Bolivia is a sovereign country in South America and home to a rich Latino culture permeating the country. There are Bolivia visa types specially designed to cater to the needs of visitors coming to the country from different parts of the world. Below, we review the different types of Bolivian visas.
Bolivia Visa Types
Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is valid for 30 days and issued to tourists beforehand. This visa is issued by the embassy or at the airport as a visa on arrival to citizens from countries on the visa in arrival list. You can use this visa for sightseeing, vacationing, and with family and friends visiting. The visa is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued.
Student Visa: A Bolivian student visa is issued to international students who have always been admitted into an academic institution in Bolivia. The embassy issues it to the student in their home country once they tender their admission documents as evidence. There are three types of student visas, namely, the 60-day visa issued by the embassy of the immigration authorities in Bolivia. This visa is for short course studies that will not last more than 60 days. Aside from academic purposes, it can also be used as a tourist visa too.
The second type is the 180-day exchange visa for longer course studies at public or private universities and teaching centers.
Those who will be studying for much longer will have to extend their visa for up to three years once they arrive in Bolivia. The immigration office is the body responsible for granting visa extensions to foreigners living in the country.
Temporary Residence Visa: The temporary residence visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to reside in Bolivia for a time. This visa has a one-year validity, and once the holder arrives in the country, they will be issued a foreigner identity card.
Specific Purpose Visa: This is called the “Objecto Determinado” visa in Spanish. As the name implies, it is issued to visitors coming to Bolivia for specific purposes. The visa allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 30 days. You can apply for this visa if you are coming for business, to honor a contract, perform any activity apart from tourism, etc. Holders of Specific Purpose Visa Are not eligible for a temporary or permanent residence permit, but they can apply for a residency visa while in the country. This visa can be extended by a further 90 days where necessary.
Multiple Entry Visa: The multiple entry visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed yearly. It is issued to foreigners by Bolivian embassies abroad that wish to invest in Bolivia, conduct business or visit for economic exploratory activities. This visa is solely for business-related activities and can be used to enter the country several times within a calendar year.
Humanitarian Visa: This visa is a short term visa issued to foreigners on humanitarian grounds. Victims of human trafficking or companions of those visiting Bolivia for medical attention can get this visa, and holders can stay for up to 30 days.
Courtesy Visa: It is granted to foreign nationals invited by a government ministry or public institution to offer a service to the government. Courtesy visas last for 60 days.
Official Diplomatic Visa: A diplomatic visa is issued to foreigners coming to Bolivia to perform specific duties on behalf of their home governments. This visa requires a diplomatic passport and is granted to ambassadors, consular officers, and envoys.
Bolivia Visa Requirements
The documents required for a Bolivian visa depend on the type of visa in question, as each visa has its unique requirements. However, there are some general requirements to bear in mind when applying for a visa to Bolivia, and we review them below.
Application Form: You must complete and sign a visa application form bearing all your details. Only accurate information will be accepted.
Passport: A valid passport issued by your home country for at least 6 months.
Vaccination Certificate: The Bolivian government expects everyone coming into the country to have yellow fever vaccination and a certificate to serve as proof.
Photo: A recent passport photograph taken recently. The photo must meet Bolivian visa requirements.
Travel Itinerary: A copy of your travel itinerary showing your travel information, including the arrival and departure dates
Invitation Letter: A letter of invitation if you are invited by someone in Bolivia. The letter must clearly state your reasons for coming to Bolivia.
Proof of Financial Means: A financial statement to prove that you are financially solvent. The statement must cover the last three months.
The documents that will be demanded of you depend on Bolivia visa types but note that for each visa, there is a visa fee payable for document processing.