Humanitarian Visa: Bolivia's Aid For Afghans

Afghan citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Bolivia. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. For instance, a tourist visa is required for Afghan citizens who wish to visit Bolivia for a short stay of up to 30 days, while a work visa is necessary for those seeking employment in the country. The application process for a Bolivia visa involves gathering the necessary documents, such as a passport, visa application form, proof of accommodation, and others, scheduling an appointment with the Bolivian embassy or consulate, submitting the application, and awaiting approval. It is recommended to apply well in advance to ensure a smooth process and avoid unexpected issues.

Required documents for a Bolivia humanitarian visa

To apply for a Bolivia humanitarian visa, you must first check if you are eligible for one of the following humanitarian grounds:

• Need of international protection covered by the Principle of Non-Refoulement
• Victim of human trafficking or other forms of exploitation
• Being a companion of an ill person requiring medical treatment

If you are eligible, you can begin to gather the required documents. It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, and there is no option to expedite the application. The processing time is 10 business days, starting when the application, payment, and actual passport are received.

The required documents for a Bolivia humanitarian visa are:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank visa pages.
• A completed and signed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• A recent passport-size photograph (no older than three months for a tourist visa and taken within the last six months for a business visa) that meets specific size, background, and formatting requirements.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host, covering the dates of your stay.
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial resources, such as bank or credit card statements for the last three months.
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever (if applicable).
• Additional documents depending on the type of visa and your specific circumstances, such as academic transcripts and acceptance letters for a student visa or police clearance documents for a transit visa.

How to fill out the application form

To fill out the application form for a Bolivian humanitarian visa, follow these steps:

Firstly, find the correct application form. This will be the Sworn Statement for Visa Application, which is accessible online. You will need to print this off and fill it out manually, as it does not seem to be available in digital format.

Next, ensure you have all the required supporting documents. You will need a valid passport, with at least six months' validity remaining and at least two blank pages. You will also need a passport photo, taken within the last three months, against a white background, and two inches by two inches in size. The photo should not be affixed to the application and should not show any evidence of adhesive tape or staples. You will also need proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter, and a copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary. If you are working, you will need to provide a letter from your employer on company letterhead, stating that you have been granted leave, the purpose and duration of your trip, and confirmation that you will be returning to your current job. You will also need to provide your current bank statement for the last six months, your income tax return, and your original payslips. If you are self-employed, you will need to include a copy of your business license and your company bank statement for the last six months. Students will need to submit a letter from their school confirming that they are in good standing and registered for the upcoming semester, as well as a 'No Object' certificate from their school or university. If you are retired, you will need to submit proof of your retirement fund.

You will also need to provide a letter from your relative, friend, or company in Bolivia, confirming that they are inviting you to visit, their relationship to you, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. If your host is paying for your trip, you will need to provide proof of their funds.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, fill out the application form carefully, ensuring that all the information is accurate and matches the information in your passport. Make sure that you sign the form where necessary.

Finally, submit your application, along with your supporting documents and passport, to the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. You may be able to submit your application by mail, but in some cases, you may be required to submit it in person.

Where to submit the application

To submit your application for a humanitarian visa for Bolivia from Afghanistan, you must apply at the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. Citizens of Afghanistan are in Group 3 and must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

To apply for a Bolivia visa as a national of Group 3, follow these steps:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or choose the one that is most convenient for you to go to.
• Contact them to learn about their requirements and whether you need to schedule an appointment.
• Inquire if you can send your application and documents by mail or if you need to make a trip to the Embassy/Consulate in person.
• Complete the online Bolivian visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and print it out. You must 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 your host or proof of hotel reservation
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents
• Collect all the required documents.
• Go to the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate to apply for the visa. Submit your passport and documents in person or send them by registered mail if that option is available.

The Bolivian Embassy/Consulate will forward your application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia. You will typically be notified of a decision within three to five weeks, but in some cases, it can take up to three months. If your application is successful, you will receive your visa.

Processing time for the visa

The processing time for the Bolivia humanitarian visa is 10 business days, starting from when the application, payment, and actual passport are received. It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned without being processed, and there is no option for expedited processing. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all the required documents are included and that the information in the sworn statement matches the information in the passport.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply for the visa 1-2 months before your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time and to avoid any delays. The visa is granted for 30 calendar days based on specific humanitarian grounds outlined by the Bolivian government.

To apply for a Bolivia humanitarian visa for Afghanistan, you must first check your location to determine which Bolivian Consulate you need to apply to. If you reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or North Carolina, you can apply through the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC. Otherwise, you will need to apply through another Bolivian Consulate, such as those located in New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles.

When submitting your application, you must provide your actual signed passport, including a copy of the personal information page. Your passport must be valid for the next six months, have at least one blank visa page, and be in good condition. You will also need to submit a recent passport-type photograph that meets specific size, background, and expression requirements.

Cost of the visa

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

The humanitarian visa for Bolivia is free and is granted for 30 calendar days. This visa is available for those who need international protection covered by the Principle of Non-Refoulement, victims of human trafficking or other forms of exploitation, or those who are companions of an ill person requiring medical treatment.

Frequently asked questions