To enter Bolivia, the required documents depend on the country you are from. 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 for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of countries in Groups 2 and 3 need to obtain travel authorization, such as a visa issued by the Bolivian government. The Formulario de Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa Bilingüe (Bilingual Sworn Statement Form for Visa Request) can be obtained at Bolivian Consular offices or downloaded from the website of the Bolivian Chancellery. The form should be submitted with several documents, including a valid passport, a photograph, proof of accommodation, a round-trip ticket or trip itinerary, and proof of economic solvency.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Form name | Formulario de Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa Bilingüe (Bilingual Sworn Statement Form for Visa Request) |
Where to get the form | Bolivian Consular offices or the website of the Bolivian Chanchillery |
Photo requirements | Current colour photograph, 4"x 4" without glasses |
Passport validity | At least 6 months |
Supporting documents | Hotel reservation or letter of invitation, round trip ticket or trip itinerary, proof of economic solvency, and photocopies of the International Immunization Certificate showing immunization for yellow fever |
Cost | $135 USD |
Payment methods | Cash, deposited in the Consular office bank account, or by money order |
Processing time | 10 business days |
What You'll Learn
Ensure the sworn statement matches your passport details
When filling out the sworn statement for your Bolivian visa application, it is important to ensure that the information you provide matches the details in your passport. This is a crucial step in the application process, as any discrepancies between the sworn statement and your passport information can result in delays or even rejection of your visa application. Here are some guidelines to help ensure that your sworn statement matches your passport details:
- Personal Information: Check that your full name, date of birth, and place of birth in the sworn statement exactly match what is listed in your passport. Pay close attention to spelling, middle names, suffixes, and punctuation.
- Passport Number and Validity: Verify that the passport number entered on the sworn statement is correct and up-to-date. Also, confirm that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining, as this is a common requirement for visa applications.
- Photograph: Provide a recent photograph that meets the specified size and format requirements. The photograph should resemble the one in your passport, ensuring a clear and recognisable image.
- Signature and Certification: Sign the sworn statement in the presence of a person authorised to administer oaths, such as a notary public. This certifies that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- Supporting Documents: Gather all the necessary supporting documents, such as hotel reservations, letters of invitation, round-trip tickets, bank statements, and immunisation records. Ensure that the details in these documents are consistent with the information in your sworn statement and passport.
- Review and Double-Check: Before submitting your application, carefully review both your sworn statement and passport to identify any inconsistencies or errors. Double-checking all the information can help prevent issues and ensure a smoother application process.
Remember, the sworn statement is a formal document, and it is essential to provide accurate and truthful information. By taking the time to ensure that your sworn statement matches your passport details, you can increase the likelihood of a successful Bolivian visa application.
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Include a valid passport photo
To fill out the sworn statement for a Bolivian visa, you must include a valid passport photo. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your photo meets the requirements:
Firstly, the photo must be recent and taken within the last six months. This ensures that the photograph accurately reflects your current appearance. It is also important that the photo has a clear and unobstructed view of your face. Make sure there are no shadows on your face, and avoid any kind of filter or editing that alters your appearance. Do not wear glasses, hats, or head coverings that obscure your hair or hairline. If you wear glasses for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor with your application. Religious headwear is permitted, but it must not cast any shadows on your face, and your full face must be visible.
In terms of photo dimensions, the standard size for a passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). When taking the photo, position yourself directly in front of the camera with a plain white or off-white background. The background should be free of any textures, lines, or shadows. Make sure your facial expression is neutral, with both eyes open and your mouth closed. You are allowed to smile, but your eyes must be open and your mouth closed.
Regarding attire, wear clothing that you would normally wear on a daily basis. Uniforms are not allowed, except for religious clothing worn daily. Do not wear headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items in the photo. If you normally wear a hearing device, you may keep it on.
It is recommended that you use a professional passport photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements. Alternatively, you can take the photo yourself, but be sure to follow all the guidelines outlined above.
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Provide proof of economic solvency
To fill out the sworn statement for a Bolivian visa, you must provide proof of economic solvency. This requirement is unique to US citizens and is believed to be in retaliation for similar treatment by the United States of Bolivians seeking a visa.
To prove economic solvency, you must submit a bank statement, credit card, or cash. The bank statement must be in your name and show your account balance. You may redact your account number. While the exact amount of money required is not specified, a few thousand dollars should be sufficient, as the cost of living in Bolivia is comparatively lower.
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Submit travel plans and/or a letter of invitation
When applying for a Bolivian visa, you must submit a letter of invitation or your travel plans. This is a mandatory part of the application.
If you are staying with friends or family, you must provide a letter of invitation from your host. This letter must be signed and should include your full name, address, and passport number. It is also wise to include a printout of a map location of where you will be staying. If your host is providing the letter of invitation, they will also need to include invoices of the last three months of basic services (water, electricity, and telephone) in their name, as well as a contract of current rent or similar.
If your host is a family member or friend, the letter must be personal. Institutional invitations are only for specific object visas.
If you are staying in a hotel, you must provide a copy of your hotel reservation.
In either case, you must also provide proof of a round-trip ticket or a copy of your travel itinerary.
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Complete the online application
To complete the online application for a Bolivian visa, you will need to visit the website of the Bolivian Embassy in the US. There, you will have access to the online application and detailed information.
The first step is to navigate to the “Consular Affairs” section of the website and then click on “Tourist Visa”. At the bottom of this page, you will find two links. Click on the “Start Here” button, which will take you to the application page.
On this page, you will find a link to the “Requirement for Visa (English)”, which outlines all the required documents for your visa application. This can be used as a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary items before submitting your application.
Once you have read through the requirements and gathered your documents, you can start filling out the online form. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and passport details. You will also be asked about your travel plans, including the purpose of your trip, your intended length of stay, and your accommodation arrangements.
In addition to the online form, you will need to upload several supporting documents. These include:
- A recent passport-size photograph (2" x 2")
- A copy of your valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- Hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from friends or family in Bolivia
- Round-trip plane ticket or a copy of your travel itinerary
- Proof of economic solvency, such as a bank statement or credit card statement
- Photocopy of the International Immunization Certificate showing immunization for yellow fever
After submitting your online application, you will be able to download a PDF copy of your application/sworn statement. Print and sign this document, as it needs to be mailed to the embassy along with your other supporting documents.
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Frequently asked questions
The sworn statement form, also known as the Formulario de Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa Bilingüe, can be obtained at any Bolivian Consular office or downloaded from the website of the Bolivian Chancellery.
You will need to submit the following documents:
- A current colour passport photograph, typically 4"x4" or 2"x2" without glasses.
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from friends or family.
- A round-trip ticket or copy of your travel itinerary.
- Proof of economic solvency, such as a bank statement or credit card.
- A photocopy of your International Immunization Certificate showing immunization for yellow fever.
The letter of invitation should include specific information about the location you will be staying at. It must be personal and cannot be an institutional invitation, which is reserved for specific object visas.
You can submit the name of the hotel you plan to stay at or provide a rough travel itinerary. However, it is recommended to book accommodations with free cancellation in case your plans change.