Bolivia Visa Status: Checking Your Application Progress

If you are planning a trip to Bolivia, it is important to understand the country's visa requirements. Bolivia offers various visa types, including tourist, business, student, and work visas, each with its own set of requirements and processing times. The first step in checking your Bolivia visa status is to determine the type of visa you have applied for and the method of application, as processing times vary for online and in-person applications. Online applications are typically processed within 1-6 business days, while in-person applications at an embassy or consulate may take several days to weeks. Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you can expect to receive updates via email, including a confirmation email with a tracking number. By using this tracking number, you can check the status of your Bolivia visa application and stay informed about the progress of your application.

Bolivia visa requirements

To enter Bolivia, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and obtain a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are the requirements for obtaining a Bolivian visa:

Tourist Visa:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Bolivia.
• Visa Affidavit Form: Fill out the necessary visa application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: Provide a recent 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph.
• Round Trip Ticket or Travel Itinerary: Show proof of a round-trip ticket or provide a copy of your travel itinerary.
• Lodging Information: Provide a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying. If staying with friends or family, a personal letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• Economic Solvency: Demonstrate economic solvency by providing a bank statement. For minors, the requirement applies to parents or guardians.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: All visitors to Bolivia must present an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination upon entry.
• Visa Fee: The Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 USD and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival.
• Entry and Exit Stamps: Make sure to obtain entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities each time you enter or leave the country.

Short-Term Visa:

This type of visa is suitable for tourists, businesspeople, students, participants in exchange programs, seasonal workers, and anyone else planning a short stay in Bolivia. The specific requirements and costs may vary depending on the type of short-term visa you need.

Long-Term Visa:

If you intend to stay in Bolivia for an extended period, such as for study, employment, or other long-term endeavours, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Contact the nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy to inquire about the specific requirements and procedures for long-term visas.

E-Visa:

You may be eligible to obtain a Bolivian E-Visa through an online platform. This process typically includes the following steps:

• Select the appropriate E-Visa type based on your purpose of visit (tourism, business, or other).
• Complete the online application form and provide any supporting documents, such as a passport copy, recent photograph, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• Make the visa processing fee payment through the online platform.
• Wait for the processing of your E-Visa application, which usually takes a few days.
• Receive your approved E-Visa via email and print a copy to carry with you during your travel to Bolivia.

Please note that the visa requirements and application procedures may change, so it is essential to check the official websites of the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some countries may have specific agreements with Bolivia regarding visa requirements, so it is recommended to verify the rules applicable to your country of origin.

Bolivia visa application process

The process of applying for a Bolivia visa may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your intended stay. Here is a detailed guide on the Bolivia visa application process:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

Before initiating the visa application process, it is crucial to identify the specific type of visa you require. Bolivia offers various visa categories, including tourist visas, transit visas, diplomatic visas, educational visas, multiple-entry visas, and special case visas. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchange programs, or other temporary endeavours. If you plan to stay in Bolivia for an extended period, such as for employment or study, you should explore the options for long-term visas.

Step 2: Identify the Application Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Bolivia visa may differ based on your nationality and the type of visa sought. However, there are some standard documents that are typically required:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A completed visa application form or affidavit.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from friends or family in Bolivia.
• A round-trip ticket or copy of your travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial means to support your stay, such as bank statements.
• Payment of the visa application fee.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents

Ensure that you have all the required documents before initiating the application process. Incomplete applications may result in delays or rejection. Scan all the necessary documents and keep them ready for submission.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Consulate

The consulate you apply to depends on your location and residence. If you reside in specific states in the US, such as the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, you can apply at the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC. For other states, you will need to apply at the appropriate consulate based on your location.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and identified the correct consulate, you can proceed with submitting your visa application. You may be able to apply online through platforms like VisaHQ, or you may need to apply in person at the consulate, depending on the specific instructions provided by the Bolivian authorities.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

The processing time for Bolivia visas may vary. Typically, it can take around 4 to 6 weeks due to limited visa sticker availability at the embassy. However, for e-visas, the processing time is usually shorter, taking a few days to a week.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your Bolivia visa. If you applied for an e-visa, it will be sent to your email. Make sure to check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder. For regular visas, you may need to collect the visa from the consulate or receive it via mail, depending on the instructions provided.

Step 8: Prepare for Entry to Bolivia

Before travelling to Bolivia, ensure that you have your visa and other necessary documents with you. Upon arrival, you may be asked to present your visa, passport, proof of accommodation, and proof of a round-trip ticket or onward travel. Additionally, foreign travellers to Bolivia must complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to their arrival.

Bolivia visa fees

The visa fees for Bolivia vary depending on the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant, and the place 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: Passport holders from these countries do not need a visa and can enter Bolivia without any fees. They only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card.
• Group II countries: Citizens from these countries can obtain a visa without charge at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. Alternatively, they can get a visa on arrival at a Bolivian border, but this option costs $95 USD.
• Group III countries: Nationals from these countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate before their trip. The cost of the visa is $30 USD.

Short-Term Visa Costs:

Tourists, business visitors, students, and other short-term visitors can apply for a Bolivia Short-term Visa. The visa costs vary based on the specific type of short-term visa and the nationality of the applicant.

Tourist Visa Fees:

For US citizens, a Bolivian tourist visa costs $160 USD. This visa is valid for 30 days per trip and can be extended to a total of 90 days per year. It can be purchased at any land or air border, as well as at Bolivian embassies or consulates.

Long-Term Visa Fees:

For those planning to stay in Bolivia for an extended period, such as for study, work, or employment, different types of long-term visas are available. The fees for these visas vary depending on the specific purpose and duration of the stay. It is recommended to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on long-term visa fees.

Bolivia visa processing times

The processing time for a Bolivia visa depends on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion. Typically, a visa can take anywhere from 2 days to 15+ days to process in the Bolivia Embassy/Consulate. In some cases, it may take 4 to 6 weeks due to the limited availability of visa stickers at the embassy.

If you plan to apply for a Bolivian visa at a Bolivian consulate, allow plenty of time for processing. The best time to apply for your Bolivia visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. The Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, has a processing time of 10 business days, starting when they receive the application, payment, and actual passport.

It's important to note that most consulates and embassies are only open to the public during the morning hours. Please take these hours into consideration when contacting the consulate about your visa application.

Bolivia visa extensions

To extend your stay in Bolivia, you must apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities. You can extend your entry stamp for an additional 30-60 days for free by visiting the office in person, but the maximum time travellers are permitted to stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days.

To avoid fines and re-entry issues, it is important not to overstay your visa. If you need to stay longer, be sure to visit the immigration office before your current visa expires.

Frequently asked questions