Bolivia Visa

About Bolivia

Although no blanket visa-free entry is given to Indian passport holders, Bolivia provides two options to get a tourist visa: get one at the embassy in Bolivia prior to travel (typically free of charge to Indians), or buy a visa-on-arrival at one of the major international airports in the country (such as La Paz or Santa Cruz). 

Documents Needed (short-term visit)

Prepare the following documents to pass smoothly into Bolivia:

• Valid Indian passport - It should have not expired within a period of six months before your intended entry and it should be of full two blank pages so that it can accommodate the stamps.

• Visa application form - Filled and signed with all the personal and travel information.

• Recent passport-size photo - As per Bolivian standards, generally 3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background.

• Confirmed onward or return travel ticket - Displays your intention to leave Bolivia within the visa period.

• Documentation of accommodation - This can be hotel reservations or a letter of invitation by a host to come and stay for how long.

• Bank statement/credit card record - Documentation of money you need to finance your stay.

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate - It is obligatory when traveling to Amazon or some parts, otherwise, not obligatory.

• Basic travel itinerary with planned dates and destinations.

Eligibility Criteria and Key Conditions

Bolivia’s eligibility criteria for Indian citizens require:

• At least six months of passport validity upon arrival date; two visa stamp blank pages.

• Travel cannot be work or study, but tourism, family visit, cultural events or short business stays which should be segregated with separate visas.

• Evidence on forward tickets, accommodation and funds should be provided at entry. A clean immigration record enhances eligibility and minimization of risk of denial.

• Visa-on-arrival entry/exit should be through international airports; visa-on-arrival is normally not extended to Indians crossing the border at a land crossing point.

• Tourist visas are normally one-entry and last 30 days, renewable without additional fee and up to 90 days at Bolivian immigration offices.

Bolivia Tourist Visa: Application and Fees

• Embassy visa (prior to departure) - Through the Bolivian Embassy in India. Indian citizens are normally free of charge when applying for the tourist visa provided it is done in advance. Turnaround time is 3-5 working days; make application, passport, photos, ticket confirmation, proofs of funds and accommodation.

• Visa-on-arrival - Can be obtained at either the La Paz or Santa Cruz airports at the cost of approx USD 52-100 (INR 4,3008,600). The same documents are required, but you pay at the airport and get a visa in several minutes or hours. Check updated fees always.

• Validity - First visa is 30 days, which can be prolonged without charge to 90 days by registering in Bolivian immigration offices.

• Extensions - Use with original passport, current visa, documents in Bolivia before expiry in the immigration office two weeks.

Entry Procedures and Conditions

• Present your visa, passport, accommodation, ticket, evidence of funds and (where necessary) yellow fever certificate in immigration.

• Visa-on-arrival refers to arriving in La Paz or Santa Cruz otherwise obtaining your visa beforehand lest you are refused at the land borders.

• Any kind of over-stay and breaking local immigration regulations may lead to fines and bans; never forget to renew your visa in case you extend your stay.

FAQ for  Indian Travellers to Bolivia

Application & Entry Process (Recommended Steps)

• Review current requirements at the time of Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Bolivian immigration.

• Check the papers - passport, photos, tickets, accommodation, evidence of money and itinerary, and a certificate of yellow fever (in case of necessity).

• Visa application - Select embassy visa (free, takes 3-5 days to Indian citizens), or visa-on-arrival (paid, only at certain airports).

• Carry, with all original and printouts: Carry all, return tickets, vaccination card to the immigration.

• Renew your visa - request extension well in advance at an immigration office in Bolivia.

• Use authorized exit routes and do not overstay.

Summary

Getting a visa is an easy, flexible procedure to the Indian traveler; apply to the embassy in advance, free of charge, prior to travelling; or at the large airports, pay to obtain a visa-on-arrival. The 30 days visa is readily renewable to 90 days of extended journey. To have a pleasant and fruitful time in the Bolivian diversified culture and scenery, always pack the suggested documents, think of the regional health needs, and get the latest update and have a fulfilling trip.