Travellers in Brazil’s southernmost state finally caught a break on Thursday evening, 9 April, when the Polícia Federal confirmed that all passport-issuance desks in Porto Alegre and interior cities were back to normal staffing levels. The service had been suspended since 18 March amid a nationwide job action by federal-police delegates, leaving thousands unable to collect new travel documents. During the shutdown, appointments were limited to humanitarian or medical emergencies, forcing tourists, exchange students and business travellers to postpone trips or seek express processing in neighbouring states. Travel agents in Porto Alegre estimate that at least R$ 8 million in outbound tour sales were deferred. With operations restored, applicants must again begin the process online, pay the R$ 257.25 fee (R$ 334.42 for urgent cases) and schedule an in-person biometrics session. The agency reiterated its six-business-day delivery target but warned that backlogs could extend production times through late April. Companies planning short-notice deployments should secure appointment slots immediately and consider contingency budgets for express fees. Mobility teams are also advised to brief employees on the new ten-year passport validity rule, which can simplify future travel planning.
Source: Leouve
