Moving To Bolivia: Police Record Implications

Bolivia is a culturally and geographically diverse country in the middle of South America. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the region, and most major cities have a medium threat level for crime. The population of expats in Bolivia is small, and most foreigners can be found in the capital cities of Sucre and La Paz or in other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Bolivia has a growing economy, and the Bolivian government has implemented several policies to encourage foreigners to set up businesses in the country. Expats can find plenty of housing options in Bolivia, and renting accommodation and buying property are feasible options. In terms of transportation, most travel is done by road, although flying is always an option for longer journeys. While there are some good private hospitals in Bolivia, the general standard of medical facilities is poor, and expats need to ensure that they have full health insurance. Bolivia is increasingly stable and peaceful, but safety and security are still concerns, with petty theft being a problem in major tourist hubs. When it comes to moving to Bolivia with a police record, it is important to consider the specific requirements and restrictions that may be in place. Visa applications may involve providing a police certificate or criminal history, and it is recommended to consult official sources for up-to-date information.

Bolivia's visa requirements for those with a criminal record

Bolivia's visa requirements and entry conditions can change with little warning, so it is important to check for the latest updates before planning your trip. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about Bolivia's visa requirements, especially if you have a criminal record.

Firstly, all visitors to Bolivia must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the intended date of entry. Some sources also recommend having passport validity for the duration of your stay. Ensure you get an entry stamp when you arrive, or you may have to pay a fine when you depart. An exit stamp is also crucial, especially when crossing a land border.

Secondly, different countries fall into three visa groups, with corresponding requirements and fees. Some nationalities do not require a visa and can enter Bolivia for free with a valid passport. Other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance or at the border, with associated fees. You can use the Bolivian Visa Requirements tool to check your visa group and necessary requirements.

Thirdly, all visitors typically need to provide:

• A 2"x2" passport-sized photograph
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, letter of invitation from a host, or address sketch
• A round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary
• Proof of economic solvency, such as bank statements
• A completed Visa Affidavit form

It is critical to prepare all required documents before applying for your Bolivian visa. Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, and there is no option to expedite the application.

Regarding your question about criminal records, some countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, and the United States, may deny entry to non-citizens with a criminal history. Other countries may impose restrictions depending on the conviction type and sentence length.

Additionally, Bolivia has specific laws that you should be aware of. Bolivian authorities can detain foreigners until they provide proof of legal status, such as a passport, visa, or residency card. Also, Bolivian law allows for suspects to be held without charges for up to 18 months, and legal cases can drag on for years. Therefore, it is essential to understand the local laws and your rights before travelling to Bolivia, especially if you have a criminal record.

The application process for a Bolivian visa

Tourist Visa:

• Fill out the Visa Affidavit form: This form can be obtained from the Bolivian Consulate or online.
• Provide a passport-size photograph: The photograph should be 2 inches by 2 inches (passport size) and taken against a plain background.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bolivia.
• Proof of accommodation: You can provide a copy of your hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from friends or family, or a sketch of the address.
• Round-trip ticket or travel itinerary: This is to show proof of your travel plans and confirmation of your departure from Bolivia.
• Economic solvency test: You will need to provide a bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds for your trip.

Business Visa:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank visa page.
• Passport-type photograph: The photograph must be taken within the last three months, against a plain background, and printed on high-quality photo paper.
• Business cover letter: This letter should be printed on company letterhead and include your company's U.S. mailing address.
• Letter of invitation: The organisation you are visiting must provide an invitation letter, including their full local address and phone number.
• Proof of travel arrangements: Provide a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket, showing your round-trip travel and entry and exit dates.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You will need to provide a copy of your bank statement for the last three months.

Please note that the application process may vary depending on your nationality and specific circumstances. It is always recommended to check with the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The cost of living in Bolivia

Bolivia is the cheapest country in Latin America and the third cheapest country in the world. A single person's estimated monthly costs are around 430.7€ (3,293.2Bs.) without rent, or $5,042. A couple can live a comfortable life in Bolivia for around $1,500 per month, although it is possible to live on much less. For example, in the city of Tarija, a US expat is living comfortably on under $1,000 a month, including rent, utilities, cable TV, and food. In the city of Sucre, a one-bedroom apartment with utilities and cable TV can be rented for under $300 per month, and a single person can live on $600 to $800 per month.

The cost of food and dining out in Bolivia is also very affordable. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around $12, and a family-sized platter of grilled meats with a salad bar is just $12. A nice bottle of locally produced wine costs less than $3, and a cup of coffee is around 75 cents.

Transportation costs are also relatively low. A one-way ticket for local transport is around 35 cents, and taxi rides start at 75 cents. However, travelling by private vehicle is the most expensive option for getting around, and road travel can be hazardous due to a lack of attention to road safety and minimal signage.

Other costs to consider when living in Bolivia include healthcare and education. Bolivia has an insurance-based healthcare system, and while the number of doctors has increased in recent years, private clinics offer better services than public healthcare. For education, a month in preschool or kindergarten for one child costs around $150.

