Israelis' Guide To Getting A Bolivian Visa Easily

As of 2nd September 2024, citizens of Israel must obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This requirement came into effect on 30th August 2014, when the Bolivian government repealed a previous agreement that allowed Israelis to enter the country without a visa. Israeli citizens wishing to visit Bolivia must now apply for a visa in advance, either at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or directly at the border when entering the country. The visa fee for Israeli citizens is $30, and the visa is valid for up to thirty days. It is important to note that Israel has been classified as a Group III country by the Bolivian government, which means that Israeli citizens must meet additional requirements, such as demonstrating proof of hostel bookings and financial solvency.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa?

As an Israeli citizen, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia. The documents you will need to apply for a visa are:

• A completed Visa Affidavit form.
• A 2"x2" passport-sized photograph.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying. If staying with a friend or family member, you will also need a sketch of the address, invoices of the last three months of basic services in your name, and/or a copy of their current rental contract.
• A round-trip ticket or copy of your travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, such as a bank statement. If you are a minor, you will need to provide proof of financial support from your parents or guardians.
• A completed Sworn Statement with the same information as your passport.

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned without being processed, and there is no option to expedite the application process. The processing time is 10 business days, starting when the consulate receives your application, payment, and passport.

Additionally, as an Israeli citizen, you have been classified as a ""Group III" country, which means you may also need to demonstrate hostel bookings and financial solvency. It is recommended that you contact your local Bolivian consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, processing times, and fees.

Where can I apply for a visa?

To apply for a visa to Bolivia, you can go to a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in your country or a neighbouring country. Alternatively, you can get a tourist visa at any land or air border. A visa can be issued at the border when entering the country. It takes 1 day to issue an urgent visa at the Bolivian consulate.

If you are unable to access a Bolivian consulate or embassy, you can get a visa on arrival at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, it is not clear how this process works, and the application process may not always be the same. If you go down this route, make sure you have all the required documents and the visa fee in US dollars.

What are the different visa groups?

The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups. The requirements and application processes vary depending on which group a person's country falls under.

Group 1

Citizens of Group 1 countries do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for a stay of up to 90 days. They only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and a valid immigration card at the border. The countries in this group include the USA, EU countries, Australia, etc.

Group 2

Citizens of Group 2 countries must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either at a Bolivian embassy or consulate for free or on arrival for a fee. The visa allows them to stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days, which can be extended twice for the same period. The countries in this group include China, Macao, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Group 3

Citizens of Group 3 countries must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization from a Bolivian embassy. They cannot obtain a visa on arrival. Israel is one of the countries in this group.

What are the costs and fees?

The costs and fees of obtaining a visa to Bolivia from Israel depend on several factors, including the type of visa, the method of application, and the specific requirements of the Bolivian authorities. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs and fees:

Visa Groups and Fees:

As of 2 September 2024, Israel is classified as a Group 3 country by the Bolivian government. This means that Israeli citizens must obtain a visa in advance and cannot obtain a visa on arrival. The cost for a Group 3 visa is typically around $30 USD. However, it is important to check the Bolivian Embassy website or contact the local Bolivian Consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.

Application Method and Costs:

The method of application can also affect the costs and fees. If you choose to apply for your visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, there may be additional fees or service charges. These fees can vary depending on the Embassy or Consulate and are usually listed on their official websites. On the other hand, if you opt to obtain your visa on arrival at the border, there is typically a higher fee. For Group 2 countries, the fee for obtaining a visa on arrival is $95 USD. It is important to note that Group 3 countries, including Israel, cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must apply in advance.

Required Documents and Associated Costs:

When applying for a Bolivian visa, there are several documents that you must provide, and obtaining these documents may incur additional costs. Here is a list of common documents required and potential costs associated with them:

• Passport: You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months remaining before entering Bolivia. If your passport is expiring soon, you may need to renew it, which typically comes with a fee.
• Visa Application Form: The Bolivian Embassy or Consulate will usually provide a visa application form that you need to fill out. This form may have a small processing fee associated with it.
• Passport-sized Photographs: You will likely need to provide at least one passport-sized photograph as part of your visa application. Taking these photographs may incur a small cost at a photography studio or a photo booth.
• Proof of Accommodation: The Bolivian authorities may require you to provide proof of your accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family. If you need to book accommodation, there will be associated costs.
• Round-trip Ticket or Travel Itinerary: You may need to provide a copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary. Booking these tickets will have associated costs.
• Economic Solvency Test: This typically involves providing a bank statement to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Bolivia. There may be fees associated with obtaining official bank statements.
• Health Insurance: Bolivia requires visitors to have valid health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Purchasing or extending your health insurance to meet this requirement may incur additional costs.
• Vaccinations: Certain vaccinations, such as Hepatitis A, B, and yellow fever, are recommended or required for entry into Bolivia. Getting these vaccinations may come with a cost if they are not already covered by your health insurance.
• Other Costs: There may be additional minor costs, such as transportation to and from the Embassy or Consulate, printing fees for documents, or potential small fines or fees during the process.

It is important to note that the costs and fees mentioned above may change over time, and it is always advisable to check with the official sources, such as the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What are the rules of entry and stay?

The rules of entry and stay in Bolivia depend on the traveller's country of origin. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups, each with different requirements and processes.

Group I

Citizens of countries in Group I, including the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America, do not need a visa to enter Bolivia. They will receive a free entry stamp in their passport, valid for a 30-day stay, upon arrival at any international airport or land border crossing.

Group II

Citizens of countries in Group II, including Israel, must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia. The visa requirements and application process vary. With a visa, travellers from Group II countries can stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days. This can be extended twice for the same period. A visa can be issued at the Bolivian Embassy or directly at the border when entering the country. It takes one day to issue an urgent visa at a Bolivian consulate.

To apply for a visa, the following documents are required:

• A completed visa application form
• A 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family, including the address and, if possible, a sketch of the address
• A round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary
• Proof of economic solvency, such as a bank statement. In the case of minors, this requirement falls to the parents or guardians.

The cost of the visa application varies and can be found on the website of the Bolivian Consulate.

Group III

Citizens of countries in Group III, which carries the toughest entry requirements, must also obtain a visa before entering Bolivia. This group includes countries that must demonstrate proof of hostel bookings and financial solvency.

Additional Requirements

• All travellers, regardless of their group, must have valid health insurance covering the cost of treating Covid-19 and other insured events.
• It is recommended that travellers get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid if they plan to eat outside of large restaurants and hotels.
• A yellow fever vaccination is required if entering from a country where the disease is endemic, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
• A rabies vaccination is recommended for tourists who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, where there is a risk of animal bites.
• All travellers must present a completed Public Health Passenger Locator Form upon arrival in the country.

Frequently asked questions