Exploring Bolivia: Visa Requirements And Application Process

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, you'll need to make sure you have the right visa. The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups, each with different requirements. Group 1 countries, including the USA, EU, and Australia, don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Group 2 and 3 countries must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or on arrival at the border for a fee. It's important to research the specific requirements for your nationality and apply for your visa within the necessary timeframe. You may need to provide various documents, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, invitation letters, vaccination certificates, and financial statements. Processing times can vary, so it's best to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date.

Check visa requirements for your nationality

It is critical to research your visa requirements before travelling to Bolivia. The visa requirements for each individual depend on the nationality stated on the passport under which you will be travelling. Some visas are free, others require payment. Some can be obtained upon arrival at the Bolivian border, while others must be obtained in advance.

The Bolivian government has listed countries into three different groups, each with different entry requirements. Citizens of some countries do not require a visa or need to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia. The only requirement is that they present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge, but if you opt to get your visa at the border, a fee will apply. Citizens of the third group of countries must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply for one directly at a Bolivian embassy.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia:

• All European Union member states, except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania
• Brazil
• Russia
• The Dominican Republic
• Israel
• The United States

Nationals of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival:

• Iran (30-day visa, only at Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz airports)
• China, including Macao and Hong Kong (90-day visa)
• Taiwan (90-day visa)

Nationals of the following countries cannot obtain a visa on arrival and are required to obtain further authorization from a Bolivian embassy or consulate:

• Serbia and Montenegro
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• St. Tome and Principe

If you are a US citizen, you can check the Bolivian Embassy in Houston, Texas for a description of the requirements to obtain a visa. Depending on which state you live in, you will need to contact a specific embassy to obtain your Bolivian tourist visa in advance. You can also refer to the Bolivia Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores website to fill out an online visa application form.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• A 2" x 2" passport-size photograph
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying
• Round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary
• Bank statement
• Visa Affidavit form

Apply for a tourist visa online

The process of applying for a Bolivia tourist visa online is straightforward, but it's important to note that you will still need to make a personal appearance at a Bolivian Consulate to obtain your visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Bolivia tourist visa online:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Group

Before starting your application, it's crucial to determine which visa group your country falls under. The Bolivian government has categorized countries into three groups, each with different visa requirements. Group 1 countries, including the USA, EU, and Australia, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Group 2 and 3 countries must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The required documents for a Bolivia tourist visa include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least one blank visa page.
• A passport-size photograph taken within the last three months, against a white background, with a neutral expression, and meeting other specified criteria.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host.
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary showing round-trip travel and entry and exit dates.
• Proof of financial resources, such as bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip.
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, if applicable.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the website of the Bolivian Consulate or a trusted visa agency to access the online application form. Fill out the form with accurate and up-to-date information, including your personal details and travel plans. Attach electronic copies of the required documents, ensuring they are in the correct format (PDF or JPG) and size (maximum 500 KB or 150 KB for the picture).

Step 4: Submit the Application and Make Payment

After completing the online application form, submit it along with the required documents to the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy. You may be able to submit the application by mail or in person, depending on the Consulate's preferences. Pay the visa processing fee using the accepted payment methods.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time for a Bolivia tourist visa typically takes around 10-15 working days, but it can vary depending on the Consulate. During this time, you can track the status of your application through the website where you applied.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your Bolivia tourist visa via email. Print a copy of the approved visa and carry it with you during your travel to Bolivia, along with your passport. Present these documents upon entering the country.

It's important to note that the online visa application process may be complicated, and some parts may only be available in Spanish. Therefore, it is recommended to seek assistance from a reputable visa agency or the Bolivian Consulate directly to ensure a smooth application process.

Prepare supporting documents

The documents you will need to prepare to obtain a visa for Bolivia will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and whether you are applying for a business or tourist visa.

Tourist Visa

If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank pages for visa stickers.
• A completed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• A passport-sized photograph that meets specific size, format, and content requirements.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter from your host.
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial resources, such as bank or credit card statements.
• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination.
• Additional documents may be required, depending on the type of tourist visa needed (e.g., transit visa, student visa).

Business Visa

If you are applying for a business visa, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:

• Your actual signed passport, including a copy of the personal information page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank visa page.
• A passport-type photograph taken within the last three months against a white background.
• A business cover letter from your U.S.-based company, printed on company letterhead.
• A letter of invitation from the organization you will be visiting, including their full local address and phone number.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a copy of your bank statement for the last three months.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if arriving from a yellow fever risk area.
• Additional documents may be required, such as a Police Clearance or Certificate of Good Conduct, depending on the number of entries requested.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a visa for Bolivia may change, and some documents may be optional or not required in certain cases. It is recommended to contact the nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Pay the visa fee

Paying the visa fee is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a Bolivian visa. The cost of a Bolivian visa varies depending on several factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the current immigration rules. Here is a detailed guide on paying the visa fee:

Understanding Visa Groups

Before delving into the payment process, it's important to understand that the Bolivian government has categorized countries into three groups, each with different visa requirements. Group 1 includes countries like the USA, EU nations, and Australia, whose citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Group 2 and Group 3 countries, on the other hand, require a visa for entry into Bolivia.

