CANCELLATION OF VISAS AND ENTRY PROHIBITIONS FOR FOREIGNERS IN BOLIVIA

Bolivian law strictly regulates the presence of foreigners, establishing clear grounds for visa cancellations and entry denials. The following outlines these provisions with practical examples for clarity.

CANCELLATION OF VISAS IN BOLIVIA: COMMON CASES

Authorities may cancel visas through an administrative act in the following scenarios:

1. DUE TO MANDATORY EXIT

If a foreigner is sanctioned with mandatory departure for legal violations, their visa is automatically canceled.

Practical Example: A foreigner exceeds the authorized period of their temporary stay. After being sanctioned with mandatory departure, they lose their visa rights automatically.

2. DUE TO EXTRADITION

If a foreigner is extradited to face charges in their home country or another state, their visa is revoked unless their innocence is later proven.

Practical Example: An individual wanted for financial fraud in their home country is extradited from Bolivia. Despite holding a valid visa, it is canceled upon extradition.

3. FRAUDULENT VISA ACQUISITION

If it is proven that a foreigner used false information to obtain their visa, it will be canceled, and the case will be referred to the authorities.

Practical Example: An applicant submits falsified academic documents to obtain a student visa. Upon verification of the fraud, their visa is canceled, and the relevant authorities are notified.

ENTRY PROHIBITION TO BOLIVIA: MAIN GROUNDS

An entry prohibition is an irrevocable administrative decision requiring the foreigner to return to their home country or a third country. The main grounds include:

1. LACK OF A VALID VISA

Individuals attempting to enter without the appropriate visa (except under international agreements) will not be admitted.

Practical Example: A tourist from a visa-required country tries to enter Bolivia without a visa. Their entry is denied.

2. MISSING REQUIREMENTS OR DOCUMENTATION

Those who do not meet the required documentation for admission or regularization will be denied entry.

Practical Example: A foreigner presents an expired passport at the point of entry. They are denied entry and must return to their country of origin.

3. USE OF FALSIFIED DOCUMENTS

Entry is denied if the applicant uses falsified or altered documents.

Practical Example: A traveler uses a forged passport to cross the border. Authorities detect the forgery and immediately deport them.

4. CRIMITICAL RECORDS OR REPEAT OFFENCES

Individuals with records of serious crimes or previous expulsions cannot enter, except under specific exceptions.

Practical Example: A person convicted of drug trafficking in another country attempts to enter Bolivia. International police records reveal their case, and Bolivian authorities deny entry

5. CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY OR GRAVE OFFENSES

Individuals convicted of genocide, terrorism, or similar crimes are absolutely barred from entry.

Practical Example: A person accused of war crimes seeks refuge in Bolivia. Upon verification of the charges, they are denied entry.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE ENTRY PROHIBITION IN BOLIVIA

The entry prohibition does not apply to:

Asylum seekers.
Victims of human trafficking.
Individuals with direct family ties to Bolivian citizens (unless involved in the aforementioned serious crimes).

Practical Example: A human trafficking victim escapes and arrives in Bolivia. They receive protection and are not subject to the usual entry restrictions.

CONCLUSION

In the Plurinational State of Bolivia, these measures aim to protect national sovereignty and uphold human rights, ensuring effective and fair migration control.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my visa is canceled by mistake?

You can file an administrative appeal with the Directorate General of Migration to request a review and correction of your case.

How can I prove family ties with a Bolivian citizen?

You must present official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers, depending on the nature of the relationship.

What documents are needed to regularize my stay?

The required documents vary according to your migration category, but generally include a valid passport, criminal background checks, proof of financial solvency, and any other supporting documents relevant to your case.

What happens if I am a victim of human trafficking?

You may apply for asylum or request humanitarian protection from Bolivian authorities. Victims are protected and will not face penalties for immigration violations linked to their trafficking situation.

The content of this article does not reflect the technical opinion of Rigoberto Paredes y Asociados and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. The information presented here corresponds to the publication date and may be outdated at the time of reading. Rigoberto Paredes y Asociados assumes no responsibility for keeping the information in this article up to date, as legal regulations may change over time.

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