Bolivia Visa: Drop Off Application In-Person?

The visa application process for Bolivia depends on the type of visa and the traveller's nationality. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for the Bolivia eVisa, which can be applied for and obtained online, without the need to physically visit a Bolivian embassy or consulate. However, citizens of some countries are not eligible for the eVisa and must apply for a traditional visa through a Bolivian embassy or consulate. For those applying for a traditional visa, it is important to note that most consulates and embassies are only open to the public during the morning hours. Additionally, the Bolivian government has instituted an online visa application form, but this process is complicated and partially available only in Spanish. As such, it is recommended that travellers contact the consulate directly to obtain the most current forms and requirements before making a personal appearance.

Bolivian eVisa: an electronic visa obtained online, no physical visit required

The Bolivia eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign citizens to enter Bolivia for tourism or business purposes. It is a convenient alternative to the traditional visa application process, which involves submitting paperwork and attending an interview at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. With the eVisa, there is no need to physically visit a Bolivian embassy or consulate, as the entire process can be completed online.

Eligibility

The Bolivia eVisa is available to citizens of certain countries who wish to travel to Bolivia for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The eligibility criteria can vary depending on the type of visa and the traveler's nationality. Currently, citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most European countries are eligible for the eVisa. However, it's important to note that citizens of some countries may still require a traditional visa, even if they are not eligible for the eVisa.

Requirements

The general requirements for the Bolivia eVisa application include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry to Bolivia.
• Personal information, including full name, date of birth, and nationality.
• Contact information, such as email address and phone number.
• Travel itinerary details, including the date of arrival, intended length of stay, and address of accommodation in Bolivia.
• Purpose of travel, which can be tourism, business, or transit.
• Supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation for a business visa or proof of onward travel for a tourist visa.
• Payment of the visa fee, which can be made online using a credit or debit card.

Application Process

To apply for the Bolivian eVisa, applicants can follow these steps:

• Go to the official website and navigate to the "Visas" section.
• Select "eVisa" and choose the appropriate type of visa, such as tourist or business.
• Fill out the online application form with personal details, travel information, and other required information. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
• Upload the necessary documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport, a passport photo, and proof of travel arrangements.
• Pay the visa application fee online using a credit or debit card.
• Submit the application and wait for processing. The processing time typically takes a few business days but can vary depending on the volume of applications.
• Once the eVisa is approved, a confirmation email will be sent with the visa attached as a PDF file. Print out the eVisa and carry it when travelling to Bolivia.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website of the Bolivian government's immigration service for the most up-to-date information and instructions.

Visa Groups: Bolivia has listed countries into 3 groups with different entry requirements

According to sources, there is no need to physically drop off your Bolivia visa application. The visa policy details for Bolivia are divided into three groups of countries. Each group has different entry requirements. Some nationalities can access Bolivia without needing to apply for a visa, while others can acquire a visa upon arrival for a fee. The final group must obtain a visa before landing in Bolivia.

Group 1:

Countries in this group do not require a visa to enter Bolivia. They only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border.

Group 2:

Countries in this group need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge, but obtaining a visa at the border incurs a fee.

Group 3:

Countries in this group must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy. The cost for the visa is typically $30 USD.

It is important to note that the groups are based on the passport-holding country and not the nationality of the individual. Therefore, if you hold multiple passports, you must use the same passport to enter Bolivia as you used to enter Peru. Additionally, dual citizens cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border.

Visa fee: varies depending on nationality and type of visa

The visa fee for Bolivia varies depending on the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa being applied for.

Group 1 Countries

Citizens of Group 1 countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia. They can enter visa-free for tourism or business purposes and only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, and a valid immigration card at the border.

Group 2 Countries

Nationals of Group 2 countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate free of charge, or on arrival for a fee. The visa fee for Group 2 countries is $30 USD, which is applicable whether the visa is obtained in advance or on arrival. This includes nationals of China (including Macao and Hong Kong) and Taiwan.

Group 3 Countries

Nationals of Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance directly from a Bolivian embassy. The cost of the visa for Group 3 countries is $30 USD. Additionally, citizens of Group 3 countries cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must obtain further authorization from a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that the visa fees and requirements may change, and it is recommended to check with the local Bolivian consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Visa validity: ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months

To enter Bolivia, you must have a passport that will remain valid for at least six months from your date of entry. This is a standard requirement for most countries around the world.

In addition to the passport validity, there are several other requirements that must be met when applying for a Bolivian visa. These include:

• A 2"x 2" passport-sized photograph
• A round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary
• Proof of economic solvency, such as a bank statement
• Proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family
• An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination

The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 USD, which can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. This visa is typically valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. It is important to note that U.S. citizens must obtain this visa from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or at a land or air border.

Some nationalities may be eligible for the Bolivia eVisa, which is an electronic travel authorization that allows entry for tourism or business purposes. This can be applied for online and does not require a physical visit to a Bolivian embassy or consulate. However, citizens of certain countries are not eligible for the eVisa and must apply for a traditional visa.

Supporting documents: e.g. proof of travel, bank statements, invitation letter

Supporting documents are a crucial part of the Bolivia visa application process, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your travel. Here are some common supporting documents that may be needed:

Proof of Travel

Proof of travel arrangements is typically required for a Bolivia visa application. This can include providing a copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, clearly showing your entry and exit dates for Bolivia. It is important that your travel documents are in order and easily verifiable.

Bank Statements

As part of the economic solvency test, applicants may be required to provide recent bank statements. These statements should cover the transactions for the last three months and display the applicant's full name as shown on their passport. This requirement ensures that visitors can support themselves financially during their stay in Bolivia.

Invitation Letter

An invitation letter may be necessary if you are planning to stay with friends or family in Bolivia. This letter should be personal and include the full address and contact information of the host. Additionally, it should specify the relationship between the applicant and the host, and it must be an institutional invitation for a specific object visa.

Other supporting documents may include proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation, or proof of vaccination, such as the International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. It is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific type of visa and be prepared to provide all the necessary supporting documents for a smooth application process.

Frequently asked questions