Zierer owned up

I had Zierer Visa Service (multiple offices but based in San Francisco, CA; 866/788-1100, www.zvs.com) get me a visa for Brazil in September ’08, several months ahead of a Princess cruise I was about to take. I received the visa in about three weeks.

At the end of my Venice-Manaus Pacific Princess cruise, Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 2008, the ship’s purser informed me that Princess Cruises had paid a fine of $359 levied by Brazilian Immigration and before getting my passport back I had to reimburse the cruise line.

It turned out that my visa was dated more than 90 days prior and was not valid anymore. The visa was valid for five years, however there was a provision that one must enter the country for the first time within 90 days of the issue date (which had been exceeded — by only a few days). Needless to say, I paid the fine via my shipboard account tied to my credit card.

Upon returning home, I sent a letter to Zierer requesting a refund. While I DID put in the correct travel dates when originally filling out my application, it was ultimately my responsibility to have proper travel documentation, so I did not have much hope for recovering anything.

I am happy to report that Zierer sent me a check in March. They refunded the entire penalty amount and apologized for the trouble caused by their missing the correct dates. (I had sent Princess a copy of my letter. I got a polite letter back declining responsibility.)

I highly recommend Zierer Visa Service and will trust it with any future visa needs I may have.

DORA L. GROPP

Anchorage, AK