Obtaining A Bolivian Passport: A Guide For Us Citizens

US citizens require a visa to enter Bolivia. The visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa costs $160 and can be paid in US or local currency. A valid US passport with at least six months of validity is required, as well as an international certificate of yellow fever vaccination. Visitors must also show proof of a round-trip ticket and accommodation in Bolivia. It is recommended to research visa requirements before travelling and apply for the Bolivian visa within the necessary timelines.

Required documents for entry

To enter Bolivia, US citizens require a visa. This can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country. Alternatively, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border.

All visitors to Bolivia must have:

• A valid US passport with at least six months' validity remaining.
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.

If you are entering Bolivia from Peru, you must use the same passport used to enter Peru. If you are a dual citizen, you cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border.

Where to apply for a visa

A visa is required for all U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia. There are several options for where to apply for a visa, depending on your location and preferences.

Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States

You can obtain a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. The Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC serves residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and North Carolina. If you reside in another state, you can apply at one of the other Bolivian Consulates in the United States, such as New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles.

Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in a Neighboring Country

If you are already travelling in South America and Bolivia is your next destination, you can obtain a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in a neighbouring country.

At the Border

If you prefer, you can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at any land or air border. This option is more expensive, with a fee of $95 USD, compared to obtaining a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate in advance, which is free of charge.

Visa application tips

Accurate, Complete and Genuine Documents

Embassies will not accept incomplete applications, so ensure you have all the necessary documents before submitting. Make sure your passport is not expiring soon, and submit all documents in an organised way. Check the embassy's website for specific requirements, such as the type of envelope to use, or whether to staple or paste your photo to the form. Only submit authentic documents. Provide as much evidence as possible, including originals where relevant. Showing you are 'well-travelled' can help – you can do this by presenting travel tickets/bookings or your passport stamps.

Interviews

Be honest and precise in your answers during interviews. Wear something presentable and arrive early. It is recommended to speak in English, but you can speak in your country's mother language if you feel more comfortable doing so, unless the embassy does not allow it.

True and Reasonable Purpose of Entry

Apply for the correct visa for your purpose of travel. If you are visiting for tourism, supply your itinerary and the places you want to see. If you are visiting friends or family, embassies will need a compelling argument to justify your visit. If you are visiting for work or study, ensure you have the correct documentation to prove this.

Sufficient Funds or Support

Embassies want to see that you have enough money to support yourself during your trip. Provide proof of employment, such as a certificate of employment, payslips, and income tax returns. If you are self-employed, you will need to prove that your business is established and stable. Provide copies of credit cards, bank statements, proof of investments, etc. If you feel your financial situation is weak, you can add a sponsor to your application, such as a family member or friend, to add strength to your case.

Proof of Not Overstaying

Embassies want to see that you have strong ties to your home country and that you will return at the end of your trip. Provide a letter stating your reasons for not overstaying. If you are employed, include a letter of employment from your employer. If you are self-employed, mention an event that will require your return, such as a board meeting. Include proof of possession of real estate. If you are a student, include an approved leave of absence and a letter from your parents or guardians stating your reasons for not overstaying.

What to do if you lose your passport

If you lose your passport, it's important to act quickly to prevent identity theft and potential criminal activities. Here are the steps you should take:

Report the Loss:

First, make sure your passport is really missing. Once reported, a lost or stolen passport is immediately cancelled and cannot be used for travel, even if you find it later. You can report it in three ways:

• Online: Use the online form to submit Form DS-64.
• By Phone: Call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793).
• By Mail: Use Form DS-64 and mail it to the address on the form.

Apply for a Replacement:

Whether you are overseas or in the U.S., you must apply for a replacement passport in person. If you are overseas, you will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are in the U.S., you can search for your nearest passport acceptance facility. You will need an alternate form of government-issued identification, such as a driver's license, and Form DS-11 to apply for a new passport. Recent passport photos will also be required.

Stay Put Until the Replacement Arrives:

Unfortunately, international travel without a passport is not possible. Even if you have a passport card, it becomes invalid once you report your passport lost or stolen. With high demand for passports, applying for a replacement may take time, so do it as soon as possible. If you have a history of losing your passport, the State Department may issue a limited passport that is valid for a short period.

Check Your Travel Protection Benefits:

Some premium cards offer concierge services that can assist with changing travel reservations. Additionally, travel insurance may help cover fees or additional expenses, especially if a police report can show that the passport was stolen.

To prevent losing your passport in the first place, keep it in a safe place, such as a hotel room safe, and consider keeping a photocopy of the picture page and a digital picture on your phone.

Other considerations

Visa Groups

The Bolivian government has classified countries into three visa groups, each with different entry requirements. US citizens fall into Group II, which means they must 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, but if you opt to get your visa at the border, a fee will apply.

Where to Apply for a Visa

US citizens can apply for a visa at the Bolivian Embassy in Washington, DC, or Houston, Texas. Alternatively, visas can be obtained at the border, but this is not recommended due to inconsistent bureaucratic policies that vary depending on the point of entry.

Required Documents

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

• A valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host
• A photocopy of the biographic page of your passport (if purchasing a visa at the airport)

Fees and Validity

The fee for a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 USD, which can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

Entry and Exit Stamps

It is important to obtain entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time you enter or leave the country. This is especially crucial if you obtain your visa at a land border or entry port, as losing your passport will require you to obtain a new visa and pay the visa fee again.

Dual Nationality

US-Bolivian citizens may be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad, when entering or exiting Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions