Dual Citizenship: Bolivian And Us Passports Possible?

If you are a US citizen, you can have dual citizenship in Bolivia and the US. US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the border comes with a $95 fee, while getting it beforehand at an embassy is free of charge. US citizens need a tourist visa to visit Bolivia, which costs $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year and 10 years in total. However, some airlines will not let you board without a visa, so it is advisable to get one in advance.

Obtaining a Bolivian passport

Presence of the Applicant:

The applicant must be physically present when applying for the passport, whether it is their first time or a renewal.

Valid Identity Card:

A valid identity card is required for all cases of Bolivian passport applications and renewals. This is a necessary document to prove the identity of the applicant.

Valid Passport:

For renewals, a valid passport is required, and its validity must not exceed six months. This is necessary to verify the applicant's current passport details.

Report of Loss:

If the previous passport was lost, a report made to the Police is required. If unable to file a report with the Police, it can be done at the Consulate offices for a small fee.

Current Identity Card:

An updated identity card with correct and current information is essential for the passport application process. This ensures that the information on the passport is accurate and up-to-date.

Previous Passport:

The last valid or expired passport must be presented. This allows the authorities to review the applicant's travel history and verify their identity.

Documentation of Changes:

If there have been any changes to the applicant's information, relevant documents must be provided. This includes birth, marriage, or death certificates to prove any changes in name, marital status, or other vital details.

Minor Applicants:

For minors applying for a Bolivian passport, the presence of both parents is required, along with their identity cards or passports. In cases of single parenthood or guardianship, additional documentation, such as court rulings or notarized power of attorney, may be necessary.

Application Fee:

The cost of obtaining a Bolivian passport is $85, and only credit or debit cards are accepted as payment. This fee applies to both first-time applications and renewals.

Processing Time:

It typically takes about four weeks to obtain a Bolivian passport after submitting the application and required documents.

Additional Requirements for First-Time Applicants:

For children born abroad to Bolivian parents, an updated Bolivian birth certificate is necessary. If the parents are foreigners, they must present their passports issued by their country. In cases of adoption, a certified photocopy of the adoption judgment must be provided. Any foreign documents must be apostilled, legalized, or translated if required.

Passport with Chip:

Bolivians who require a passport with a chip can obtain one by visiting the office in Washington, D.C., or contacting the provided phone numbers and email addresses for their Consulates in the USA.

Obtaining a US passport

Confirm Eligibility

First, confirm that you meet the requirements to apply for a US passport. This includes determining if you are applying as an adult for the first time, applying for a renewal, or applying for a child under the age of 16. Different requirements and procedures may apply depending on your specific circumstances.

Fill Out the Application Form

You can fill out the application form online and then print it. Ensure that you complete all parts of the form and do not sign it until instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. Print the form on single-sided paper, as double-sided forms are not accepted.

Gather Necessary Documents

You will need to provide evidence of US citizenship. This can include an official birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. The document must be an original or a replacement copy with the official seal or stamp of the issuing office. Additionally, you will need to provide a physical photo ID, such as a valid or expired US passport, a driver's license, a certificate of naturalization, a military ID, or a government employee ID. A photocopy of your photo ID is also required.

Special Circumstances

If you have any special circumstances, such as a lost or stolen passport, a name change, or minor children applying, you may need to provide additional documentation and follow specific procedures. For example, if your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the State Department immediately and submit Form DS-64.

Find a Location to Apply

If you are applying for your first US passport or have other special circumstances, you will need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or local government office. If you are travelling within the next three weeks, make an appointment at a passport agency or centre.

Pay the Required Fees

When applying for a US passport, you will need to pay two separate fees: an application fee and an execution or acceptance fee. The application fee is paid to the US Department of State, while the execution fee is paid to the facility that accepts your application. The fees may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the type of passport you are applying for (book, card, or both).

Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you can enrol in email updates to stay informed about the status of your application. It may take up to two weeks from the application date for the status to show as "In Process."

Dual citizenship

It is possible to hold dual citizenship in the United States and Bolivia. However, there are some important considerations for those travelling between the two countries.

Firstly, all U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. This can be purchased at any land or air border, or obtained in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, allowing holders to stay for up to 90 days per year. It is recommended to get a visa in advance, as some airlines will refuse boarding to those without a tourist visa.

When entering and/or exiting Bolivia, U.S.-Bolivian citizens may be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad. It is important to always carry your passport and visa with you when travelling in Bolivia, especially when close to land borders. However, to avoid the risk of petty theft, it is safer to carry photocopies of these documents rather than the originals.

If you are a U.S. citizen and you lose your passport while in Bolivia, you will need to get a new visa and pay the visa fee of $160 again to leave the country. If you obtained your visa from the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate in the United States, you will need to get an exit stamp but will not need to pay the visa fee.

For Bolivian citizens with dual U.S. citizenship, there are additional requirements when exiting Bolivia. If you have stayed in Bolivia for over 90 days, you may need to show the original birth certificate and obtain permission from the non-travelling parent or parents to leave the country.

Entry requirements for Bolivia

To enter Bolivia, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. A tourist visa is also required for US citizens and can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighboring country. It can also be purchased at any land or air border and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend for another 30-60 days. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years.

Before travelling to Bolivia, you must complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG). You will also need to provide proof of:

• A round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia
• Lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host if you are staying with friends or family
• Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (a credit or debit card will suffice)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination, if travelling from a country where the disease is endemic

Be aware that US dollars may be required to be exchanged for Bolivianos upon entry, but Bolivian law allows travellers to carry up to $10,000 into the country without declaration or the need to exchange currency.

Visa application process

It is possible to hold both a US passport and a Bolivian passport. The visa application process will depend on the purpose of your visit to Bolivia, the length of your stay, and your means of arrival.

Tourist Visa

US citizens can obtain a tourist visa at any land or air border in Bolivia. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year, and costs $160. Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, and proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.

Business Visa

For a business visa, you must provide:

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity and at least one blank visa page
• A passport-type photograph taken within the last three months against a plain background
• A business cover letter from your US-based company, printed on company letterhead
• Proof of travel arrangements for the duration of your trip
• A letter of invitation from the organisation you will be visiting
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement from the last three months

Where to Apply

You can apply for a visa at the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, or at other consulates in New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles, depending on your state of residence.

Processing Time

The processing time for a visa is 10 business days, starting when the consulate receives the application, payment, and passport.

Frequently asked questions