Bolivia Visa Application: Pakistan To Bolivia

If you're a Pakistani citizen wanting to travel to Bolivia, you will need to obtain a visa. The type of visa you require will depend on the purpose of your visit. For instance, if you're travelling for tourism, business, studying or working, you will need to apply for a visa that aligns with your purpose of travel. It is important to note that Pakistani citizens cannot apply for certain types of visas, such as tourist visas, from within Pakistan. This is because there is no Bolivian embassy or consulate located in the country.

The application process for a Bolivian visa can be complicated, with some forms only available in Spanish. However, there are online resources to guide you through the process, and some companies offer services to complete the application on your behalf.

Required documents for a Bolivia tourist visa

To apply for a Bolivia tourist visa from Pakistan, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed visa application form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately and legibly.
• A passport photo that meets the specific requirements set by the Bolivian authorities, such as size, background colour, and facial expression. The photo must be no older than 6 months.
• Original passport or travel document with at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank visa pages. The passport should be in good condition without any damage.
• Accommodation reservation in Bolivia for the duration of your visit, including the name and address of the accommodation, check-in and check-out dates, and confirmation of your booking.
• A round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary with details of your departure and return, including flight numbers and any layovers.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as a current bank statement from the latest 6 months, income tax returns, and original pay slips.
• A letter of invitation from a relative, friend, or company in Bolivia, stating their relationship to you, the purpose of your visit, the length of stay, and whether you will be staying with them. If they are covering your expenses, provide proof of their funds.
• A letter from your employer on company letterhead, stating that you have been granted a leave of absence, the purpose and duration of the trip, and that you will be returning to your current job.
• If applicable, a copy of your business license, company bank statement, and proof of retirement fund.
• For students, a letter from your school indicating that you are in good standing and registered for the upcoming semester.
• A criminal record or police certificate issued by the competent authority in Pakistan.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• If you have previously resided in Bolivia, you may also need to provide a certificate of no criminal record issued by the Bolivian National Police.

Please note that the requirements may vary, and it is recommended to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Where to apply for a Bolivia visa

To apply for a Bolivia visa, you must submit your application to the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy.

Pakistani citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Bolivia and must be present when applying for the Bolivia Sticker visa. The Bolivia tourist visa is valid for 1 month and must be used within 1 year of issuance.

The Consulate General of Bolivia is located at:

Consulate General of Bolivia

1718 Connecticut Ave. NW

2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20009

202) 232-4827

It is important to note that most consulates and embassies are only open to the public during the morning hours.

Additionally, the Bolivia Visa On Arrival may be obtained at the airports in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz if you are unable to visit the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy. However, it is possible that Bolivian immigration officials may not have the data required to grant visas on arrival to those who are eligible.

Therefore, if you are applying for a Bolivia visa, it is recommended to visit the Consulate General of Bolivia during their public hours to ensure a smooth application process.

How to fill out the application form

To fill out the Bolivia visa application form, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Access the official website of the Bolivian government or the Bolivian Consulate to obtain the application form. Make sure you are using the most current version of the form. You may also want to refer to the iVisa website, which offers a simplified Bolivia visa application form and expert guidance throughout the process.

Step 2:

Gather all the necessary supporting documents. This typically includes:

• A valid Pakistani passport with at least six months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page.
• Passport-size photographs that meet the specifications, including size, background colour, and expression.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements.
• Travel itinerary, including accommodation reservations and round-trip flight details.
• Letter of invitation (if applicable).
• Additional documents like travel insurance, proof of employment or studies, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Step 3:

Start filling out the application form. Provide accurate and legible information, ensuring that all sections are completed. Double-check for errors before submission, as incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or denial of your visa application. Personal information, passport details, and intended travel plans are usually required.

Step 4:

Submit the completed application form, along with your passport and supporting documents, to the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. You may need to schedule an appointment for this. The processing time is typically a few days, and you will be informed whether your application has been approved or denied.

Please note that there is no Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan, so you will need to apply from a different country. Additionally, some sources suggest that Pakistani citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic visa for Bolivia, which may have a different application process.

What to do after submitting the application

After submitting your Bolivia visa application, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do after submitting your application:

Wait for Processing:

The processing time for your Bolivia visa application can vary. In some cases, it may take a few days, while for more complex applications, it could take longer. During this time, remain patient and avoid contacting the embassy or consulate unless absolutely necessary.

Track Your Application:

If possible, utilise the online tools provided by the Bolivian government or visa application services to track the status of your application. This will allow you to follow its progress and estimate when a decision will be made.

Prepare for an Interview:

In some instances, you may be required to attend a visa interview. If this is the case, you will typically be informed of the interview date and time after submitting your application. Use this time to prepare by familiarising yourself with your application details, visa requirements, and common interview questions.

Gather Additional Documentation:

In certain situations, the embassy or consulate may request additional documentation or information. Ensure that you carefully review all communication from them and promptly provide any supplementary documents or evidence requested. This can help prevent delays in the processing of your application.

Stay Informed:

It is important to stay updated on the status of your application and any changes in visa requirements. Regularly check the website of the Bolivian embassy or consulate for updates and announcements. Additionally, if you have opted for email notifications during your application, ensure that you check your email inbox frequently.

Plan Your Travel:

While awaiting a decision on your visa application, it is advisable to make flexible travel arrangements. Avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets or making reservations that cannot be adjusted. Instead, opt for bookings that can be modified or cancelled if needed. This will provide you with greater flexibility in case of delays or changes in your visa application status.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the time after submitting your Bolivia visa application. Remember to stay organised, responsive to requests from the embassy or consulate, and proactive in tracking the status of your application.

Additional visa requirements

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Bolivia, with at least one blank page for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. It should be in good condition, without any damage that could render it invalid.

Visa Application Form

You will need to accurately and legibly complete the visa application form, providing personal information, passport details, and intended travel plans to Bolivia. Incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or denial of your visa application.

Photographs

Provide recent passport-size photographs that meet the specifications of the Bolivian authorities. These typically include size, background colour, and facial expression requirements. Ensure the photos are of high quality and no older than six months.

Travel Itinerary and Proof of Sufficient Funds

Present a detailed travel itinerary, including your planned activities, accommodations, and the duration of your stay in Bolivia. Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, such as bank statements for the last three to six months.

Proof of Onward Travel and Lodging

Show proof of a round-trip ticket or onward travel arrangements to demonstrate your intention to leave Bolivia. Visitors must also provide proof of lodging, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from their host in Bolivia.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Citizens of Pakistan above the age of one year are required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry to Bolivia.

Criminal Record Check

A criminal record or police certificate, issued by the competent authority in Pakistan, is required for entry into Bolivia.

Biometrics

Depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa applied for, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo) as part of the visa application process.

Visa Fees and Payment Methods

There may be visa fees associated with your application, and you should be prepared to pay these fees using accepted payment methods. The fees may vary based on the type of visa and your country of origin.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to submit additional supporting documents. These could include proof of employment, student status, or business ownership. If you are visiting family or friends, a letter of invitation from your host in Bolivia may also be required.

Please note that visa requirements can change, and it is always recommended to check with the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions