Get A Bolivian Passport: The Ultimate Guide

Bolivian passports are issued to citizens of Bolivia by the Bolivian Government through its specially appointed office, Dirección General de Migración (General Office of Migration). The document can also be extended abroad via consulate representatives. The passport has undergone several modifications to comply with international regulations, including the addition of biometric data. The cost of a new passport is $85, and it can be paid for with a credit or debit card. To obtain a Bolivian passport, certain requirements must be met, including providing an updated Bolivian birth certificate, a valid identity card, and the presence of both parents. For minors, the process is similar, and additional documents such as a valid passport from the parent(s) may be required.

How to get a Bolivian passport for children born abroad

To obtain a Bolivian passport for children born abroad, the following steps are necessary:

• Presence of the minor or applicant: The child must be physically present when applying for their first Bolivian passport.
• Updated Bolivian birth certificate of the minor: Ensure that you have an official, updated Bolivian birth certificate for the child.
• Valid identity card: The child should possess a valid identity card.
• Presence of both parents with their identity documents or passports: Both parents are required to be present and must bring their Bolivian identity cards or passports. If either parent is a foreigner, they must present their passport issued by their country of origin. In the unfortunate event of a parent's death, a death certificate is necessary.
• Special power of attorney: If one of the parents is absent, a special notarized power of attorney is required, authorizing the processing of the passport. Alternatively, a court ruling can be provided to authorize the process.
• Documentation for adopted minors: In the case of adoption, an original or certified photocopy of the adoption judgment must be attached.
• Translation and legalization of foreign documents: If any document presented is of foreign origin, it must be translated into the applicable language and apostilled or legalized.

After gathering and preparing the necessary documentation, you can proceed with scheduling an appointment at the Bolivian consulate or following their specific instructions for passport applications. The cost of obtaining a new Bolivian passport is $85, and you will obtain your passport within approximately 4 weeks.

Requirements for renewal of a Bolivian passport

A Bolivian passport is a travel document issued to citizens of Bolivia by the Bolivian Government. The passport is valid for six years and can be renewed in the case of expiration, loss, theft, or deterioration. Here are the requirements for renewing a Bolivian passport:

• Presence of the applicant: The applicant must be present when applying for renewal and when capturing data after information verification.
• Valid Identity Card: For all renewal cases, a valid identity card must be presented along with other requirements specific to each situation.
• Valid Passport: The validity of the current passport must not exceed six months.
• Report of Loss: If the passport has been lost, a report must be made to the police. This can be done at the Consulate offices for a fee of $50 if unable to file with the police.
• Current Identity Card: Ensure that your identity card has the correct, updated information.
• Previous Passport: Provide your last issued passport, whether it is still valid or expired.
• Documentation of Changes: If there are any changes, such as name changes due to marriage, present the relevant documentation (e.g., marriage certificate).
• Proof of Payment: You must provide proof of payment for the cost of the new passport, which is $85. Only credit or debit cards are accepted.
• Appointment and Data Capture: After the information on the passport has been verified, an appointment will be set for data capturing. The interested person must bring the required documents to this appointment.
• Personal Pick-up: Once the new passport arrives at the Consulate, the applicant must personally collect the document.

Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the Consulate or Embassy involved. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What to do if you lose your passport in Bolivia

If you lose your passport in Bolivia, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:

Report the loss to the local police:

Make a report to the local police station in the area where you lost your passport. This step is crucial, as you will need a police report to proceed with the next steps. Ask for a copy of the report for your records.

Contact your embassy or consulate:

Get in touch with your country's embassy or consulate in Bolivia as soon as possible. Inform them about the loss of your passport and ask for guidance on the next steps, which may include filling out specific forms or providing additional documentation.

Visit the Consulate offices:

In case you are unable to make a police report, you can go directly to the Consulate offices. They will assist you in filing the necessary reports and provide support throughout the process. There is usually a fee associated with this service, so be prepared to cover those costs.

Obtain necessary documents:

You will need to gather specific documents to support your claim and facilitate the process of obtaining a new passport. These documents may include:

• A valid identity card
• Your most recent passport, even if it has expired
• Any relevant documentation that proves a change in your information, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate

Apply for a new passport:

Once you have completed the previous steps and gathered the necessary documents, you can now apply for a new passport. This process may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your embassy or consulate. There may be associated fees for the new passport, so be prepared to cover those costs.

Remember to stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure at all times to prevent the loss of important documents like your passport. It is also advisable to make copies of your passport and other essential documents before travelling, as this can help expedite the replacement process in case of loss.

Bolivian passport cost

The cost of a Bolivian passport depends on several factors, including whether it is a renewal or a new application, and whether the applicant is an adult or a minor. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in obtaining a Bolivian passport:

Renewal of Passport

If your Bolivian passport has expired, been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to renew it. The renewal process for Bolivian passports is straightforward and can be completed by following these steps:

• Presence of the applicant: The applicant must be physically present when renewing their passport.
• Valid identity card: A valid Bolivian identity card is required for passport renewal.
• Valid passport: The current passport must be submitted, even if it is expired. It should have a validity of no more than 6 months.
• Report of loss: If the previous passport was lost or stolen, a report made to the Police is required. This can also be done at Consulate offices for a fee of $50.
• Current identity card: An updated identity card with correct information is necessary.
• Previous passport: The last issued valid or expired passport must be presented.
• Documentation for changes: Any changes, such as name changes due to marriage, must be supported by relevant documents (e.g., birth, marriage, or death certificate).
• Fee: The renewal of a Bolivian passport costs $85, payable only by credit or debit card.

New Passport Application

The process for applying for a new Bolivian passport is similar to renewal, but with a few additional requirements:

• Presence of the applicant: Similar to renewal, the applicant must be present.
• Valid identity card: A valid identity card is required for all new applications.
• Presence of both parents: In the case of minor applicants, both parents must be present with their identity cards or passports.
• Updated birth certificate: A Bolivian birth certificate is mandatory for minors.
• Foreign parent(s): If either or both parents are foreigners, they must present their passports issued by their country.
• Death certificate: In the event of the death of one parent, a death certificate is required.
• Power of attorney: If one parent is absent, a special notarized power of attorney is needed for passport authorization.
• Adoption papers: For adopted minors, original or certified photocopies of adoption judgment are required.
• Foreign documents: Any foreign-origin documents must be apostilled, legalized, or translated, if applicable.
• Fee: Similar to renewal, a new Bolivian passport costs $85, payable only via credit or debit card.

How to get a Bolivian passport if you have dual citizenship

Citizenship by Birth

If you were born in Bolivia, you are automatically granted citizenship, except if your parents were foreign personnel on diplomatic missions. If either of your parents is Bolivian and you were born outside of Bolivia, you are also entitled to citizenship by birth. In this case, you will need to register with your local consulate.

Citizenship by Descent

If you were born with one Bolivian parent, you are entitled to citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born. As mentioned above, if you were born abroad, you will need to register with your local consulate.

Citizenship by Naturalization

If you meet the following requirements, you may apply for naturalization:

• You must have resided in Bolivia for at least 3 years without interruption (this is reduced to 2 years if you are married to a Bolivian, have Bolivian children, or have Bolivian foster parents, or have served in the military).
• You must express a desire to obtain Bolivian nationality.
• Your current residence must be legal.

Applying for a Bolivian Passport

If you are applying for a Bolivian passport, you can use the online application form.

Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighboring country. A tourist visa can also be purchased at any land or air border and is valid for 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service).

Upon entering and/or exiting Bolivia, dual citizens may be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad.

It is important to note that passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival to enter Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions