visa for Bolivia? I understand that many people don’t just choose to go to Bolivia just for tourism. Some want to travel to study, do business or, why not, marry a local and reside in Bolivia for the long term.
The truth is that this Andean country offers different types of visas, and therefore, the requirements for each one are also different. I understand that the
Bolivia visa policy sometimes may not be very clear, but you are in the right place. Next, I will tell you what you should do if you plan to stay in Bolivia for more than 90 days.
Bolivia visa free countries
It is important to note that the visa process will be different depending on your country of origin. Therefore, Bolivia offers 3 different categories or country groups:
• Group 1: there are the countries that do not need to process a visa to enter Bolivia. Here you will find the Bolivia
visa free countries.
• Group 2: according to the Bolivia visa policy, the countries will receive a visa upon arrival at the airport by Migrations. However, you can also process it in advance at the Bolivian Embassy in your country of origin or residence, which is optional. Still, my advice is to go to the embassy because the
Bolivia visa cost will be less than if you pay it upon arrival.
(The Bolivia visa requirements are the same as those requested in group 3).
• Group 3: here are the countries that need a visa stamped in their passport and authorization from the National Migration Service of the Plurinational State of Bolivia as a Tourist. It means that they need to
apply for Bolivia visa at the Bolivian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Also, there is likely to have an interview with the consul.
So, which are the Bolivia visa free countries belonging to group 1? You can check it on the official website.
“
Mercosur” and “
Andean Community” countries do not need an arrival visa or tourist card. They can enter Bolivia with their ID card and stay in the country for 90 days. However, the other countries in this group must arrive at the airport with their passport to receive an arrival visa.
If you have a passport from any of the countries from group 1 (except Mercosur and Andean Community countries), you do not need to proceed with a Bolivia visa application, but you will receive a stamp in your passport that allows you to stay in “30 days”. If you want to stay for 90 days, you have to extend it in migration. If you don’t, prepare your wallet when you leave the country because you will pay a fine.
How to get a visa for Bolivia?
If you have a passport that belongs to group 3 and you want to go to this beautiful South American country, then you must apply for Bolivia visa.
Also, if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days, but you are from a country from group 1 or 2, you will also need to follow the Bolivia visa application.
Keep reading to learn about how long does it take to
get Bolivia visa, the steps you must follow and much more.
Step 1: You will need to gather all the Bolivia visa requirements, which I will specify below.
Step 2: Once you have all the documents on hand, you can apply for Bolivia visa at the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in your country or through Bolivia’s foreign ministry website by filling a Bolivia
visa application form (then print it). You will receive a date and time to go personally to the embassy with the documents.
Step 3: Go to your appointment at the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate of your country on the day and time indicated. You must present the proof of appointment confirmation at the entrance of the Consular section.
Step 4: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to pass an interview with the consul. This interview can occur the same day you give the documents, or you may be asked to come back another day.
Bolivia long-term visa requirements
The long-term visa allows you to
stay in Bolivia for more than 90 days, giving way to a possible permanent residence if you stay in the country for more than 3 years.
The requirement of this visa applies to all foreign citizens, regardless of their nationality. In addition, this long-term visa can be granted for work, study or family reasons for more than one year.
Bolivia specific purpose visa requirements (Work, health or family)
• Bolivia visa application form for an affidavit, obtained from the websites of the General Directorate of Migration, the General Directorate of Consular Affairs or in the consular representations where the visa is requested.
• Passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months.
• Photocopy of your ID card or residency card.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if visiting high-risk endemic areas and/or other health certification, if applicable.
• Documentation that certifies the activity that will be carried out in the territory of the
Plurinational State of Bolivia and a letter of invitation
• Notarized of the entity or company with supporting documentation in the corresponding cases.
• Present photo with white background.
• Current certificate proving that you have no criminal and a police record, issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or your last residence, following current regulations.
• Financial solvency accredited by means of a sworn statement supported by documentary evidence, as appropriate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of payment of visa procedures.
• In case you have married a Bolivian citizen, need the original marriage certificate and the spouse’s original documentation as well. If you present photocopies of the documents, they must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Legalization Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of your country, and the Consular Section of the
Bolivian Embassy of your country of origin.
Bolivia study visa requirements
• Bolivia visa application form for an affidavit, obtained from the websites of the
General Directorate of Migration, the General Directorate of Consular Affairs or in the consular representations where the visa is requested.
• Passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months.
• Photocopy of your ID or residency card.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if visiting high-risk endemic areas and/or other health certification, if applicable.
• Present photograph with white background.
• Document that accredits the last level studies carried out in a college, institute or university of the country where you have resided, legalized by the corresponding consular office.
• Original acceptance letter or legalized photocopy issued by the destination higher education institution. Applicable for visa of student with a state or private agreement.
• Legalized copy of the institution agreements where the type of exchange of students happened if applicable. Applicable for student visa with agreement or private agreement.
• Current certificate proving that the foreign person does not have a criminal and/or police record, issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or last residence, in accordance with current regulations.
• Proof of payment of
visa procedures.
How long does it take to get Bolivia visa?
Once the required documentation has been delivered, the
processing time to obtain the student, work or family visa, can take between 3 to 20 business days. This time will depend on your country of origin.
Bolivia visa cost: How much is it?
The Bolivia visa price can range from $30 to $150.
The price of this visa may increase if you need to request an extension and your stay is more than 2 years in the country. On the other hand, the
Bolivia visa price can also vary depending on your country of origin or residence.
I hope this information has helped you. If you want to study Spanish, keep in mind that studying in Bolivia is cheaper than other countries.