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The difference is that you can use a tourist visa if you plan to visit only, or are in transit through more than one country, including Bolivia. But if you plan to live and/or work in Bolivia, you need a different type of authorization to enter the country called a specific purpose visa. Not all foreigners need a tourist visa. It depends on the treaties that exist between countries. But all foreigners who plan to apply for residency in Bolivia do need a Specific Purpose Visa. The tourist visais a confusing issue. Laws about tourist visas, the requirement to have one or not, and the pre-requisites for obtaining one vary by your country of origin and often change with great frequence! You should contact the Bolivian consulate nearest you to be sure you understand the laws concerning visas for citizens from your country prior to entering Bolivia and use the information on this page only as a general guideline.Bolivia does not require travel visas for citizens of some countries, and does for others. In addition, the length of stay and other information also varies by country. Be very, very sure you have the correct visa and you fulfill all the necessary requirements prior to traveling to Bolivia. According to Supreme Decree 28997 and other laws and documents displayed on the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, at the time of this writing (February 2010) foreigners from who wish to enter Bolivia have been classified into 3 groups: Group 1 lists countries that DO NOT need a tourism visa to enter Bolivia. Group 2 lists countries that DO need a tourist visa but DO NOT need to get it in the country of origin via a Bolivian consulate (you can get it at border points or an airport immigration point upon arrival). Group 3 lists countries that DO need a tourist visa and DO NEED to get it in the country of origin by way of a Bolivian consulate BEFORE you arrive in Bolivia.** Exception for Group 3**: Article 7 of Biministerial Resolution 01/2007 available on the aforementioned website states that foreigners from Group III who failed to get the tourist visa prior to traveling, but can show they have fulfilled all the requirements to obtain the tourist visa may, as an exception, get their tourist visa at the first migratory control point (overland border points or airports) if Bolivian immigration officials have verified that they've complied and fulfilled all requirements. No extensions! On 26 February 2010 we were given this information by Immigration officials in Santa Cruz, Bolivia (and a week later the same information was given us by the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Foreigners from all three groups, whether they need a tourist visa or not, ARE NOT allowed to stay in Bolivia over 90 days in one year. There is NO possibility for extension. If you cross over the border to a neighboring country to request another 90 days (whether this be another 90 visa or another 90 days of permanence for those not required to have a visa) this request will be denied and you will be obligated to obtain a Visa de Objeto Determinado (Specific Purpose Visa) which lasts only for 30 days. You then have to decide whether or not the length of time you wish to remain in Bolivia merits applying for residency. If it does, you have those 30 days to begin and complete your residency application. What if you over stay more than 90 days? Foreigners from all three groups (including those from Group 1 that do not need a visa) will be fined Bs. 20 per day if they stay in Bolivia beyond the expiration date on their tourist visa or entry stamp. (It used to be Bs. 14 per day. This is a recent change). Why so much confusion? Foreigners in Bolivia are getting different answers from different immigration officials. When changes take place, it can take time for the information to trickle down to all border points and regions. Plan your travel times carefully to avoid complications. Visit our Bolivia Visa Forum to post additional questions you may have or alert us if you are being told something different. The specific purpose visais the option you would choose if you are planning to reside in Bolivia for a length of time greater than 90 days per year or you plan to work here, do business, or get an education here. This visa is only valid for 30 days stay. This means that once you arrive in Bolivia you have only 30 days to initiate and turn in your application for residency. Visit our BoliviaBella Expat Services can help you process your application for residency, if you have arrived on the correct visa.According to the sworn statement for visa application form, and Article 12 of Biministerial Resolution 01/2007, both available on the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website if you enter Bolivia as a tourist you cannot change migratory status during the time you remain within national territory. This means you cannot apply for residency if you have entered on a tourist visa. You will need to leave the country and re-enter on the Specific Purpose Visa. Visit our Bolivia Visa Forum to post additional questions you may have. The yellow fever shotBiministerial Resolution 01/2007 states that everyone over 12 months of age must have a yellow fever shot shot before entering Bolivia. However, the document Vacuna Contra la Fiebre Amarilla, found on the same website states that authorities from the Ministry of Health and Sports have passed Ministerial Resolution 0028 dated 21 January 2009 whereby the yellow fever shot will be required exclusively of foreigners who will be traveling to zones at risk of yellow fever (there's a list of zones in Bolivia attached) and they must have the yellow fever shot a minimum of 10 days prior to entering Bolivia.This is one of the reasons it may be a better option to apply for your visa in advance of your travel. If you show up at the border and request a visa and don't have your yellow fever shot certificate, you may not be allowed to enter. DisclaimerBefore you travel, check with the Bolivian Consulate nearest you as immigration laws change frequently. Use the information on this page as a general guideline only. It should not be understood as legal advice. All of the above information was obtained from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in February and March 2010.
Americans can find the complete details about how to apply for your visa at
the Bolivian Consulate in Washington DC English Website
Find all countries' consulates and embassies at EmbassiesAbroad.com Visit our Bolivia Visa Forum to post additional questions you may have. |
