Discovering Bolivia: Visa Application Guide For Travelers

If you're looking to travel to Bolivia, you'll need to apply for a visa beforehand. The visa application process and requirements vary depending on the country you are from. The Bolivian government categorises visa applicants into three groups, each with different visa policies. Group one countries, including the USA, EU, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. Group two and three countries must obtain a visa before entering, and the specific requirements and application processes vary between the two groups. It's important to research the visa requirements for your specific nationality and apply within the necessary timelines.

Where to find Bolivia visa application forms

The visa application process for Bolivia depends on the country of origin of the applicant. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups, each with its own set of rules.

Group One Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Bolivia for visits of up to 30 days and can extend their stay for up to 90 days:

• European Union member states
• United States
• Australia

Group Two Countries

Citizens of the following countries must obtain a Bolivian visa before travelling, either from a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate or on arrival for a fee:

• Central African Republic
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• United Arab Emirates

Group Three Countries

Citizens of the following countries must apply for a Bolivian visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia abroad, and the process will be longer as they have to request authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea

The Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) can be accessed online. The form must be printed out after filling it out online, and electronic copies of the following documents must be attached:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm or 2 inches x 2 inches)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia
• Invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable)
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents

The printed confirmation page must be signed, and the required documents for a Bolivian visa must be collected. The visa fee must be paid per the requirements of the Embassy/Consulate. In some cases, there is no visa fee if applying before the trip. The documents can be submitted at the Embassy/Consulate during opening hours or by mail. After a processing time of 10-15 working days, the applicant will be notified of the decision.

What documents are required for the application

To apply for a Bolivian visa, you must provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least one blank visa page.
• A completed Visa Affidavit form.
• A 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as a round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• 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. If staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement showing transactions for the last three months.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination (for visitors arriving from a yellow fever risk area).
• Police Clearance or a Certificate of Good Conduct (depending on the type of visa).

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for (tourist, business, student, etc.). It is recommended to check with the nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date and complete list of requirements.

How to submit the application

To submit your Bolivia visa application, follow these steps:

Determine Your Visa Group

The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different visa policies and requirements. The first group, including countries such as the USA, EU member states, and Australia, does not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. The second group can obtain a visa before travelling or on arrival for a fee, while the third group must apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate abroad, and the process will be longer.

Gather Required Documents

The required documents for a Bolivian visa application include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages for visa stickers.
• A completed and printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• A passport-size photograph (3cm x 3cm or 2 inches x 2 inches) in both electronic and paper format. The photo must meet specific requirements, including a neutral expression and no headgear or eyeglasses that obstruct the face.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation 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.

Submit Application and Required Documents

You can submit your application and required documents in person at the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate during their opening hours. Alternatively, some Embassies or Consulates may allow you to submit your application by mail. Contact the Embassy or Consulate beforehand to inquire about their specific requirements, whether you need to make an appointment, and their preferred method of submission.

Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time for a Bolivian visa can vary depending on the Embassy or Consulate. Typically, it takes around 10-15 working days, but in some cases, it can take up to three months. Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified.

Receive Your Visa

If your application is approved, you will receive your visa. If you applied in person, you may need to return to the Embassy or Consulate to collect your visa. If you applied by mail, the documents will be mailed back to you.

How to pay the visa fee

The payment methods for the visa fee may vary depending on the specific type of visa and the application method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pay the visa fee when applying for a Bolivia E-Visa through VisaHQ:

• Select the E-Visa Type: Visit the VisaHQ website and choose the appropriate Bolivia E-Visa type based on your travel purpose, such as tourism, business, or other categories.
• Fill out the Application Form: Complete the online form with accurate and current information, including personal details and travel plans.
• Attach Required Documents: Depending on the E-Visa type, you may need to provide supporting documents like a passport copy, recent photo, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• Make Payment: Pay the visa processing fee securely through the VisaHQ platform. The accepted payment methods may vary, so choose the one that suits you.
• Application Processing: Once your application and payment are submitted, VisaHQ will process your E-Visa application. This typically takes a few days, but processing times can vary.
• Receive Your E-Visa: Once approved, your Bolivia E-Visa will be sent to your email. Regularly check your inbox, including the spam folder, to ensure you receive it.
• Print and Carry Your E-Visa: Print a copy of your approved E-Visa and carry it with you when travelling to Bolivia. Present it along with your passport during entry into the country.

It is important to note that VisaHQ is a private visa agency and is not affiliated with the Bolivian government. They provide expediting services for a fee.

Additionally, when applying for a visa on arrival in Bolivia, remember to bring US currency to pay the visa fee. The Bolivian authorities may reject cash that is damaged in any way.

How long does it take to process the application

The time it takes to process a Bolivia visa application depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the specific requirements of the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy where the application is submitted. Here is a detailed breakdown of the processing times for different scenarios:

Group 1 Countries:

Citizens of countries in Group 1, such as the USA, EU member states, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. However, if they wish to stay longer than 90 days, they must apply for a visa from one of the Bolivian Embassies or Consulates abroad.

Group 2 Countries:

For citizens of Group 2 countries, the process of applying for a Bolivia visa typically involves the following steps:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate and contact them to understand their application requirements, appointment procedures, and submission methods.
• Complete the online Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and attach the necessary electronic copies of documents, including a passport-size picture, proof of accommodation, an invitation letter (if applicable), and a certificate of yellow fever vaccination.
• Collect and submit the required documents, including a valid passport, printed application form, proof of accommodation, flight ticket or itinerary, and proof of financial resources.
• Pay the Bolivia visa fee, which may vary depending on the Embassy or Consulate.
• Wait for the visa to be processed. This typically takes around 10 to 15 working days.
• Receive the visa. If applied in person, the applicant may need to collect it from the Embassy or Consulate. For mail applications, the documents will be mailed back.

Alternatively, citizens of Group 2 countries can obtain a Bolivia Visa on Arrival at the Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, it is important to note that the application process for this option may not always be consistent, and having all the required documents and fees ready is essential.

Group 3 Countries:

For citizens of Group 3 countries, the visa application process is similar to that of Group 2, but there are a few key differences:

• The application must be submitted at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate abroad, as these applicants cannot apply for a visa on arrival.
• The Embassy or Consulate will forward the application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia for approval.
• The processing time is generally longer, ranging from three to five weeks, and in some cases, it can take up to three months.

Online Visa Application:

Bolivia has introduced an online visa application form, which can be accessed through the Bolivian Visa Questionnaire. CIBTvisas, a visa service provider, assists applicants in completing this process, which is described as extremely complicated with some sections only available in Spanish. Once the online process is completed, applicants will receive a copy of the application form to sign and return. After submitting the signed form, CIBTvisas will submit the documents to the Bolivian Consulate for processing.

Processing Times and Factors to Consider:

It is important to note that processing times may vary and can take up to several weeks due to limited availability of visa stickers at the embassy. Additionally, the Bolivian Immigration Office issues visas under various categories, including transit, diplomatic, educational, tourist, and multiple-entry visas, each with its own specific requirements and processing times. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the requirements and plan accordingly, allowing sufficient time for visa processing.

Frequently asked questions