Visa Fee for Group 2 Countries

If you are a citizen of a Group 2 country, you have two options for obtaining your Bolivian visa: applying at a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate or obtaining a visa on arrival. The visa fee may be waived if you choose to apply before your trip at an Embassy or Consulate. However, obtaining a visa on arrival at the border will incur a fee. This fee is typically around USD 95 and must be paid in US dollars or local currency. It's important to have the exact amount in good condition bills, as visa officers may refuse to accept them otherwise.

Visa Fee for Group 3 Countries

Citizens of Group 3 countries must apply for their Bolivian visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate abroad. The cost of the visa for Group 3 countries is typically USD 30. This visa must be obtained in advance, and the process may be longer due to the requirement for authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

Payment Methods

When paying the visa fee, it's important to inquire about the accepted payment methods. Some Embassies/Consulates may only accept cash payments, while others may offer alternative options like credit cards or bank transfers. Be sure to clarify this information when contacting the Embassy/Consulate to avoid any issues.

Timing of Payment

In some cases, you may not be required to pay a visa fee at all if you are applying for your visa before your trip. This typically applies to Group 2 countries when applying at an Embassy or Consulate. However, obtaining a visa on arrival will usually incur a fee. Therefore, it is advisable to have the necessary funds ready when arriving at the border.

Currency and Exchange Rates

The Bolivian visa fee is typically quoted in US dollars. However, it's important to check the latest information from your local Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, as they can provide the most up-to-date details on accepted currencies and exchange rates.

In summary, paying the visa fee is an essential step in obtaining a Bolivian visa. The cost and payment process vary depending on your nationality and the method of application. Always remember to verify the current requirements and fees with your local Bolivian Embassy or Consulate before initiating the visa application process.

Submit your application

The process of submitting your Bolivia visa application will depend on your country of origin and the type of visa you require. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups, each with different requirements and processes. It is important to determine which group you belong to before initiating your application.

Group One Countries

Citizens of Group One countries, including the USA, EU, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate.

Group Two Countries

If you are a citizen of a Group Two country, you have two options for applying for a Bolivia visa: through a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate or upon arrival in the country. Here are the steps for each option:

Applying at a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate:

• Locate the nearest Embassy/Consulate of Bolivia or choose the one that is most convenient for you.
• Contact them to inquire about their application requirements, appointment procedures, and submission methods.
• Complete the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application), which can be accessed online. Attach electronic copies of the required documents, including a passport-size picture, proof of accommodation, an invitation letter (if applicable), a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and any other necessary documents.
• Print and sign the confirmation page.
• Gather all the required documents as outlined in the "Bolivia Visa Requirements" section.
• Pay the Bolivia visa fee as per the Embassy/Consulate requirements. In some cases, there may be no fee if you are applying before your trip.
• Submit your application and documents at the Embassy/Consulate during opening hours or on your appointment date. Depending on the Embassy/Consulate, you may also be able to submit your application by mail.
• Wait for the visa to be processed, which typically takes 10-15 working days. You will be notified once a decision has been made.
• Receive your visa. If you applied in person, you may need to pick it up from the Embassy/Consulate, while mail applicants will receive their documents by mail.

Bolivia Visa on Arrival:

If you are unable to access a Bolivian Consulate or Embassy, you can obtain a Bolivia Visa on Arrival at the Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, it is important to note that the Bolivian immigration authorities may not have detailed information regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for visas on arrival. Therefore, it is advisable to have all the required documents with you, as outlined in the "Bolivia Visa Requirements" section. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary cash (in US dollars) to pay the visa fee, as damaged or torn bills may not be accepted.

Group Three Countries

Citizens of Group Three countries must apply for a Bolivian visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia abroad. The process is similar to that of Group Two countries, but it may take longer due to the requirement for authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia. Here are the steps:

• Locate the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or choose the one that is most convenient for you.
• Contact them to inquire about their requirements, appointment procedures, and submission methods.
• Complete the online Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and print it out. Attach electronic copies of the required documents, including a passport-size picture, proof of accommodation, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and any other necessary documents.
• Gather all the required documents as outlined in the "Bolivia Visa Requirements" section.
• Submit your passport, application, and documents at the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate. Alternatively, inquire if they accept applications by registered mail.
• The Embassy/Consulate will forward your application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia for approval.
• Wait for their decision, which typically takes three to five weeks but can sometimes take up to three months.
• If your application is successful, you will receive your visa.

Additional Information

• The Bolivian government has instituted an online visa application form; however, this process is complicated and partially available only in Spanish. Visa service providers like CIBTvisas and Travisa offer assistance with completing this online process.
• It is recommended to apply for your Bolivia visa 1-2 months before your travel date.
• When submitting your application, ensure your passport meets the required standards: valid for the next six months, has at least one blank visa page, and is not frayed, torn, separating, or altered.
• If you are applying for a business visa, you will need to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company, along with other specified documents.
• For certain visa types, such as transit or student visas, additional documents may be required.

Frequently asked questions