Tourist Visa Requirements For Bolivia: A Quick Guide

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to understand the country's visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry. The process for obtaining a tourist visa to Bolivia depends on your nationality and can vary between different groups of countries. Here's an introduction to what you need to know and do to obtain a tourist visa for Bolivia.

What documents do I need?

The documents you need to obtain a tourist visa for Bolivia will vary depending on your nationality. Here is a general overview of the requirements:

Valid Passport

A valid passport is required for entry into Bolivia, with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry. It is important to note that if you are entering Bolivia from Peru, you must use the same passport that you used to enter Peru. Additionally, if you have dual citizenship, you cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border.

Visa Application Form

You will need to complete a visa application form, also known as a Sworn Statement for Visa Application. This form is accessible online, and you will need to attach electronic copies of certain documents, as outlined below.

Passport-Size Photograph

A recent passport-size photograph is required, typically with specific dimensions (2" x 2" or 3 cm x 3 cm) and formatting requirements (JPG format, maximum size of 150Kb). The photograph must be taken against a plain background, with a neutral expression and no headgear or eyeglasses that obstruct the face.

Proof of Accommodation

You will need to provide proof of your accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. This document must include the dates of your stay.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary is required. Additionally, you must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of your plans to depart Bolivia.

Proof of Financial Resources

You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your trip. This can be done by providing copies of your bank or credit card statements.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Bolivia, especially if arriving from a yellow fever risk area.

Additional Documents

Depending on your specific situation, you may also need to provide additional documents. For example, if you are applying for a transit visa, you must provide proof of your flight itinerary and your intention to travel to a third country. A student visa may require academic transcripts, a letter of acceptance, and police clearance documents.

It is important to note that the visa requirements for Bolivia can vary depending on the group your country falls under. The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different visa policies. Citizens of certain countries (such as the USA, EU countries, and Australia) do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries may need to obtain a visa before entering Bolivia or may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at a Bolivian airport or border.

Where can I apply?

The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different requirements for entering the country. It is important to know which group you belong to and what your Bolivia visa requirements are. You can find out which group your country is in using the Bolivia Visa Requirements tool.

If you are a passport holder from one of the Group 1 countries, you do not need a visa or need to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia. The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border.

If you are a passport holder from one of the Group 2 countries, you 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 get your visa at the border, a $95 USD fee will apply.

If you are a passport holder from one of the Group 3 countries, you must apply for a visa in advance directly at a Bolivian embassy. The cost of the visa is $30 USD.

You can apply for a tourist visa at any Bolivian Consulate or Embassy in the United States or a neighbouring country. If you reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or North Carolina, you can apply with the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC. If you do not reside in one of those states, you must apply with another Bolivian Consulate, depending on where you live in the United States. Other Bolivian Consulates in the United States include New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

How long does it take to process?

The time it takes to process a tourist visa for Bolivia depends on several factors, including your nationality, place of residence, and where you plan to apply for the visa. Here is a detailed breakdown of the processing time:

Processing Time for Different Nationalities:

The Bolivian government has classified countries into three groups, each with distinct visa requirements. The group your country belongs to will determine if you need to apply for a visa in advance, the associated fees, and the processing time. It is essential to verify the specific requirements for your nationality before initiating the visa application process.

Processing Time Based on Residence:

The processing time may also vary depending on your place of residence. For instance, if you reside in specific states in the US (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and North Carolina), you can apply for a visa at the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC. Residents of other states in the US will need to apply at different consulates, such as New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles. The processing time may differ based on the consulate's workload and specific procedures.

Processing Time for Different Application Methods:

The method of application can also influence the processing time. Obtaining a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate before your trip is generally recommended to avoid last-minute delays. However, it is possible to purchase a tourist visa at any Bolivian land or air border upon arrival, but this option may incur an additional fee.

Standard Processing Time:

According to the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, the standard processing time for a visa application is 10 business days. This timeframe starts when they receive your complete application, payment, and actual passport. It is important to note that there is no expedited option available, so planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth visa application process.

In summary, the processing time for a tourist visa to Bolivia can vary depending on your nationality, place of residence, and chosen method of application. It is always advisable to start the visa application process well in advance and carefully review the requirements for your specific situation to ensure a seamless journey to Bolivia.

What are the costs?

The costs of getting a tourist visa for Bolivia vary depending on the passport group of the country you are travelling from. The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different requirements and costs for entering the country.

For Group I countries, passport holders do not need a visa or have to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia. The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border.

For Group II countries, passport holders need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at a Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge. However, if you choose to get your visa at the border, a $95 USD fee will apply.

For Group III countries, passport holders must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy. The cost of the visa is $30 USD.

In addition to the visa costs outlined above, there are other costs that visitors to Bolivia may need to consider. For example, all U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa, which costs $160 USD and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. Visitors must also show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of travel plans to depart Bolivia, as well as proof of lodging in the country. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.

What are the passport requirements?

To enter Bolivia, you must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of entry. If you are entering Bolivia from Peru, the passport must be the same one used to enter Peru. Dual citizens cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border.

In addition to a valid passport, most nationalities also require a visa to enter Bolivia. Visa requirements vary depending on your passport nationality. Some nationalities do not require a visa and can enter Bolivia with a valid passport and immigration card. Other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, while some can obtain a visa upon arrival at the Bolivian border.

The visa application process typically involves filling out a visa affidavit form and providing a 2" x 2" passport-size photograph, proof of lodging in Bolivia, a round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, and proof of economic solvency. The cost of the visa varies depending on where and how it is obtained.

Frequently asked questions