Are you planning to travel to Bolivia? Entering a new country can be complicated if you don’t have clear information to meet local immigration requirements, especially to ensure smooth entry. In this article, our expert immigration lawyers will provide you with all the essential information to legally enter Bolivia without any setbacks.
How do I know if I can enter Bolivia?
Law N° 370 on Migration establishes that entry, transit, stay, and exit from Bolivian territory are regulated according to the visitor’s nationality and current international agreements. In that sense, to know if you can enter Bolivia, you must first verify if your country of origin has any special agreement with Bolivia that facilitates entry.
Thus, according to Bolivian law, 3 groups have been established:
- Group I can enter with only a valid passport and in some cases, with their valid and current national identity document, recognized by bilateral treaties or agreements (applicable for example to CAN and MERCOSUR member countries).
- Groups II and III must also process a visa, depending on the intended purpose of travel to Bolivia, and the requirements for processing it will vary. This visa is processed at Bolivian consulates, border control posts, and exceptionally at the departmental offices of the General Directorate of Migration – DIGEMIG.
It is essential to consult with the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate or check the official website of the General Directorate of Migration – DIGEMIG of Bolivia to obtain the most up-to-date information and verify your eligibility.
My country is categorized in groups II and III, what types of visas exist and what do I need to present?
According to current regulations, 7 types of visas have been established, including:
| VISA | REASON FOR ISSUANCE |
|---|---|
| Transit visa | Granted to persons whose purpose is to transit to a 3rd country |
| Courtesy visa | Aimed at foreign persons invited by public institutions, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to carry out activities of interest to the Plurinational State of Bolivia |
| Student visa | Enables processing of temporary student residence for up to 3 years, renewable for 3 more years until completing studies |
| Humanitarian visa | Free, granted on the grounds of need for international protection under the principle of non-refoulement, victims of trafficking and smuggling or other forms of exploitation or accompany a sick person requiring medical treatment. |
| Tourism or visit visa | Granted for the purpose of rest or recreation that does not involve the exercise of paid or lucrative activity on one’s own account or that of another, and enables processing of temporary stay for tourism or visit. Tourists can stay up to a maximum of 90 days per year. |
| Specified purpose | Granted for reasons of work, temporary work, health, family |
| Multiple visa | Granted to foreign persons engaged in investment and business activities |
Now, to process the visa to enter Bolivia with DIGEMIG, you need to present certain essential documents, including:
- Sworn Declaration Form for application for temporary residence, obtained at DIGEMIG offices or websites;
- Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months;
- Documentation accrediting the purpose of your stay in Bolivian territory;
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate or other health certificate, if applicable;
- Current photograph;
- Valid certificate proving the foreign person has no criminal and/or police record, issued by competent authority in the country of origin or last residence and/or international police clearance certificate issued by INTERPOL, under current regulations. Except for temporary residence for the specified purpose of tourism or visit, transit, and those granted by state or private agreements or conventions;
- Consular visa. Except for temporary residence for the specified purpose of study, work, transit, and those granted by state or private agreements or conventions;
- Accredited economic solvency by sworn statements supported by documents. Except for temporary residence for the specified purpose of tourism or visit, transit, and those granted by state or private agreements or conventions;
- Proof of payment of the corresponding processing cost. Except for those granted by state agreements or conventions.
What happens if I don't register my entry to Bolivia?
Failure to register your entry to Bolivia can have serious legal consequences. All travelers must register their entry at border control points upon arrival in the country. Not doing so can result in fines, legal issues, and even mandatory departure from the country. If for some reason you did not register your entry, it is essential to regularize your situation as soon as possible by going to the nearest immigration office.
Conclusion
Traveling to Bolivia requires meeting certain immigration requirements and procedures. Make sure you have all the required documentation and are aware of the current regulations.
We hope this guide has provided you with the most important aspects for planning your trip without setbacks.
We hope this guide has provided you with the most important aspects for planning your trip without setbacks.
If you have any questions or need personalized assistance for your trip to Bolivia, do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert immigration lawyers are here to help you. Contact us for a personalized consultation.
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abogados@rigobertoparedes.com
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