Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

A Bolivia business visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Bolivia for the purpose of conducting business-related activities. It's essential to note that a business visa does not permit the visa holder to work or reside permanently in Bolivia.

With a Bolivia business visa, the visa holder can engage in various business activities such as attending business meetings or conferences, conducting or attending training sessions, performing internal audits, installing equipment, or providing other temporary services to a client, local affiliate, or branch office. However, it's important to note that engaging in activities that are outside the scope of a business visa, such as paid employment, could lead to legal issues and possible deportation.

To obtain a Bolivia business visa, the applicant must fill out an application form and provide supporting documents, such as a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of business activities in Bolivia. The applicant may also need to provide a letter from their employer outlining the purpose of their trip and the activities they'll be engaging in while in Bolivia.

The validity of a Bolivia business visa varies depending on the applicant's nationality and the purpose of their trip. In general, a business visa is valid for up to 90 days per calendar year. If the visa holder wishes to stay in Bolivia for longer than 90 days, they'll need to apply for a visa extension or a different type of visa.

It's important to note that Bolivia has specific visa requirements for business visitors from certain countries. For example, citizens of the United States and Canada are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Bolivia, while citizens of other countries may be able to obtain a visa-on-arrival or apply for a visa at the Bolivian embassy or consulate in their home country.

A Bolivia business visa is a valuable tool for foreign nationals who wish to conduct business-related activities in Bolivia. By following the visa requirements and engaging only in permitted activities, business visitors can enjoy a productive and rewarding trip to Bolivia.

Under the Business Visa category, other following cases would be applicable:

• Business matters/meetings/negotiation/trainings
• Conference/Congress/Exhibition
• Scientific/Research events
• Journalists
• Official delegations

Business matters/meetings/negotiation/trainings

A Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa allows foreign nationals to enter Bolivia for the purpose of conducting business-related activities such as attending meetings, conducting training, negotiating contracts, or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office. The visa holder must not engage in paid employment and is not authorized to work or reside permanently in Bolivia.

Conference/Congress/Exhibition

Bolivia is host to various conferences, congresses, and exhibitions throughout the year. Foreign nationals attending such events need to obtain a Bolivia Tourist Visa or Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa, depending on the nature of their visit. These events are an excellent opportunity to network, gain insights, and explore business prospects.

Scientific/Research events

Bolivia has a rich history and a unique cultural heritage that attracts scientific and research communities from around the world. Visitors coming to Bolivia for scientific and research events must obtain a Bolivia Tourist Visa or Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa. These events provide a platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore research collaborations.

Journalists

Foreign journalists traveling to Bolivia for work-related purposes must obtain a Bolivia Journalist Visa. The visa allows journalists to report on local events, conduct interviews, and publish news reports. It's essential to note that journalists must follow ethical guidelines and ensure that their reporting is accurate and unbiased.

Official delegations

Bolivia welcomes official delegations from foreign countries. Diplomats, government officials, and other representatives of foreign countries traveling to Bolivia for official purposes must obtain a Bolivia Diplomatic/Official Visa. This visa allows them to carry out diplomatic activities and attend meetings with local government officials. It's important to note that visa requirements vary depending on the country of origin and the purpose of the visit.

Purpose of a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

The purpose of a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa is to allow foreign nationals to enter Bolivia for the purpose of conducting business-related activities. These activities can include attending meetings, conferences, or congresses, negotiating contracts, conducting training, installing equipment, or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office.

The visa holder is not authorized to engage in paid employment or work permanently in Bolivia. Instead, the visa allows them to conduct temporary business activities in Bolivia for the duration of their visa validity.

Foreign nationals can apply for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa if they are coming to Bolivia for business purposes, such as exploring business opportunities, attending trade fairs or exhibitions, or meeting with potential clients or partners. This type of visa is also suitable for investors or entrepreneurs who are looking to set up a business in Bolivia.

It's essential to note that the Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa is different from a Bolivia Tourist Visa, which is intended for individuals visiting Bolivia for tourism purposes only. Additionally, the visa requirements and application process can vary depending on the country of origin and the purpose of the visit. It's important to check the specific requirements and guidelines before applying for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa.

Required Documents for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

The Bolivia Business Visa is required for those who intend to visit the country for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting negotiations, trainings, or other business-related activities. In order to apply for a Bolivia Business Visa, there are certain documents that must be submitted to the Bolivian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.

The following are the required documents for a Bolivia Business Visa:

• Completed Application Form: The application form must be fully completed in English, signed and dated by the applicant.
• Valid Passport: The applicant must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their departure from Bolivia. The passport should not be older than 10 years and must have at least one or two free “visa pages”. Additionally, the passport must have undamaged pictures securely affixed to it.
• Two Recent Photos: The applicant must provide two recent photos that are not older than 6 months. The photos must be a frontal view of the face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo, have a uniform and white background, clear facial features, and the eyes should not be covered by hair or glasses frame.
• ID Card Copy: A copy of the applicant's ID card must be submitted with the application. The ID card must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the applicant's departure from Bolivia.
• Residence Permit/Visa Copy: If the applicant's country of residence and citizenship are different, a copy of the applicant's residence permit/visa must be submitted. The residence permit/visa must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the applicant's departure from Bolivia.
• Photocopies: The applicant must provide copies of the main page of their passport, previous visas, and visa for the final destination (if any).
• Travel Itinerary: The applicant must provide a flight reservation and valid hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.).
• Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor: The applicant must provide a letter from their local employer/sponsor that includes the sponsor/company's name, postal address, and telephone number, details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, salary, timeframe of work leave, purpose of travel, and valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company). If the applicant is a student, they must provide a letter from their university. If the applicant is a dependent, they must provide a copy of the sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa.
• Proof of Financial Means: The applicant must provide proof of financial means, such as a personal bank statement, credit card, cash, traveler’s cheques, payslips, supporting documents to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover expenses, proof of prepaid accommodation, documents about accommodation in private, proof of prepaid transport, or other.
• Documents Reflecting the Nature of the Business Trip and the Existence of Business Relations: The applicant must provide an invitation letter from the company/authority in Bolivia with full address, stating the purpose and duration of the business trip, or information on event/congress/trade fair being visited in Bolivia with details of organizer/host, with full address in Bolivia, duration of the event, and reason to take part (e.g., visitor ticket for trade fair). If applicable, information about who covers the expenses of the business trip in Bolivia should also be included. If the applicant is a fair exhibitor, they must provide information on the trade fair by submitting exhibitor ticket/exhibitor invoice/confirmation letter reflecting status as a trade fair exhibitor.

