Bolivia Visa
If you’re planning to visit Bolivia, you might need a visa, depending on your nationality. Bolivia’s visa policy categorizes countries into three groups. Group 1 countries (like the USA, EU nations, and Australia) don’t require a visa for visits up to 90 days. If you’re from Group 2 or 3, you’ll need a visa before entering Bolivia, but the application process varies depending on your group.
Visa Requirements for Group One Countries
If you’re from a Group 1 country, you can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 30 days, with a possibility to extend your stay up to 90 days. Here are some countries in this group:
- European Union member states
- United States
- Canada
- Japan
- Brazil
- Argentina
- And many others.
Citizens of some countries (like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru) can enter Bolivia with just an ID card. Russian passport holders can stay in Bolivia without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa through the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate.
Visa Application for Group Two Countries
If you’re from a Group 2 country, you need a visa to enter Bolivia. You can apply at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or you may be able to get a visa on arrival. Countries in this group include:
- India
- China
- Bangladesh
- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Sri Lanka
- And many others.
Applying at a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate
To apply for a Bolivia visa at an embassy or consulate, follow these steps:
- Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy/Consulate: Not every country has a Bolivian consulate, so find one that’s most convenient.
- Contact them for requirements and an appointment: Each embassy/consulate has its own process.
- Complete the Bolivia visa application form: You can find it online. Attach electronic copies of your passport, a passport-sized photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Bolivia, and a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
- Pay the visa fee: Payment methods and fees vary, but you should expect a fee ranging from $30 to $160.
- Submit the documents and wait for processing: Processing can take 10-15 business days.
Bolivia Visa on Arrival
If you cannot access a Bolivian consulate/embassy, you can get a visa on arrival at Cochabamba, La Paz, or Santa Cruz airports. However, this process may not be consistent. You must bring all required documents, including the visa fee in US dollars (in good condition).
Visa Application for Group Three Countries
If you’re from a Group 3 country, you must apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. The process can take longer, as the consulate must request authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia. Countries in this group include:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Somalia
- Libya
- And several others.
How to Apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 3)
Follow these steps to apply for a Bolivia visa if you’re from a Group 3 country:
- Find the nearest Bolivian embassy/consulate: Contact them for requirements and to make an appointment.
- Complete the online Bolivia visa application form: Attach electronic copies of your passport, a passport-sized photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Bolivia, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Submit your application: Either in person or by mail, depending on the consulate’s rules.
- Wait for approval: This process can take 3-5 weeks, sometimes longer.
Bolivia Visa Requirements
To apply for a Bolivia visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- Valid passport: At least six months of validity and at least two blank pages.
- Printed visa application form: Sworn Statement for Visa Application.
- Passport-sized photo: 3cm x 3cm or 2 inches x 2 inches, with a white background, in JPG format.
- Proof of accommodation in Bolivia: Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a host.
- Copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary.
- Proof of financial resources: Bank or credit card statements.
- Certificate of yellow fever vaccination.
Additional documents might be required depending on the type of visa, such as academic transcripts for a student visa or a police clearance certificate for a work visa
Bolivia Visa Costs
The cost of a Bolivian visa varies by nationality. If you’re from a Group 2 country, you might get a visa free of charge if you apply at an embassy/consulate. If you apply on arrival, the fee is typically around USD 160.
Bolivia Visa for US Citizens
US citizens don’t need a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism. As of December 20, 2019, they can enter with just their passport, which must have at least six months of validity. The duration of stay is determined by the immigration officer, but it can be 30, 60, or 90 days.