Save Your Money and Go Direct
Holland America Lines gave me CIBT's phone number to get information on visas for our Amazon River trip. I called and spoke to an unfriendly gentleman named Jack. I think a robot would have been more pleasant. He directed me to their website and then I asked the price. Their "convenience/processing fee" was more than the visa for Brazil!! Seriously? When I expressed dismay, he said we were lucky we had the HAL discount, because their normal fee is almost 3 times that. What a scam! I just googled visas for Brazil and was taken to a very simple, clear website with a 3-step process to apply directly with the Brazilian Government. I'm not writing a bad review because of what they charge...every company deserves to make a buck, and I'm sure plenty of people do pay it for the convenience. But the call was so unpleasant, and Jack was so condescending and unfriendly. (and zero sense of humor) That's what warrants the bad review. If you're charging top dollar, I at least expect good customer service. I was cheerful and happy when I got on the call, and annoyed and upset when I hung up. :(