California To Bolivia: Visa Application Process Simplified

California residents who want to travel to Bolivia need to obtain a visa. The visa requirements for each individual depend on the nationality on the passport under which they will be traveling. Some visas are free, while others require payment. A visa can be obtained at any Consulate of Bolivia in the United States or neighboring country. It is critical to research visa requirements before traveling and apply for a Bolivia visa within the necessary timelines.

Research visa requirements before travelling

When planning a trip to Bolivia, it is important to research the visa requirements beforehand to ensure a smooth travel experience. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you obtain a Bolivian visa if you are a California resident:

Understanding Visa Requirements:

• As a U.S. citizen, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit. Tourist visas are the most common and can be obtained at any Bolivian Consulate, Embassy, or even at land or air border entries.
• If you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa specific to your activities. Contact the nearest Bolivian Consulate or refer to their website for details.
• The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 USD, payable in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. This visa allows you to stay for up to 30 days per trip and a maximum of 90 days per year.

Documents and Requirements:

• Valid U.S. passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry into Bolivia.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination: This is a mandatory requirement for all visitors to Bolivia.
• Proof of Round-Trip Ticket: You must provide evidence of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of your plans to depart Bolivia.
• Lodging Proof: Provide proof of your accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If you plan to stay with friends or family, you may need a letter of invitation from your host.
• Registration: All foreign travelers to Bolivia must complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) before their arrival.
• Economic Solvency: You may be required to provide a bank statement or undergo an economic solvency test, especially if you are a minor.
• Visa Application Form: Fill out the necessary visa application or affidavit form accurately, ensuring the information matches your passport details.
• Passport Photograph: Include a 2" x 2" passport-size photograph with your application.

Additional Considerations:

• Processing Time: Visa processing can take up to 10 business days, so plan your application accordingly.
• Consulates: California residents can apply for a Bolivian visa at the Consulate of Bolivia in Los Angeles. However, confirm the jurisdiction of this consulate as it may only cover specific states.
• Visa Validity: A standard visitor visa is typically valid for 30 days, but you can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service) if needed.
• Entry Stamps: Remember to obtain entry and exit stamps from Bolivian authorities each time you enter or leave the country.
• Currency Exchange: Be aware of reports that immigration authorities may ask visitors to exchange their U.S. dollars for Bolivianos. You have the right to refuse and request to see an immigration supervisor, as Bolivian law allows travelers to carry up to $10,000 without requiring a currency exchange.
• Visa Requirements Updates: Stay informed about the latest visa requirements by regularly checking the websites of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia and the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate.

Apply for a visa in advance

To apply for a Bolivian visa in advance, you must first determine your visa group. The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different entry requirements. US citizens are required to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia.

If you are a US citizen, you can apply for a visa online via the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website or at the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC. You can also apply at your local Bolivian embassy or consulate. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years. It allows holders to stay for up to 90 days per year.

When applying for a visa, you must provide the following documents:

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

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, and there is no expedited option available. Therefore, it is advisable to plan accordingly and ensure that all the required documents are in order before submitting your application. The processing time for a Bolivian visa is typically around 10 business days from the receipt of the application, payment, and actual passport.

Prepare documents and fees

To obtain a visa for Bolivia, you must prepare the necessary documents and fees. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

Documents Required for All Nationals:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry into Bolivia. This is a crucial requirement for visa issuance and border entry.
• Visa Affidavit Form: Fill out the official visa application form, also known as the Visa Affidavit form. This form will require personal information, travel details, and other relevant details.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Provide two recent 2" x 2" passport-sized photographs. These photos should be clear and meet the standard photo requirements for visas.
• Proof of Lodging: You must provide evidence of your accommodation in Bolivia. This can be a copy of your hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from friends or family, or other relevant documents. The address and contact information of your lodging should be included.
• Round-trip Ticket or Travel Itinerary: As part of your visa application, you will need to demonstrate your intention to depart Bolivia. Provide a copy of your round-trip ticket or your travel itinerary showing your planned exit from the country.
• Economic Solvency Test and Bank Statement: The Bolivian authorities will want to ensure that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. Submit a bank statement or other relevant documents to demonstrate your financial capability. In the case of minors, the economic solvency requirement will be fulfilled by the parents or guardians.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination: As a visitor to Bolivia, you will need to provide proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever. This is a mandatory health requirement for entry into the country.

