Us Visa Costs In Bolivia: A Traveler's Guide

The cost of a US visa in Bolivia depends on several factors, including the type of visa, nationality, purpose of visit, and application method. US citizens are required to apply for a tourist visa to enter Bolivia, which costs around $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year. This visa can be obtained before travel through a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or directly upon arrival at a Bolivian border. It's important to note that some airlines may refuse boarding to travelers without a valid visa, so it's advisable to obtain the visa in advance whenever possible.

Cost of a US visa in Bolivia for tourism

The cost of a US visa in Bolivia for tourism depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the length of stay, and the method of application. Here is a detailed overview:

Bolivian Visa Groups:

The Bolivian government has categorized countries into three groups, each with different visa requirements:

• Group I countries: No visa or fee is required for entry. A valid passport and immigration card are sufficient.
• Group II countries: A visa is not required, but a $95 USD fee is charged if obtaining a visa at the border. Obtaining a visa from a Bolivian embassy beforehand is free of charge.
• Group III countries: A visa must be obtained in advance from a Bolivian embassy, and the cost is $30 USD.

US Citizens and Bolivian Visas:

According to the US Embassy in Bolivia, all US citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa (tourist visa) is $160 USD and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. US citizens can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities.

It is important to note that US citizens must present a valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining and an international certificate of yellow fever vaccination when applying for a Bolivian visa. Additionally, they must provide proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia, as well as proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from their host if staying with friends or family.

Application Process:

US citizens can obtain a Bolivian visa by applying at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighboring country. Alternatively, they can purchase a tourist visa at any land or air border when entering Bolivia. Processing times may take 4 to 6 weeks due to limited visa sticker availability at the embassy.

In conclusion, the cost of a US visa in Bolivia for tourism varies based on the visa group and the method of application. US citizens should allow for potential processing times and ensure they meet all the entry requirements set by the Bolivian authorities.

Cost breakdown of a US visa in Bolivia

The cost of a US visa in Bolivia varies depending on several factors, including the type of visa, the method of application, and where the application is submitted. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Application Fees

The application fee for a US visa in Bolivia typically ranges from $30 to $160 USD. The fee varies based on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. For example, citizens of Group 2 countries may be able to obtain a visa for free if they apply before their trip at an embassy or consulate, whereas Group 3 countries must apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy, and the cost is typically around $30 USD.

Processing Fees

Some visa application channels may charge a processing fee. For instance, VisaHQ, a private visa agency, charges a service fee for expediting visa applications. It is essential to review the fees charged by the specific channel through which you are applying.

Supporting Documents

Obtaining supporting documents for your visa application may also incur costs. For example, you may need to provide a passport-size photograph, proof of accommodation, invitation letters, vaccination certificates, and other relevant documents. Obtaining these documents may involve fees from relevant authorities or institutions.

Travel Costs

When applying for a US visa in Bolivia, you may need to travel to a Bolivian embassy, consulate, or port of entry. These travels can include transportation costs, accommodation expenses, and other related charges.

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs associated with specific visa types or application channels. For instance, the Bolivian Immigration Office issues various visa categories, such as transit, diplomatic, educational, multiple entry, and special case visas, each with its own set of requirements and potential costs.

It is important to note that visa requirements and costs can change, and it is always advisable to check with official sources, such as the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local Bolivian embassies or consulates, for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How to pay for a US visa in Bolivia

The cost of a US visa in Bolivia depends on your nationality and the type of visa you require. For citizens of the US, a tourist visa costs $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year. This can be paid in US dollars or local currency.

For other nationalities, the Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country included in the first group (USA, EU, Australia, etc.), you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days.

If you are from a country in group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, and the visa requirements and application process vary. For group 2 countries, a visa can be obtained for free at a Bolivian embassy or consulate before your trip, or for a fee of around $160 on arrival. For group 3 countries, a visa must be obtained in advance from a Bolivian embassy or consulate, and the process is longer, requiring authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia. The cost of a visa for group 3 countries is $30.

When applying for a Bolivian visa, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• A completed visa application form
• A passport-size photograph
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia (hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host)
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary
• Proof of financial resources (bank or credit card statements)
• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination

The application process may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but you will generally need to contact them to learn about their specific requirements, whether you need to make an appointment, and how to submit your application. You may be able to submit your application in person, by mail, or online.

It is recommended to obtain your visa before travelling to Bolivia, as some airlines may refuse boarding if you do not already have a visa. Additionally, while it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival at certain airports in Bolivia, the application process may not always be clear or consistent.

Cost comparison for a US visa in Bolivia and other countries

The cost of a US visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin. US visa fees can be broadly categorized into non-immigrant visa fees, immigrant visa fees, and reciprocity fees.

Non-Immigrant Visa Fees

Non-immigrant visa application processing fees are tiered based on the visa category. The fees for common non-immigrant visas are as follows:

• Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $185
• Petition-based visa categories: $205
• E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa: $315
• K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of a US citizen category visa: $265

Immigrant Visa Fees

Immigrant visa application processing fees are also tiered based on the visa category. The fees for various immigrant visa petitions are:

• Form I-130, Immigrant Petition for Relative: $535
• Form I-600 or Form I-800, Orphan Immediate Relative Petition: $775

The processing fees for different immigrant visa categories are:

• Immediate Relative or Family Preference Immigration Applications: $325, plus the petition fee
• Employment-Based Immigration Applications: $345, plus the petition fee
• Other immigration applications (including self-petitioning): $205
• K visa for a fiancé or spouse of a US citizen: $265

Reciprocity Fees

Reciprocity fees are paid by certain countries based on their relationship with the US. These fees are for issuing the visa and for border crossing cards. The reciprocity fee depends on the applicant's country of residence and passport type.

US Visa Cost in Bolivia

Citizens of the United States do not require a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. However, if a US citizen wishes to stay longer than 90 days, they must apply for a visa from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. The cost of a Bolivian visa for US citizens is estimated to be around USD 160, but this price is subject to change based on the purpose of the visit and changes in immigration rules.

Cost Comparison with Other Countries

The cost of a US visa varies across different countries. For example, citizens of Group 2 countries (as categorized by the Bolivian government) can obtain a Bolivian visa for free if they apply before their trip at an Embassy or Consulate. However, if they choose to obtain the visa on arrival, they will have to pay a fee, typically around USD 160. On the other hand, citizens of Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, and the visa cost is approximately USD 30.

Cost of a US visa in Bolivia for work or study

The cost of a US visa in Bolivia depends on the type of visa and where it is obtained. A US visa for work or study in Bolivia is classified as a "Specific Purpose visa", which is required for anyone travelling to Bolivia for business, paid work, or any other activity not related to tourism.

For US citizens, a Bolivian tourist visa costs $160 and can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or a neighbouring country. It can also be purchased at any land or air border. This visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

On the other hand, a student visa for Bolivia is granted to foreign citizens travelling to the country for academic or student activities. This visa costs $50 and is valid for 60 calendar days. It enables the processing of the temporary stay of a student for up to three years, renewable for periods of up to three years, until the completion of their studies.

Frequently asked questions