bolivia student visa extension help

by Isaac
(La Paz, Bolivia)

I'm a U.S. citizen studying for a semester in la Paz at la UMSA (not through a program) and am looking for the easiest and cheapest way to extend the 30 day temporary student visa I was issued at the Bolivian consulate in NY.

So far, I've been able to get a letter from inmigraciones that says all student visas automatically last for 60 days, which should mean my temporary student visa is valid until the end of March. However, I won't be leaving until the end of June, which means I won't have a visa for three months. I've talked with people who've extended their visas here legally on their own, and heard some horror stories of spending literally months working through the bureaucracy, and having to pay bribes anyway.

My three best options, as I seem them, are:

1. Pay the a fine when I leave the country, which would come out to 300 total. Aside from the money, I'm worried about the repercussions for overstaying a visa for 3 months.

2. Leave to go to Peru at the end of March and reenter with a 90 day tourist visa, which would last just until the end of my stay. This seems like the best option. Do you have any advice about dealing with customs officials?

3. Hire a lawyer. I've heard they can be up to 300 dollars just for their own fee though, which would be the price I'd have to pay for overstaying my visa anyway. Could you recommend a good one?

Any advice is welcome!

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bolivia student visa extension help

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Feb 25, 2011
 Student Visa
by: Anonymous

Dear Mr. Isaac,
In your case i sugest you to have a tourist visa in Peru border (if you can afford traveling to Peru) get a tourist visa or at least a Specific porpose Visa, this SPV lasts 30 month but you can ask for two extentions 30 days each extention; but this way takes more time, try to get a tourist visa and if you stay longer than 89 days you pay the fine. Paying fine can be in your record but it doesn´t determine in next visa applications.
The other way is to have a one year residence Visa, it is more expenssive and you need to follow some requirements. Those are the only options to stay longer in Bolivia. I hope i´ve helped you.
Rebeca Gonzales ATTORNEY AT LAW. Cel. 7788 2222

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