Work Visa Requirements: Bolivia's Essential Entry Rules

Bolivia's visa requirements depend on the nationality of the passport holder and the purpose of their visit. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry for tourism or business purposes, while others must obtain a visa in advance or upon arrival for a fee. US citizens, for example, are required to obtain a tourist visa for a fee of US$160, which allows them to stay for up to 90 days per year and is valid for 10 years. If you plan to work in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate residence and work visa, which involves meeting specific criteria and obtaining the necessary documents.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian embassy or consulate in the US or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days per year.

To obtain a visa, you will need:

• A valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination.
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.

It is also recommended that you complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia.

If you plan to work in Bolivia, you will need to apply for a separate visa.

Visa-free entry for some nationalities

Bolivia's entry requirements are simple and straightforward for most visitors. Many nationalities do not require a tourist visa. Instead, they receive a free entry stamp valid for a 30-day stay upon arrival at any of the country's international airports or land border crossings. US citizens, however, are required to apply for a visa.

The list of countries granted visa-free entry includes the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America. Nationals of these countries may enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days within any given year. It is important to note that this duration may vary depending on the traveller's nationality, and some countries, such as Russia, have specific agreements with Bolivia that allow their citizens to enter without a visa for a different period, such as 90 days within 180 days.

Citizens of certain countries, such as China, India, and Taiwan, must pay for a 30-day visa upon arrival in Bolivia, which can cost up to US$160. Additionally, citizens of some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries need to obtain "official permission" from Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

Applying for a work visa

If you want to work in Bolivia, you must apply for a special class of visa and meet a complex range of criteria. The type of visa you need depends on how long you plan to stay in the country.

Transitory Residence or Work Visa

If you're planning a short stay in Bolivia, you can apply for a transitory residence or work visa. These visas are valid for 30 to 180 days. To apply for this visa, you must submit the following documents to the Bolivian Consulate in your home country:

• A completed and signed application form
• Your passport, with at least six months of validity remaining
• Proof of a yellow fever vaccination if your workplace is in a high-risk area
• Documents that prove employment, such as an invitation from the company and other supporting documents
• A police record issued through INTERPOL and criminal and police records from your last country of residence
• A medical certificate
• A passport photograph
• Any other supporting documents the consulate requests

Temporary Residence Visa

If you plan to stay in Bolivia for longer than 180 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence visa. This type of visa is valid for one to three years. After living in the country for three years, you may apply for permanent residence. The cost of the visa increases with the duration of your stay.

To apply for a temporary residence visa, follow the same application process as for the transitory residence or work visa, submitting the required documents to the Bolivian Consulate in your home country.

Once you have submitted your application, the process of obtaining the necessary visas can take one to five months. You cannot start working in Bolivia until you have the appropriate visa.

Work visa costs

The cost of a work visa for Bolivia depends on several factors, including the duration of your stay, your country of origin, and the specific type of visa required for your intended activities. Here is a breakdown of the costs and other relevant information:

Short-Term Work Visas:

Transitory residence or work visas are suitable for employees working in Bolivia for a short time, ranging from 30 to 180 days. The cost of these visas is typically proportional to the length of stay. However, specific price points are not publicly available and may vary depending on your nationality.

Long-Term Work Visas:

For longer stays exceeding three years, employees will need to apply for a temporary residence visa, which is valid for one to three years. The cost of this visa will be higher than that of a short-term visa, reflecting the extended duration of the employee's stay. Again, the exact cost may depend on your country of origin, and you should consult the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for detailed information.

Specific Purpose Visas:

If you are travelling to Bolivia for business, paid work, or any activity unrelated to tourism, you will need a Specific Purpose visa. The cost of this type of visa can vary depending on your specific circumstances and nationality. For example, the consular fee for a business (Specific Purpose) visa for US citizens is $90, while the total visa cost, including processing fees, is $185 within Washington DC and $285 for other US residents.

Additional Costs and Requirements:

When budgeting for your work visa, consider the following additional costs and requirements:

• Application processing times can range from one to five months, impacting your overall timeline and potentially affecting associated costs.
• You may need to provide various documents, including a completed application form, passport, proof of vaccination, employment verification, police record, medical certificate, passport photograph, and other supporting documents requested by the Bolivian Consulate.
• Some airlines may require you to have a valid visa before boarding your flight to Bolivia, so it is advisable to obtain your visa in advance.
• If you are entering Bolivia through a land border or remote crossing, be prepared for potential unofficial "administration fees" or small bribes requested by officials.

Work visa processing times

The processing time for a work visa in Bolivia can take anywhere from one to five months. This timeframe begins once the applicant has submitted all the required documents to the Bolivian Consulate in their home country. It is important to note that employees cannot commence work in Bolivia until they have obtained the appropriate visa.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Work Visa

The type of work visa depends on the duration of the employee's stay in Bolivia. For short-term assignments, employees can apply for a transitory residence or work visa, which is valid for 30 to 180 days. If employees plan to stay for a longer period, they will need to apply for a temporary residence visa, which is typically granted for one to three years. After living and working in Bolivia for three years, employees may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a temporary residence or work visa, candidates must submit the following documents:

• A completed and signed application form.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination if the workplace is in a high-risk area.
• Documents proving employment, such as an invitation letter from the company and other supporting documents.
• A clear criminal record, including the police record issued through INTERPOL and criminal and police records from the applicant's last country of residence.
• A medical certificate.
• A passport-sized photograph.
• Any other supporting documents requested by the consulate.

Step 3: Submit Application and Wait for Processing

Once all the required documents have been gathered, applicants should submit their application to the Bolivian Consulate in their home country. The processing time can vary between one and five months, so it is advisable to plan accordingly. During this time, the applicant cannot work in Bolivia, and their employment contract is not valid until they have received government permission to work in the country.

Step 4: Additional Steps for Longer Stays

For employees seeking to stay in Bolivia for an extended period, there are a few additional steps after obtaining the initial temporary residence visa. After living in Bolivia for three years with this visa, employees can apply for permanent residence. Alternatively, some employees choose to enter the country with a temporary residence visa and then change their status later with the help of an attorney. This process involves working with the Department of Immigration to gather the necessary documents.

Frequently asked questions