Getting A Visa To Bolivia: Quickest Options

The time it takes to get a visa for Bolivia depends on several factors, including your nationality, where you are applying from, and whether you are applying for the correct type of visa. Citizens of the US need a tourist visa to visit Bolivia, which costs $160 and allows holders to stay for up to 90 days per year. These visas are available on arrival, but some airlines will refuse boarding to anyone who doesn't already have a tourist visa. It is therefore advisable to get a visa in advance by applying online via the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website or at the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC. If you are a citizen of the US, you can also apply at your local Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Where to apply for a Bolivian visa

The Bolivian government has divided countries into three categories, each with different visa policies. The specific consulate or embassy you need to apply to depends on your country of residence and the visa group you fall under.

Visa Group I

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa or need to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia: Islas Marshall Rep. De Las, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia and Montenegro, and St. Tome and Principe. The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, and a valid immigration card at the border.

Visa Group II

Passport holders from the following countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border:

• Bolivia Hop: Bolivian Embassy in Lima or Cusco
• U.S. Citizens: Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighboring country

Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge, but obtaining a visa at the border incurs a $95 USD fee.

Visa Group III

Passport holders from the following countries must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy: Islas Marshall Rep. De Las, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia and Montenegro, and St. Tome and Principe. The cost of the visa is $30 USD.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a Bolivian visa at the following locations:

• Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, if you reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or North Carolina.
• Bolivian Consulate in New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles, depending on where you live in the United States.

What documents are needed

The documents required to obtain a visa for Bolivia depend on the nationality of the passport holder. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups.

Group One Countries

Group one countries include the USA, EU, Australia, etc. Citizens of these countries do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for visits of up to 90 days. However, their passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months, and they must present a valid immigration card at the border.

Group Two Countries

Citizens of group two countries must obtain a visa before travelling to Bolivia. They can apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at a Bolivian embassy is free of charge, but getting a visa at the border incurs a $95 USD fee. The process of applying for a visa at an embassy or consulate involves the following steps:

• Find the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate.
• Contact them to learn about their application requirements, appointment systems, and submission methods.
• Complete the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application), which is accessible online. Attach electronic copies of the following documents:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm)
• 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, including:

• Your valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two remaining pages for visa stickers.
• Printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• Passport-size picture with specific requirements (dimensions, format, expression, etc.).
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host.
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial resources, such as bank or credit card statements.
• A certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination.

• Pay the Bolivia visa fee, if applicable.
• Submit the documents at the embassy or consulate during opening hours or on the appointment date. Some embassies or consulates also accept mailed submissions.
• Wait 10-15 working days for the visa to be processed. You will be notified once a decision has been made.
• Receive your visa. If you applied in person, you may need to collect it from the embassy or consulate. If you applied by mail, the documents will be mailed back to you.

Group Three Countries

Citizens of group three countries must apply for a Bolivian visa at an embassy or consulate abroad. The process is similar to that of group two countries, but it involves requesting authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia, which can extend the processing time to up to three months.

Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types

Depending on the type of visa needed, additional documents may be required. For example:

• Bolivia Transit Visa: Documents proving flight itinerary and intention to travel to a third country.
• Bolivia Student Visa: Academic transcripts, letter of acceptance, and police clearance documents.

How much does it cost

The cost of a visa to enter Bolivia depends on your nationality and where you choose to obtain it. If you are a citizen of a country in Group 1, you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia and can stay for up to 90 days. Group 1 countries include the USA, EU countries, Australia, and more.

If you are a citizen of a country in Group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia. The cost of a Bolivian visa varies for Group 2 and 3 countries and can be free of charge if obtained beforehand at an embassy or consulate. However, if you choose to obtain your visa on arrival, you will have to pay a fee of around USD 160. Please note that some sources state that the visa on arrival fee is USD 95.

It is important to note that the price of the visa is subject to change based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and changes in immigration rules. Additionally, some airlines will refuse to let you board your flight to Bolivia unless you already have a tourist visa, so it is always advisable to obtain your visa in advance.

When applying for a Bolivian visa, you must submit various documents to support your application, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination, and more. The application process can take anywhere from 10-15 working days to three to five weeks, and in some cases, up to three months.

How long does it take to process

The time it takes to process a visa for Bolivia depends on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, and where you choose to apply. Here is a detailed breakdown of the processing times:

Group One Countries:

Citizens of Group One countries, including the United States, EU member states, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. Their passports will simply be stamped on arrival, allowing them to stay for 30 days, which can be extended for up to 90 days.

Group Two Countries:

Nationals of Group Two countries, such as the Central African Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United Arab Emirates, have two options for obtaining a visa: through a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or on arrival in Bolivia. The processing time for a Bolivian visa at an embassy or consulate typically takes 10 to 15 working days. This involves submitting the necessary documents, including a completed application form, passport photo, proof of accommodation, invitation letter, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The visa fee may be waived if applied for before the trip.

Obtaining a visa on arrival in Bolivia is possible at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports, but the process is less clear and may not always be consistent. It is important to have all the required documents and the necessary cash (in US dollars) to pay the visa fee.

Group Three Countries:

Citizens of Group Three countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, must apply for a Bolivian visa at an embassy or consulate abroad. The process is longer, as authorisation must be requested from the National Migration Service in Bolivia. After submitting the application and required documents, a decision on the visa can take up to three to five weeks, and sometimes up to three months.

US Citizens:

As of December 20, 2019, US citizens do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism purposes. Their passport must have at least six months of validity, and they can stay for up to 30, 60, or 90 days as decided by the immigration officer.

It is important to note that some airlines will refuse boarding to travellers without a visa, so it is always advisable to check the latest requirements and apply for a visa in advance if necessary.

Can I get it on arrival

Yes, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Bolivia, but only at the La Paz or Santa Cruz airports. This service is not available at all Bolivian airports. The visa on arrival costs $60 USD for Indian citizens and $95 USD for Group II passport holders.

The visa on arrival is not the only option for obtaining a Bolivian visa. Many nationalities require a visa to enter Bolivia, and the requirements differ depending on the nationality stated on the passport. Some visas are free, while others require payment. Some visas must be obtained in advance, either at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or directly at the Bolivian border.

It is critical to research the visa requirements for your specific nationality before travelling and to apply for your Bolivian visa within the necessary timelines.

Frequently asked questions