Applying For A Bolivia Visa: A Mail-In Guide

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, you'll need to check the visa requirements for your nationality. Citizens of the USA, EU, Australia, and some other countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 or 90 days. For other nationalities, there are different types of visas available, including tourist, business, student, and work visas. The process for applying for a Bolivia visa can be done online or in person, but it depends on your nationality and the type of visa you need. In this article, we will outline the steps for applying for a Bolivia visa by mail.

Attach the required documents

When applying for a Bolivian visa, you will need to submit a number of documents to support your application. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality, but here is a detailed and comprehensive list of documents that may be required for a Bolivian visa application:

Valid Passport:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned entry to Bolivia and should have at least two blank pages for visa stickers. Please note that if you are applying for a visa on arrival, you will need to carry your original passport with you.

Bolivia Visa Application Form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application):

You will need to complete and print the Bolivia visa application form, also known as the Sworn Statement for Visa Application. This form is accessible online. Make sure that the information in the sworn statement matches the details in your passport.

Passport-Size Photograph:

You will need to attach a recent passport-size photograph to your application. The photograph should have the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 2 inches by 2 inches or 3 cm by 3 cm
• Background: Plain white background
• Expression: Neutral expression with a non-smiling mouth
• Face: Full frontal view with your face centred and eyes open
• Headgear: Not allowed, except for religious reasons. Ensure your face is visible.
• Eyewear: Not allowed, including eyeglasses.
• Format: JPG format for electronic submission with a maximum file size of 150 KB.

Proof of Accommodation in Bolivia:

You must provide proof of your accommodation in Bolivia. This can be in the form of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bolivia. The document should include the dates of your stay. If staying with a host, the invitation letter must be personal and include the address and, if possible, a sketch of the location.

Copy of Flight Ticket or Travel Itinerary:

Provide a copy of your confirmed round-trip flight ticket or travel itinerary. This document should include your entry and exit dates for Bolivia.

Proof of Financial Resources:

You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your trip. This can be done by providing copies of your bank or credit card statements for the last three months. The statements should include your name as shown in your passport and show your transactions.

Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccine:

All visitors to Bolivia are required to present a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. This requirement may be waived if you are arriving from a region that is not considered a risk area for yellow fever.

Additional Documents:

Depending on the purpose of your visit and your specific circumstances, you may also need to submit additional documents. For example, if you are applying for a transit visa, you will need to provide proof of your onward travel to a third country. If you are applying for a student visa, you will need to include academic transcripts, a letter of acceptance, and police clearance documents from your country of residence.

Please note that some documents may need to be notarized or legalised, and you may be required to provide translations for any documents that are not in Spanish. It is always recommended to check with the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documents for your visa application.

Submit the application by mail

If you are unable to attend the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy in person, you can submit your application by mail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Find your nearest Embassy or Consulate:

Firstly, you need to locate your nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or the one that is most convenient for you to contact. There may not be a Bolivian Consulate in every country.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate:

Get in touch with the Embassy or Consulate to learn about their specific application requirements, whether you need to make an appointment, and how you can submit the application by mail.

Complete the application form:

You will need to fill out the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application). This can be accessed online. Attach electronic copies of the required documents, including:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm or 2 inches x 2 inches)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia (e.g. hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host)
• Invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable)
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other documents that may be required, depending on your specific circumstances

Print and sign the confirmation page:

Print out the confirmation page, which will be downloaded as a PDF, and then sign it.

Collect the required documents:

Gather all the necessary documents for your Bolivian visa application. This typically includes:

• Your valid passport, with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank pages for visa stickers
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, including 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
• Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccine

Pay the visa fee:

Pay the Bolivia visa fee as per the requirements of the Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, you may not have to pay a fee if you are applying before your trip.

Submit the application by mail:

Send your completed application form, along with all the required documents and payment, to the Embassy or Consulate by mail.

Wait for processing:

It typically takes 10-15 working days for the visa to be processed. You will be notified once a decision has been made on your application.

Receive your visa:

If your application is approved, you will receive your visa by mail.

Pay the visa fee

Paying the visa fee is a crucial step in the Bolivia visa application process. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to know about paying the visa fee:

• Visa Fee Amounts: The cost of a Bolivian visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. For US citizens applying for a tourist visa, the fee is typically $160 USD. This amount may vary for citizens of other countries and for different types of visas, such as business or specific purpose visas. Always check the official website or contact the nearest Bolivian Consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.
• Methods of Payment: The Bolivian Consulate generally accepts a limited number of payment methods for visa fees. In most cases, you will be required to pay by money order, company cheque, cashier's cheque, or major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. Some consulates may also accept cash, but it is always best to confirm in advance to avoid any issues.
• Payment Timing: It is important to plan ahead when paying your visa fee. Incomplete applications, including those without the necessary payment, may be returned and will result in delays. Ensure that you include the correct payment along with your application form and other required documents. Processing times can vary, but it typically takes around 10 business days from the receipt of the application, payment, and passport.
• Additional Fees: Aside from the visa fee itself, there may be additional costs associated with your application. For example, if you require expedited processing or need to use courier services for secure document delivery, there will be extra charges. Return mail fees may also apply for certain locations, such as Alaska and Hawaii. Always review the fee schedule provided by the Bolivian Consulate to understand any potential extra costs.
• Fee Exemptions: It is worth noting that visa fees are not always applicable. Some nationalities may be exempt from visa fees, particularly when obtaining a visa at a Bolivian Embassy in advance. However, obtaining a visa at the border usually incurs a fee, typically $95 USD. Always check the requirements for your specific nationality to avoid unexpected costs.
• Refunds and Non-Refundable Fees: In the event of delays, losses, or damages, it is important to understand the policies regarding refunds. Most visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is delayed or if there are issues with document delivery. However, this does not preclude you from seeking assistance or clarification from the Bolivian Consulate regarding your application status.

Wait for processing

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time for a Bolivia visa may vary depending on the method of application and the type of visa. For online applications, the processing time is typically around 1-6 business days, but this can be expedited for an additional fee. In-person applications at the embassy or consulate generally take longer.

It is recommended that you apply for your Bolivia visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time and to avoid any potential delays or complications. The Bolivian immigration authorities may, in some cases, request additional information or documentation, which could further delay the processing time.

If you are applying for a Bolivia Visa on Arrival, the processing time may be quicker, potentially within an hour, though delays are possible. However, the application process for a visa on arrival may not always be the same, and the Bolivian immigration authorities may not have the most detailed information about the process.

Receive the visa

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time for a Bolivian visa is typically 10-15 working days, although this may vary depending on the Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, the decision can take up to three months.

If your application is successful, you will receive your visa. If you applied in person, you may need to go to the Embassy or Consulate to collect your visa. If you applied by mail, the documents will be mailed back to you.

It is important to note that you must have all the required documents before travelling to Bolivia, even if you plan to obtain your visa on arrival. This includes a valid passport, proof of accommodation, a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, and other necessary documents. You must also have the necessary funds to pay the visa fee, which is typically around USD 160.

Make sure to check the specific requirements and application process for your country of residence, as the Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups with different requirements and processes.

Frequently asked questions