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Planning a trip or considering a longer stay in Bolivia? Great choice! Whether you’re a tourist wanting to explore the stunning landscapes or someone looking to retire in this affordable and culturally rich country, understanding the visa process is essential. Bolivia offers different types of visas depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Let’s walk through the steps to get a visa to Bolivia, covering both tourist and residence options for travelers from various countries.
Before starting the process, it’s important to know which visa category applies to you. Bolivia
divides visa requirements into three groups:
• Group 1: Citizens from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and most European Union nations
do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• Group 2: Citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and India
need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia.
• Group 3: Nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Nigeria must apply for a
visa in advance and may face additional requirements.
For those looking to stay longer or retire in Bolivia, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa.
For most travelers from Group 2 countries, obtaining a tourist visa is straightforward. Here’s what
you need to do:
First, verify whether you need a visa by checking Bolivia’s consulate or embassy website for
your country. If you fall under Group 1, you can enter Bolivia without a visa for tourism
purposes.
For a tourist visa application, you’ll need the following:
o A passport valid for at least six months from your entry date
o A passport-sized photo
o Proof of onward or return travel (such as a flight ticket)
o Hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Bolivia
o Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or credit card)
o Completed visa application form
o Before Travel: You can apply for a visa at a Bolivian consulate in your home country.
It’s recommended to do this if you want to avoid long lines at the airport. The
process generally takes around 5-7 business days.
o Visa on Arrival: Certain nationalities, including U.S. citizens, can apply for a tourist
visa upon arrival at the airport or land border. Be sure to have all your documents
ready!
o The cost of a tourist visa is around $160 USD for U.S. citizens. For citizens of other
countries, the fee varies but typically ranges between $30–$160 USD, depending on
your nationality.
o If applying in person at a consulate, you’ll usually pay by cash or card. If you’re
applying on arrival, be prepared to pay in cash (U.S. dollars preferred).
o A tourist visa is valid for 30 days, and it can be extended twice for an additional 30
days each time, allowing you to stay up to 90 days in total. Visit the local
immigration office in Bolivia to apply for an extension.
If you’re planning to live in Bolivia—whether for work, retirement, or long-term stay—applying for a
residence visa is your next step. Bolivia offers several types of residence visas, including temporary,
permanent, and retirement visas.
o The temporary residence visa is granted for one year, with the possibility of
renewing for an additional year. After two years, you can apply for permanent
residency.
o Documents needed:
▪ Valid passport
▪ Birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish)
▪ Police clearance certificate from your home country
▪ Health certificate from a Bolivian medical authority
▪ Proof of income or employment (if applicable)
▪ Application fee payment receipt
o Cost: The application fee for a temporary residence visa is typically around $300–
$500 USD.
o Bolivia’s retirement visa is an excellent option for retirees looking to live in the
country long-term. You’ll need to show proof of a stable retirement income, typically
a minimum of $500 per month.
o Documents needed:
▪ Valid passport
▪ Proof of retirement income (bank statements or pension documents)
▪ Police clearance and health certificates
▪ A local sponsor (optional but helpful)
o Cost: The retirement visa application fee is around $250–$400 USD. After holding a
temporary retirement visa for two years, you can apply for permanent residency.
o After living in Bolivia for two years under a temporary visa, you can apply for
permanent residency. This requires similar documents as the temporary visa, plus
proof that you have resided in Bolivia during this time without legal issues.
o Cost: Permanent residency applications usually cost around $600–$1,000 USD.
For residence visas, applications must be submitted in person at Bolivia’s immigration office. It’s
essential to ensure that all documents are translated into Spanish (if necessary) and certified by
the relevant authorities. The approval process can take several weeks, so it’s important to plan
ahead.
Once you’ve received your residence visa, you’ll need to renew it yearly until you qualify for
permanent residency. After two years, you can apply for a cédula de identidad (Bolivian ID card),
which allows you to live, work, and enjoy the rights of a permanent resident.
Additional Tips
• Travel Insurance: Always consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected
medical issues or travel disruptions.
• Legal Help: For long-term visas or more complex immigration cases, hiring an immigration
lawyer in Bolivia can help streamline the process and ensure all documents are correctly
prepared.
• Language: Although many government officials speak Spanish, bringing along a translator
or learning basic Spanish phrases can make the visa process much smoother.
Whether you’re planning a short visit to marvel at Bolivia’s natural wonders or hoping to settle down
for a peaceful retirement, Bolivia offers an accessible and affordable visa process for travelers from
around the globe. With beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and a low cost of living, Bolivia is a
fantastic destination for those seeking adventure or a slower pace of life.
Now that you know the steps to getting a visa, pack your bags and start your journey to this vibrant
and diverse country!