due to “security concerns.” In addition to the United States, the Australian Embassy in Brasília also said it would remain closed for the day because of similar concerns.
The American alert was published on the site early this morning, on the eve of Brazil’s elections. The Australian notice, meanwhile, was announced on social media by the country’s ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies.
Here’s what is known so far:
What the statement says about the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil
The American statement does not provide details about the reason for the measure or when the services will resume.
Because of the shutdown, visa issuances and interviews scheduled for Friday have been affected. In-person services at the U.S. consulate offices in Brazil are not being conducted.
How can those affected by the American measure obtain information?
According to guidelines from the U.S. Embassy in Brazil, in case of emergency, those affected by the measure should contact the duty officer at the diplomatic mission (embassy or consulates) using the contacts below:
Brasília: (61) 3312-7000
Email: BrasíliaACS@state.gov
Porto Alegre: (51) 3345-6000
Email: PortoAlegreACS@state.gov
Recife: (81) 3416-3050 / (81) 99916-9470
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov
Rio de Janeiro: (21) 3823-2000 / (21) 3823-2029
Email: ACSRio@state.gov
São Paulo: (11) 3250-5000 / (11) 3250-5373
Email: SaoPauloACS@state.gov
Regarding American citizens, the U.S. government specifically instructs them not to appear at the embassy, at the consulates, or at other U.S. diplomatic facilities if they require assistance.
According to the State Department, U.S. authorities are working in close cooperation with Brazilian authorities to address security concerns.
What does the Australian Embassy in Brazil say?
It said it would also be closed this Friday due to “security concerns,” as announced in a statement posted on social media by the Australian ambassador.
In the post, diplomacy cites the closure of the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Brazil, also announced this morning.
“On October 2, the U.S. issued a security alert to avoid U.S. diplomatic facilities due to security concerns. We also recommend avoiding the U.S. embassy, the consulates, and other U.S. diplomatic facilities in Brazil and the surrounding areas.”
What is the guidance for those seeking Australian services?
The embassy advises that for urgent consular assistance, you should contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra: +61 2 6261 3305 (from abroad) and 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
