Exploring Bolivia: Multiple Tourist Visas And Their Possibilities

The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on the nationality of the passport holder. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country in Group 1 (USA, EU, Australia, etc.), you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. If you are from a country in Group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate or on arrival at the border, depending on your nationality. The cost of the visa also depends on your nationality and can be free or up to USD 160.

Tourist visa requirements

To obtain a tourist visa for Bolivia, you must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank pages for visa stickers.
• A completed and printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• A passport-size photograph with specific requirements:
• Dimensions: 2" x 2" or 3 cm x 3 cm
• For electronic pictures: JPG format and a maximum file size of 150 KB
• You must be staring ahead, and your entire face must be visible.
• You must have a neutral facial expression.
• You are not allowed to wear headgear (except for religious reasons) or eyeglasses that obstruct your eyes or face.
• If you wear headgear for religious reasons, ensure it does not cover your face.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia:
• A hotel reservation.
• A letter of invitation from your Bolivian host, including the address and dates of your stay. If the host is a family member or friend, the letter must be personal, and an institutional invitation is required for a specific object visa.
• A copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial resources: a bank or credit card statement. In the case of minors, the requirement of economic solvency falls to the parents or guardians.
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.

The electronic copies of the required documents must be in PDF format (except for the photograph) and must not exceed 500 KB in file size.

You can obtain a Bolivian tourist visa at any Consulate of Bolivia or on arrival at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports, as well as any land or air border. The visa fee is around USD 160, payable in US or local currency. Processing times may vary from 10 to 15 working days.

Where to apply for a tourist visa

To apply for a tourist visa to Bolivia, you can obtain a visa at any Bolivian Consulate or Embassy.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service).

If you are a citizen of a country in Group 2 or 3, you must get a visa before entering Bolivia.

For citizens of Group 2 countries, you can apply for a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or you can get a visa on arrival for a fee.

For citizens of Group 3 countries, you must apply for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia abroad. The process is longer, as they must request authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

To find your nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy, search online or check the contact details of the following Consulates:

• Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC
• Consulate General of Bolivia in Miami, FL
• Consulate General of Bolivia in New York
• Consulate General of Bolivia in Los Angeles
• Consulate General of Bolivia in Houston, TX

It is important to note that most consulates and embassies are only open to the public during the morning hours.

The process of applying for a Bolivia visa typically involves:

• Contacting the nearest Embassy or Consulate to learn about their application requirements, appointment procedures, and submission methods.
• Completing the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application), which can be accessed online.
• Attaching electronic copies of the required documents, including a passport-size picture, proof of accommodation, invitation letter, vaccination certificate, and other necessary documents.
• Printing and signing the confirmation page.
• Collecting and submitting the required documents to the Embassy or Consulate during opening hours or by mail.
• Waiting for the visa to be processed, which can take around 10-15 working days.
• Receiving your visa in person or by mail, depending on your application method.

Please note that incomplete applications will be returned without processing, and there is no expedited option available. Ensure that you carefully review and prepare all the required documents before initiating the application process.

Visa fees

The visa fee for Bolivia depends on your nationality and where you apply. If you are from one of the countries on Group 2, you may be able to receive a visa free of charge if you apply before your trip at an Embassy or Consulate. If you apply on arrival, you will have to pay a fee, which is around USD 160. Please note that this is an estimate and the price is subject to change based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and changes in immigration rules.

For US citizens, a Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

If you are applying for a Bolivia Visa on Arrival, make sure to bring cash in US dollars to pay for the visa fee. The bills must be in good condition, as visa officers may refuse to accept damaged notes.

If you are applying for a Bolivia Short-term Visa, the documents needed, visa costs, processing time, and application sites vary depending on the kind of short-term visa.

Visa duration

The duration of a Bolivian tourist visa depends on the nationality of the traveller. Citizens of countries in Group 1 can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. This includes citizens of the USA, EU countries, and Australia. For these travellers, the permitted length of stay is initially 30 days, which can then be extended free of charge for up to 90 days.

Citizens of countries in Group 2 can obtain a visa for Bolivia valid for 30 days. This can be obtained from their nearest Bolivian consulate, or under some circumstances, at the airport or Bolivian border. This visa is extendable by request for a further 60 days, for a total of 90 days within a one-year period. The cost of a Bolivian visa depends on the traveller's nationality, but is typically around $160 USD.

Citizens of countries in Group 3 are required to obtain a tourist visa from a Bolivian consulate prior to travelling to Bolivia. The application process takes around 3-5 weeks and follows the same conditions and processes as Group 2.

Visa application process

The visa application process for Bolivia depends on the country you are from. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups.

Group One Countries

Citizens of Group One countries do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for visits of up to 30 days. They can extend their stay for up to 90 days. These countries include:

• European Union member states
• Russia
• United States

Group Two Countries

Citizens of Group Two countries must get a Bolivian visa before travelling or on arrival for a fee. They can apply for a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or on arrival at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. The application process is as follows:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate.
• Contact them to learn about their application requirements, whether appointments are necessary, and how to submit the application.
• Complete the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application). Attach electronic copies of the following documents:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm) or 2 inches x 2 inches
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia
• Invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable)
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents

• Print and sign the confirmation page.
• Collect the required documents for a Bolivian visa.
• Pay the Bolivia visa fee.
• Submit the documents at the Embassy or Consulate during opening hours or on the appointment date. They can also be submitted by mail, depending on the Embassy or Consulate.
• Wait 10-15 working days for the visa to be processed.
• Receive your visa.

Group Three Countries

Citizens of Group Three countries must apply for a Bolivian visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia abroad. The process is longer and involves requesting authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia. The application process is as follows:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate.
• Contact them to learn about their requirements and whether appointments are necessary.
• Inquire about submitting the application and documents by mail.
• Complete the online Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and print it. Attach electronic copies of the following documents:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm or 2 inches x 2 inches)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia: a letter of invitation from a host or proof of hotel reservation
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents

• Collect the required documents.
• Submit your passport and documents in person or by registered mail, if the option is available.
• Wait three to five weeks, and up to three months, for a decision on your application.
• If the application is successful, receive your visa.

General Requirements for a Bolivian Visa

When applying for a Bolivian visa, you must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two remaining pages for visa stickers
• A printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application)
• A passport-size picture with specific requirements:
• Dimensions: 3 cm x 3 cm or 2 inches x 2 inches
• For electronic pictures: JPG format and a maximum of 150Kb
• Full-frontal view of your head, centred in the middle, with a neutral expression and no eyeglasses or headwear (except for religious reasons)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia:
• Hotel reservation
• A letter of invitation from your host, including the dates you will stay there
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary
• Proof of financial resources: a copy of your bank or credit card statements
• A certificate of Yellow Fever vaccine

Frequently asked questions