U.S. Citizen Services - Brazil

As I prepare to move abroad, I've been searching for information that will be helpful to us as American citizens living in Brazil. E doesn't have an American passport yet, and although it'd probably be more convenient to get one before we leave, it's not necessary. The American embassy in Brazil explains on their website the process how to get a U.S. passport from the embassy/consulate closest to you. In our case, that'd be Brasilia. This actually makes me wonder if I'll have students whose parents are diplomats; I say it's highly likely.

The U.S. embassy's website also provides advice for Americans who plan to reside in (or travel to) Brazil. It is suggested that we register with the embassy once we arrive so that they know who we are and where we're living. This should facilitate the process of proving that we are American citizens should we ever need their assistance. In addition, if there is ever an emergency then they know who to contact and how to get a hold of us.

The following information was taken from the U.S. embassy's website (encouraging Americans to sign up with the embassy's/consular's Consular Section). The embassy does not provide information only about passports and registration, but there is an abundance of valuable information for expatriates, students, tourists, etc.

Travel Information

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The U.S. Mission Brazil encourages all U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Brazil to sign up with the Embassy's or Consulate's Consular Section.
Signing-up with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate allows us to contact you in the event of an emergency or send you the latest information about living or visiting Brazil and other important notices, including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate). Enrollment can be also useful to help verify U.S. citizenship after the loss or theft of a passport.
The information submitted is covered by privacy laws, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the department of State and no information submitted will be released without your express consent.

Signing up On-line

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can sign-up on-line at the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.  We invite you to enroll yourself and your family and get acquainted with STEP. You only need to sign-up once.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for American citizens allows you to sign up and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current.

Signing up in Person

Those citizens without Internet access may sign up directly with the Embassy or Consulate. Each post has consular jurisdiction over an area in Brazil. Please check the Contact Information and Working Hours to find out the appropriate address and working hours.
If you choose to come to enroll in person, please bring your U.S. passport (or other proof of your citizenship and identification document) and if possible one photograph of each member of your family. You should fill out and sign the enrollment form bellow, one per family, and bring to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy/ Consulate.

The following form is a PDF file that can be viewed and printed using Adobe® Reader®. If you don't have this software in your computer, please download it free of charge by clicking the box at your right.  Sign up Form      

Am I required to sign up with STEP?

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended.
For updated Consular Specific Information on Brazil, please access the link:  http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

Frequently Asked Questions about STEP

Source: United States of America Embassy: United States Diplomatic Mission to Brazil