Surrendering Your Bolivian Passport: What's The Deal?

Bolivian citizens are required to have a valid passport when travelling. The passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into the country. In the case of passport renewal, citizens must present a valid identity card, their current passport, and documentation proving any changes such as birth, marriage, or death certificates. If the passport has been lost, citizens must also provide a report of loss made to the police. For minors, the presence of both parents with their passports or identity cards is required. When entering and exiting Bolivia, U.S.-Bolivian citizens may also be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad.

Renewal requirements

To renew a Bolivian passport, the following requirements must be met:

• Presence of the applicant: The individual whose passport is being renewed must be physically present when submitting the application.
• Valid Identity Card: Applicants must present a valid Bolivian identity card, which serves as proof of identity and citizenship.
• Valid Passport: The passport to be renewed must be submitted, and it should have a validity of no more than 6 months remaining.
• Report of Loss: If the passport has been lost, a report made to the local police must be presented. Alternatively, a report can be filed at the Consulate offices for a fee.
• Current Identity Card: Ensure that your current identity card is up to date and accurately reflects your personal information.
• Previous Passport: Provide your most recently issued passport, even if it has expired.
• Documentation of Changes: If there have been any changes to your personal information, such as name, date of birth, or marital status, provide supporting documents. This includes birth, marriage, or death certificates.
• Passport Sheets Availability: In the case of running out of passport sheets, the availability of remaining sheets will be verified.
• Presence of Parents for Minors: For applicants who are minors, both parents must be present and provide their identity documents or passports.

The renewal process typically takes around 4 weeks, and the cost is $85, payable only by credit or debit card. It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on your specific situation, so it is always advisable to check with the appropriate authorities or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Dual citizenship

Whether or not you have to surrender your Bolivian passport depends on the laws of the country whose citizenship you are seeking. Each country has its own laws and requirements regarding dual citizenship.

• The United States: The U.S. does not require individuals to renounce their original citizenship when becoming U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens with dual citizenship must use their U.S. passport when entering or leaving the country and are subject to U.S. laws and taxation worldwide.
• The United Kingdom: UK citizens can hold dual citizenship without losing their British nationality. However, dual nationals may be denied consular assistance in the country of their other nationality.
• Canada: Canada permits dual citizenship, and Canadians do not lose their citizenship when acquiring a second nationality. Dual citizens must follow the laws of both countries and may face legal complexities.
• Australia: Australian citizens can hold dual citizenship without having to renounce their Australian nationality. When entering or leaving Australia, dual citizens must use their Australian passport.
• France: France permits dual citizenship without any special conditions, and French citizens who acquire another nationality do not lose their French citizenship. Dual citizens are subject to the laws of both countries, including obligations such as taxes and military service.

It is important to note that the requirements and implications of dual citizenship can vary significantly between countries. Before pursuing dual citizenship, it is essential to research the specific laws and eligibility criteria of the countries involved. Contacting the relevant embassies or consulates is a good starting point to understand the requirements and restrictions that may apply.

Losing your passport

• Report the loss: The first step is to report the loss of your passport to the local police. This is crucial, as it will help protect you from identity theft and fraud. You can make the report to the police in the country where you lost your passport. If you are unable to go to the police, you can also report the loss at the nearest Bolivian Consulate office, although this may come with a small fee.
• Gather required documents: To replace your lost Bolivian passport, you will need to provide several documents. These typically include your valid identity card, your current updated identity card with correct information, and your most recently issued valid or expired passport. If there have been any changes to your information, such as a name change due to marriage, you will need to provide supporting documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate).
• Apply for a new passport: Go to the nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy with the required documents. You may be able to find specific application instructions on their website. The standard fee for a new passport is $85, and it can be paid with a credit or debit card.
• Wait for your new passport: The processing time for a new Bolivian passport is generally around four weeks. During this time, you may not be able to travel internationally until you receive your new passport.
• Take precautions for future travel: Once you have received your new passport, it is essential to take precautions to prevent losing it again. Make two copies of all your travel documents and keep one copy with you, separate from the originals. Leave the other copy with a trusted friend or relative who can send it to you if needed.

Validity requirements

To enter Bolivia, your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry. This is a standard requirement for most countries, and it is essential to check the validity of your passport before planning your trip to Bolivia.

If you are entering Bolivia from Peru, you must use the same passport that you used to enter Peru. Dual citizens cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border. This means that if you are entering Bolivia with a passport that does not match the one used to enter Peru, you may encounter issues and potential fines.

It is important to note that Bolivian authorities may change their entry rules and requirements at their discretion. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your local Bolivian consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information on passport validity, visa requirements, processing times, and fees. Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth entry into Bolivia and avoid any unnecessary delays or complications.

In addition to passport validity, there are other requirements that you should be aware of when travelling to Bolivia. For example, you may need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel or hostel booking, for at least your first night in the country. It is also crucial to get your passport stamped both when entering and exiting Bolivia, as failing to do so may result in a fine when you depart.

Furthermore, if you are a U.S. citizen or a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Bolivia, you must obtain the necessary visa before your trip. Visas can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or in some cases, directly at the border. The cost and requirements for obtaining a visa may vary depending on your nationality, so it is important to research the specific guidelines for your country of origin.

Border control checks

All visitors to Bolivia must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure their passport is valid, and they will be denied entry if they do not hold a valid passport or travel document. If your passport has been reported lost or stolen, you will also be denied entry.

When entering Bolivia, you may be asked to show proof of accommodation, such as a hotel or hostel booking, for at least the first night of your stay. It is important to ensure that you get your passport stamped at border control. An entry stamp is required when entering Bolivia; failure to obtain one may result in a fine upon departure. If entering Bolivia by land, ensure you receive an exit stamp from the country you are leaving and an entry stamp from the Bolivian border control. However, Bolivia no longer stamps passports on the border with Argentina. Instead, you must register your exit with Argentina's immigration authorities, who will pass the information to Bolivian immigration.

When departing Bolivia, ensure that you have the necessary stamps in your passport. If you received your Bolivian visa at a land border or entry port and lost your passport, you will need to obtain a new visa and pay the visa fee to leave the country. However, if you obtained your Bolivian visa from a Bolivian embassy or consulate in your home country and lost your passport, you will need to obtain an exit stamp but will not be required to pay the visa fee.

Frequently asked questions