Guide on how to apply for a Bolivia Visa for Group Two Countries
What is a Bolivia visa for group two countries? What are the requirements? Is it possible to get access on arrival in Bolivia?
The Bolivian government has recently introduced new visa rules for group two countries (visa-free). Anyone who wants to enter Bolivia should apply for a visa at least three months before their trip or upon arrival for a fee.
Bolivia is a beautiful country located in South America. However, if you want to travel there, you must determine which category you fall into.
Suppose you are from a country in group 2 or 3. In that case, you must get a visa before entering Bolivia, but the visa requirements and application process change on arrival. This article details the process of applying for a Bolivia visa if you are a citizen of one of the group two countries. Let’s get started!
Where is Bolivia?
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America’s central region. It is bounded north and east by Brazil, south by Paraguay and Argentina, and west by Chile and Peru. There are nine departments in the country. Its capital, La Paz, is located in El Alto’s western department.
Bolivia Visa Application for Group Two Countries
Bolivia offers visa-free entry for citizens of group two countries. These countries are:
- Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.
Please note: that the visa-free entry is valid for 90 days. After that, you can get a Bolivia visa from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate near you, or you can get it on arrival for a fee.
Requirements for Bolivia Visa
To apply for a visa to Bolivia, you will need:
- A passport that is valid for six months beyond your date of departure from Bolivia
- Two passport photos: Dimensions size 3cm x 3cm (2in x 2in). JPG format and a maximum image file of 150Kb for electronic images.
- A visa application form, which you can download here
- Proof of travel arrangements, including a return or onward ticket
- A copy of your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you have been vaccinated.
- Payment for the visa fee, which is currently (as of November 2017) USD 160.
- Proof of funds: A copy of your bank or credit card statements will suffice as proof of financial resources.
Note:
You’ll need the images listed above in both electronic and paper formats. In addition, you must have electronic copies to attach to the online application form.
Additional Documents for Bolivia Visa for Group Two Countries
In addition to the documents listed above, you may be required to submit the following documents, depending on your visa type. These are some examples:
For Bolivia Transit Visa:
Documents proving your flight itinerary and intent to travel to a third country are required for a Bolivia transit visa (visa, flight ticket, etc.)
For Bolivia Student Visa:
- Academic transcripts
- Acceptance letter
- Police clearance documents issued by your home country
How do I apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 2)
When it comes to applying for a Bolivia visa as a citizen of one of the countries listed in the second group, you have two options:
- Applying at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate.
- Obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Bolivia.
The following is the process for applying for a Bolivia visa at an Embassy or Consulate:
- Find the nearest Bolivian Embassy/Consulate or the one that is most convenient for you to visit. Every country does not have a Bolivian consulate.
- Contact them to learn about their application requirements, whether an appointment is required, and how to submit the application.
- Complete the online Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) (here). You must include electronic copies of the following documents: your travel document, a passport-sized photograph (3 cm x 3 cm), Travel itinerary, Evidence of lodging in Bolivia, an Invitation letter from a Bolivian host (if applicable), A certificate of yellow fever vaccination, Any additional documentation that may be required.
- Print and sign the confirmation page (which is downloaded as a PDF).
- Gather the necessary documents for a Bolivian visa. (See “Bolivia Visa Requirements” for the required documents.)
- Pay the Bolivia visa fee following the Embassy/requirements. Consulates In some cases, if you apply before your trip, you may not have to pay a visa fee.
- Submit the documents to the Embassy/Consulate during regular business hours or on the day of your appointment. You can also submit the documents by mail, depending on the Embassy/Consulate.
- Allow 10-15 business days for the visa to be processed. You will be notified once your visa application has been decided.
- Received your visa. If you apply in person, you might have to visit the Embassy/Consulate to obtain your visa personally. In contrast, the documents could be mailed back to you if you applied by mail.
Bolivia Visa On Arrival
Suppose you are unable to visit a Bolivian consulate or Embassy. In that case, you can obtain a Bolivia Visa On Arrival at the airports of Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz. However, Bolivian immigration officials do not have the most up-to-date information on how eligible applicants can obtain a Bolivian visa on arrival. Therefore, although it is possible, the application process may not be consistent.
Suppose your only option is to obtain a Bolivia visa on arrival. In that case, you must have all the required documents (see the documents needed for a Bolivia visa under “Bolivia Visa Requirements” below).
You must also have enough cash (in US dollars) to pay Bolivia’s visa on arrival fee. In addition, the visa fee bills must be in good condition, or the visa officers at the entry may refuse to accept them.
Bolivia Visa Duration/Expiration Date
A tourist visa to Bolivia is valid for 30 days per entry. Before your visa expires, you can apply for a visa extension. You may be able to stay for up to 90 days within one year if the visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa (no more than 30 days per entry).
The immigration officers at the port of entry or the Embassy/Consular authorities where you obtain the visa decide on the duration of your visa.
Bolivia Visa Fees
The cost of a Bolivian visa varies according to your nationality. For example, suppose you are from one of the countries listed in Group 2. In that case, you may be able to obtain a visa for free if you apply at an Embassy or Consulate before your trip. However, if you apply on arrival, you must pay a fee of around USD 160.
Please keep in mind that this is an estimate, and the price may change depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and changes in immigration rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Travel To Bolivia?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. If you are a US citizen visiting Bolivia for tourism, you must apply for a Bolivia Tourist Visa. You must make your application at a Bolivian embassy or consulate.
How long does a Bolivia visa take?
It is dependent on the visa. Some visas are issued the same day, while others take several weeks. However, the application process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks.
What documents do I need to travel to Bolivia?
To travel to Bolivia, you will need a passport, a visa, and plane tickets. More information is available on the page above. You may also visit the Bolivian Embassy’s website for more details.
Do you need a visa to get into Bolivia?
Tourist visas are required for US citizens to enter Bolivia. All US citizens will be issued tourist visas by the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulates of Bolivia, as well as the Directorate General of Immigration through its land border posts and airport immigration control.
How much does a Bolivia visa cost?
Your nationality determines the cost of a visa to Bolivia. The fee is $160 for US citizens. The fee is £100 for UK citizens. Visitors must present proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of departure plans from Bolivia. In addition, visitors must show proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation.
Is international travel permitted in Bolivia?
Yes, Commercial flights are permitted, and air borders are open. However, travelers should be prepared to implement additional international travel restrictions with little or no advance notice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process for obtaining a Bolivia visa is relatively simple. However, some specific requirements must be met for the visa to be approved. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read and follow the instructions on the application form, as any mistakes could result in a delay or denial of the visa. So, if you are planning on traveling to Bolivia, start the visa application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