Fees:

The cost of a Bolivian visa for U.S. citizens is typically $160 USD. This fee is applicable for the standard visitor visa, which allows a stay of up to 30 days per trip and not exceeding 90 days per year. This fee can be paid in U.S. currency or the local Bolivian currency upon your arrival in the country.

It is important to note that the visa fee may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Some countries are exempt from visa fees, while others may have different costs. Additionally, obtaining a visa at the border may incur an additional fee of $95 USD.

Additional Requirements for Specific Groups:

The Bolivian government has categorized countries into three groups, each with its own set of requirements. It is essential to verify which group your country belongs to and review the specific requirements needed to enter Bolivia. These groups are based on passport nationality, and the fees and requirements may differ accordingly.

In some cases, you may need to apply for a specific type of visa, such as an official or diplomatic visa, which may have unique requirements and fees.

Processing Times and Locations:

The processing time for a Bolivian visa is generally around 10 business days, starting from the receipt of your application, payment, and all required documents. It is important to plan accordingly, as there is no expedited option available.

You can apply for your visa at any Consulate of Bolivia. However, if you reside in specific states, such as the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and others, you must apply through the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC. For residents of other states, there are consulates in New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process:

• Ensure that all the information in your sworn statement or affidavit matches the details in your passport and other supporting documents.
• Make sure that all the documents you submit are in the name of the applicant to avoid any discrepancies.
• It is recommended to scan all the required documents before initiating your application to facilitate a smoother process.
• Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, so double-check that you have provided all the necessary documents and information.
• Keep yourself updated on the latest visa requirements and fees by contacting your local Bolivian Consulate or Embassy.

Contact the local Bolivian Consulate

To obtain a visa to Bolivia, you can contact the local Bolivian Consulate in Los Angeles, California. The Consulate can be reached by telephone at (213) 388-0957 or (213) 388-0475, or by fax at (213) 384-6272. The email address for the Consulate is [boliviala.org](mailto:boliviala.org). The Consulate is located at 3701 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1065, Los Angeles, California, 90010, United States.

The Consulate can provide information on visa requirements, fees, and processing times. It is important to note that incomplete applications will not be processed, and there is no option for expedited service. Therefore, it is essential to plan accordingly and ensure that all required documents are included with the application.

The Consulate can also provide specific instructions and requirements for US citizens wishing to obtain a Bolivian visa. This includes information on the necessary validity of passports, vaccination certificates, proof of lodging, and other relevant details.

Additionally, the Consulate can provide guidance on the different visa groups and the corresponding requirements for each group. This information can be crucial in avoiding issues or potential fines upon entry to Bolivia.

For California residents, the Consulate in Los Angeles is the primary point of contact for visa applications and related queries. They can assist with the entire visa application process, from providing the necessary forms and documentation to processing the application and issuing the visa.

Comply with entry requirements

To comply with entry requirements for Bolivia, you must meet several conditions. Firstly, ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining. Additionally, you will need to obtain a visa. A tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border with Bolivia, and costs $160, allowing you to stay for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa in advance, free of charge, at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. If you are a US citizen, you can apply at the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, but only if you reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or North Carolina. If you are a California resident, you will need to apply at a different consulate, such as the ones in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, or New York. The application process takes 10 business days, and you will need to fill out a visa application form and provide a 2"x2" passport-sized photo, proof of a round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, and proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If you plan to stay with friends or family, you will need a letter of invitation from your host. You will also need to provide a bank statement as proof of economic solvency.

Frequently asked questions