Bolivia Visa Policy

Bolivia, located in the heart of South America, is a beautiful country known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and friendly people. To enter Bolivia, most foreign nationals require a visa. Bolivia has a liberal visa policy, with many countries being visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.

For those who do require a visa, Bolivia offers several types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and family reunion visas. The visa application process varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of origin. Generally, visa applicants are required to complete an application form, provide a valid passport, and submit supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

Tourist visas are the most common type of visa for visitors to Bolivia. Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days, while others must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Bolivia. Tourist visas are valid for up to 30 or 90 days and can be extended for an additional 30 or 60 days.

Business visas are available for those who wish to travel to Bolivia for work-related purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings. The application process for a business visa is similar to that of a tourist visa, but additional documentation is required, such as an invitation letter from a Bolivian company.

Student visas are available for foreign nationals who wish to study in Bolivia. Applicants must provide proof of acceptance to a recognized educational institution in Bolivia and sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

Family reunion visas are available for family members of Bolivian nationals who wish to obtain a permit for long-term residence in Bolivia. The applicant must provide proof of the family relationship and proof of the Bolivian national’s residency in Bolivia.

Bolivia’s visa policy is subject to change, and it is recommended that visitors check the latest requirements before traveling. Additionally, visitors are advised to ensure that their passports have at least six months’ validity beyond their expected departure date from Bolivia.

Bolivia has a diverse range of visa options for foreign nationals who wish to visit or stay in the country. With its liberal visa policy, friendly people, and breathtaking landscapes, Bolivia is a must-visit destination in South America.

Note :-

To enter Bolivia, obtaining a visa beforehand may be necessary. The visa policy of Bolivia is contingent upon the applicant's country of origin, which is categorized into three groups. Countries included in the first group (such as the USA, EU, Australia, and others) are not required to have a visa to stay in Bolivia for up to 90 days. However, if you are from a country in group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, with varying visa requirements and application procedures.

Bolivia Visa for Group One Countries

Visitors from the following countries can stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days without a visa. However, it is possible to extend their stay for up to 90 days after arriving in Bolivia.

Some citizens can enter Bolivia with only their ID card. Russian passport holders can stay in Bolivia without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, if you plan to stay in Bolivia for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa at one of the Bolivian Embassies or Consulates located abroad. You may go to the embassy nearest to your location or the one that is most convenient for you.

Bolivia Visa Application for Group Two Countries

If you hold nationality from any of the following countries, you must obtain a Bolivian visa before traveling to Bolivia. You can either apply for the visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate located near you, or you can obtain it upon arrival by paying a fee.

Bolivia Visa Application For Group Three Countries

If you belong to any of the listed countries, you will need to obtain a Bolivian visa from an Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia located abroad. However, the application process may take longer as the National Migration Service in Bolivia will need to authorize your visa request.

Tourist Visa on Arrival for Bolivia

In accordance with the Bolivia visa policy, tourists from eligible countries who wish to obtain a visa on arrival must complete the 'Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa' form and meet the following requirements:

• Possess a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Provide evidence of yellow fever vaccination.
• Show proof of round-trip flight tickets to and from Bolivia.
• Present proof of accommodation in Bolivia.

It is important to note that the tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days per year in Bolivia. For further information on the Bolivia visa policy, please explore more details.

The countries that can have the visa on arrival for Bolivia are:

Before entering Bolivia, make sure to confirm the required documents. One of the essential documents is the Passenger Locator Form, which is mandatory and provides information about your current health status.

How to Apply for Bolivia Visa (Group 2)

Applying for a Bolivia visa as a citizen of the countries in the second group can be done in two ways: through a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or by obtaining a Bolivia visa on arrival. Here's how to apply for a Bolivia visa at an Embassy or Consulate:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or the one that's most convenient for you. Note that not all countries have a Bolivian consulate.
• Contact the Embassy or Consulate to inquire about their application requirements, whether an appointment is needed, and how to submit the application.
• Fill out the Bolivia visa application form, also known as the Sworn Statement for Visa Application, which can be found online. Attach electronic copies of your passport, a passport-size photo, your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Bolivia, an invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable), a certificate of yellow fever vaccination, and any other required documents.
• Print out the confirmation page in PDF format and sign it.
• Collect the required documents for the Bolivian visa. Refer to "Bolivia Visa Requirements" for a list of necessary documents.
• Pay the Bolivia visa fee as required by the Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, there may be no visa fee if the application is submitted before the trip.
• Submit the documents at the Embassy or Consulate during opening hours or on the date of your appointment. Depending on the Embassy or Consulate, documents can also be submitted by mail.
• Wait for 10-15 working days for the visa application to be processed. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified.
• Receive the visa. If you applied in person, you may need to go to the Embassy or Consulate to collect the visa. If you applied by mail, the documents will be returned to you by mail.

Bolivia Visa On Arrival

If you are unable to access a Bolivian Consulate/Embassy, you can opt for a Bolivia Visa On Arrival at the Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, the process for obtaining a Bolivian visa on arrival may not be consistent, and Bolivian immigration authorities may not have all the information needed for eligible applicants.

In case obtaining a Bolivia visa on arrival is your only choice, ensure that you have all the necessary documents required for a visa (see the "Bolivia Visa Requirements" section for necessary documents).

Additionally, you must have the required cash (in US dollars) to pay the Bolivia visa on arrival fee. The bills used for paying the visa fee must be in good condition, as the visa officers at the entry may reject them otherwise.

How to Apply for Bolivia Visa (Group 3)

As a citizen of the third group, there are specific steps you must follow to apply for a Bolivia visa. Here's what you need to know:

• Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or the most convenient one for you. Contact them to learn about their requirements and whether you need to make an appointment.
• Inquire if they accept mailed applications and documents. Some Embassies/Consulates may offer this option.
• Complete an online Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and print it out (available here). Make sure to attach electronic copies of the required documents, including your passport, a passport-size photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Bolivia (an invitation letter from a host or proof of hotel reservation), a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and any other documents as required.
• Collect all the required documents (listed under "Bolivia Visa Requirements" below).
• Go to the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate to apply for the visa, or send the documents by registered mail, if that option is available.
• The Bolivian Embassy/Consulate will forward your application and documents to the National Migration Service in Bolivia.
• You will be notified of the decision in three to five weeks, although it may take up to three months in some cases.
• If your application is successful, you will receive your Bolivia visa.

Frequently asked questions