Application Process for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

The application process for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa is as follows:

Gather all required documents:

• Before starting the application process, gather all the required documents such as a completed application form, valid passport, two photos, ID card copy, residence permit/visa copy (if applicable), photocopies, travel itinerary, letter from local employer/sponsor, proof of financial means, and documents reflecting the nature of the business trip and the existence of business relations.

Complete the application form:

• Complete the application form in English and sign and date it.

Schedule an appointment:

• Schedule an appointment at the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You can do this online or by contacting the embassy/consulate directly.

Submit the application:

• Submit your application in person at the embassy/consulate on the scheduled appointment date. You will need to pay the visa fee at this time.

Wait for processing:

• Wait for the processing of your visa application. The processing time can vary depending on the embassy/consulate, so be sure to check the estimated processing time before submitting your application.

Collect your visa:

• Once your visa is processed and approved, you can collect it in person at the embassy/consulate. Make sure to bring your passport and any other required documents for visa collection.

It is important to note that the application process and requirements can vary depending on your country of residence and nationality.

Validity and Duration of a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

The validity and duration of a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa depend on various factors, such as the applicant's nationality, purpose of travel, and discretion of the immigration officer. Generally, the validity of the visa starts from the date of issuance, and the applicant must enter Bolivia before the expiration of the visa.

A Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa usually allows the holder to stay in Bolivia for up to 90 days per visit. However, the immigration officer at the port of entry has the authority to determine the exact length of stay based on the purpose of the trip and the nature of the business.

If the visa holder wishes to stay in Bolivia beyond the permitted duration of stay, they must apply for an extension of their visa before the expiration date. The extension is subject to the approval of the immigration authorities in Bolivia.

It is important to note that overstaying the duration of stay permitted by the visa can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on entering Bolivia in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to comply with the visa regulations and leave Bolivia before the visa expiration date, or apply for an extension if necessary.

Visa Extension for a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

If you want to extend your stay in Bolivia after the expiration of your Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit visa, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Bolivia. It's essential to apply for an extension before your visa expires to avoid any legal issues and overstay fines.

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to submit the following documents to the Immigration Office in Bolivia:

• Application form for visa extension
• A valid passport with a photocopy of the identification page
• A copy of the current visa
• A letter explaining why you need an extension of your visa and for how long
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Bolivia during the extended period
• A travel itinerary for the extended period
• Proof of payment of the visa extension fee

It's important to note that a visa extension is not guaranteed, and the immigration officer may deny your application. If your application is denied, you will need to leave Bolivia before your visa expires to avoid any legal issues and fines.

It's always advisable to plan your trip and visa duration accordingly and avoid overstaying your visa.

Differences between a Bolivia Tourist Visa and a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

Bolivia offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Two of the most common visa types are the Bolivia Tourist Visa and the Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa.

Here are some key differences between the two:

• Purpose: The main purpose of a Bolivia Tourist Visa is to allow travelers to visit Bolivia for leisure or tourism-related activities. In contrast, the purpose of a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa is to permit travelers to engage in business-related activities such as attending meetings, conducting or attending training sessions, installing equipment, and performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office.
• Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for a Bolivia Tourist Visa and a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa may differ. For example, to obtain a Bolivia Tourist Visa, you may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Bolivia, whereas for a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter from your employer, a trade license, and an invitation letter from a Bolivian company or authority.
• Validity and Duration: The validity and duration of a Bolivia Tourist Visa and a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa may differ as well. A Bolivia Tourist Visa is typically valid for up to 90 days, while a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa can be valid for up to one year. The duration of stay allowed for each visa type may also vary.
• Activities allowed: With a Bolivia Tourist Visa, you are not permitted to engage in any business-related activities, while with a Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa, you are allowed to attend meetings, trade fairs, and other business-related events.

A Bolivia Tourist Visa is for leisure or tourism-related activities, while a Bolivia Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa is for engaging in business-related activities. The eligibility criteria, validity, and duration of each visa type may differ, as well as the activities that are allowed while on the visa.

Processing Time & Fee for Bolivia Business Visa

The processing time for a Bolivia Business visa usually ranges from 1 to 10 calendar days. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on the country from which you are applying for the visa. It is important to apply well in advance to ensure that you receive your visa before your intended travel date.

The fee for a Bolivia Business Visa is generally 30 USD, although this may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the country from which you are applying. In addition to the visa fee, there may be other administrative fees that you will need to pay, such as a visa application center fee or a courier service fee.

Frequently asked questions