Us Citizens: Visa Requirements For Bolivia Explained

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, allowing holders to stay for up to 90 days per year. However, some airlines will not let you board without a visa, so it is advisable to get one in advance.

Where to obtain a visa

US citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia due to the visa requirements of the country. The visa requirements for each individual depend on the nationality listed on the passport under which they will be travelling.

US citizens can obtain a visa at any Consulate of Bolivia, at a Bolivian Embassy in the United States or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border.

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 for a visa with the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC.

If you do not reside in one of the aforementioned states, you must apply with another Bolivian Consulate, depending on where you live in the United States. Other consulates include those in New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

The Bolivian Embassy in Houston, Texas, has a good description of the requirements for US citizens to obtain a visa.

Visa costs

The cost of a Bolivian tourist visa for US citizens is $160, which can be paid in US dollars or the local currency. This visa is valid for 10 years and allows visitors to stay for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. It is important to note that the visa fee must be paid in cash and any damaged banknotes may be rejected.

The visa can be obtained at any Consulate of Bolivia or at the border upon arrival. However, obtaining the visa in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate is free of charge, whereas obtaining the visa at the border incurs a $95 fee.

The application process may vary depending on the specific visa type and can take up to 10 business days or more for processing. It is recommended to have all the necessary documents ready, including a valid passport, proof of lodging, round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, and other relevant documents.

It is worth noting that some additional costs may be incurred if visitors do not comply with the entry requirements. For example, a fine of approximately 250 Bolivianos is imposed for not completing the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia.

Required documents

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. The visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighbouring country. Alternatively, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border. The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 US and can be paid in US dollars or local currency upon arrival.

• 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. If staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• Completion of the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia.
• A 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph.
• A copy of the hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying.
• Invoices of the last three months of basic services (water, electricity, telephone) in your name.
• A round-trip ticket or a copy of the travel itinerary.
• A bank statement demonstrating economic solvency.

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned without being processed, and there is no expedited option available. Additionally, the processing time is 10 business days, starting when the application, payment, and actual passport are received.

Visa duration

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done in advance at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country, or upon entry at any land or air border. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. The visa costs $160 and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival.

To extend their stay beyond 30 days, US citizens can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities.

It is worth noting that the process of obtaining a visa at the border can be inconsistent and bureaucratic, varying depending on the entry point. Some travellers have reported issues with rogue agents attempting to exploit gaps in their documents for personal monetary gain. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for the visa in advance, as soon as flights are scheduled. The processing time for visas obtained through a Bolivian Consulate is typically between 5 to 10 business days.

Additionally, US citizens should be aware that they may need to provide the following documents when entering Bolivia:

• A valid US passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• 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

Border crossing considerations

US citizens are required to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per year. It is advisable to get a visa in advance, as some airlines will refuse boarding to anyone without a visa. However, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, paying in US dollars or Bolivianos.

The process of obtaining a visa can be inconsistent and vary depending on the entry point. It is important to be aware of the specific requirements and have all the necessary documents ready. These include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• A passport-sized photograph
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or travel itinerary
• Proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement

It is also important to note that officials at remote border crossings may request an unofficial "administration fee", essentially a small bribe, to process entry into the country.

When crossing the border, it is recommended to carry photocopies of identity documents instead of the originals, as petty theft is common. However, when passing close to land borders, travellers should keep their original passport and visa on their person at all times due to authorities' concerns about illegal border crossings.

Frequently asked questions