Overall, Bolivia offers a very affordable cost of living, especially when compared to other countries.

Healthcare and insurance in Bolivia

Bolivia has a mix of public and private health facilities, capable of delivering healthcare to foreigners and locals. Public facilities are subsidised by the government but are typically underfunded and heavily used, resulting in long wait times and a lower quality of healthcare when compared to western nations. The majority of expats in the major cities use private clinics, which offer a generally higher level of care and are often capable of handling most medical concerns. However, they can be considerably more expensive than public systems. Outside of the major cities, it can be difficult or nearly impossible to find quality healthcare.

The World Bank partially funds Bolivia's healthcare system, which is undergoing significant reforms. The number of physicians in Bolivia has doubled in recent years, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Bolivia launched the new and free Unified Health System (SUS in Spanish), which covers at least 70% of the Bolivian population who lack any form of insurance. Under the new public healthcare system, at least 35,000 patients have so far been helped.

The Bolivian government has introduced basic public health insurance, which covers the majority of the cost of care, and even the complete cost of care for some conditions, at public hospitals for at-risk groups (children, expectant mothers, and the elderly). Social security is in place for residents who are actively employed in the country, with payments being mandatory. In 2010, a new law was passed stating that expatriates must make social security payments. This dual payment system, where employers and employees both contribute, provides savings that can cover the cost of healthcare at some facilities in the country.

Despite these efforts, every year, 6% of households across Bolivia face catastrophic health expenditures and subsequent impoverishment. Underserved groups, particularly indigenous communities and informal labourers, are most vulnerable to high out-of-pocket health expenses. With the largest informal sector in the world, a significant proportion of Bolivia's workforce lack health insurance coverage. To address these health inequities and financial barriers, the Bolivian government introduced ambitious health reforms in 2019 through the Single Health System model.

If you are moving to Bolivia, it is highly recommended that you secure adequate medical insurance coverage. There are three health insurance options available: basic public health insurance, social security, and private health insurance. If you are a UK citizen, you should be aware that there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Bolivia. You must register for healthcare as a resident in Bolivia. The universal health insurance in Bolivia is only for residents, and many treatments and medicines are not covered by the insurance. Your employer is obliged to register you for healthcare if you are employed by a Bolivian company. If you cannot register for healthcare, you must ensure you have private healthcare cover.

If you are taking any prescription medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it or are able to obtain it when in Bolivia. Certain medicines may not be available in Bolivia, and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your doctor before travelling to Bolivia to find out about any alternative medication you may need.

Safety and security in Bolivia

Safety and security are concerns in Bolivia, with both violent and petty crime posing risks to travellers. There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, and while there is no recent history of terrorism in Bolivia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in large cities, including La Paz, Santa Cruz, and on public transportation. Thieves target tourist areas, and theft also occurs in unofficial taxis. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but does occur, with foreigners being victims of armed robberies and assaults at popular destinations. Violent crime, carjacking, and civil unrest, mainly associated with drug trafficking, pose risks in certain regions, including the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, and the Yungas region, northeast of La Paz.

Criminals often pose as police officers and ask to examine travellers' belongings or request that they accompany them to a fake police station. Under Bolivian law, there is no obligation to go with an officer to a police station unless they have a formal written request from a judge with your name on it. Any search or seizure must occur at a genuine police station in the prosecutor's presence.

Protests and Civil Unrest

Protests, strikes, and other civic actions are common in Bolivia and can disrupt transportation on a local and national level. While protests generally begin peacefully, they can turn violent. The police have used tear gas to break up protests, and protesters may use dynamite. Even if you are not participating in a protest, you may inadvertently get caught up in it, so it is advisable to avoid large gatherings and protests and to follow local news to stay informed.

Road Safety

Road safety is poor throughout Bolivia, with accidents and fatalities common. Road conditions are often dangerous due to poor lighting, lack of traffic signs, and poorly marked construction sites. Torrential rain and landslides during the rainy season (November to March) further increase the risk of accidents. Vehicles are often not well maintained, and broken-down vehicles without warning lights are a frequent hazard on roads at night. Many taxis and most bus companies do not meet international safety standards and rarely have seatbelts.

Other Considerations

• Credit card and ATM fraud occur, so it is important to pay attention when using your cards and to use ATMs in well-lit and secure locations.
• There is a risk of express kidnappings, where criminals ask for small, immediate ransoms, often forcing victims to withdraw funds from ATMs. These kidnappings are committed by organized gangs and occur throughout the country, often involving criminal taxi drivers.
• Women travelling alone may face harassment, verbal abuse, or sexual assault. Incidents have occurred on guided tours, in clubs, and hostels.
• Spiritual cleansing ceremonies involving hallucinogenic substances have led to serious illnesses, injuries, and even deaths. These ceremonies often take place in remote areas without access to medical or mental health facilities.
• Bolivia is subject to natural disasters such as seasonal flooding, landslides, and earthquakes, which can disrupt travel and essential services.

Frequently asked questions