Planning for a trip to a far-away country in Latin America? Looking for an easy visa policy? If yes, then Bolivia should be your chosen destination. There exists a simple, flexible, easy but rich life style. But how to get into Bolivian territory?
Recently there are various scams regarding Bolivian visas that Bolivia offers electronic visas and visas are obtainable on arrival for Bangladeshi and Indians. Practically, Bolivian immigration are reluctant to issue visas on arrival at airports. And the wiser policy is to get a consular visa from Bolivia embassy. There are Bolivia embassies and consulates around the world.
Let me focus on the procedure of getting tourist visa for Indians and Bangladeshis. For both nationals, visa applications have to be made at Bolivia Embassy in New Delhi. There is no exception.
Step 1: Every Visa applicant requires to collect the following documents:
1. Passport (valid for at least six months)
2. Photo (high quality recent photo showing 80% of face with white background)
3. Yellow fever vaccine certificate
4. Notarized, legalized (from Bolivian Foreign Ministry) invitation letter from Bolivia OR, Confirmed hotel reservation (for entire duration of trip) from Bolivia
5. Tour plan from a registered tour operator (day to day)
6. Bank statements, sealed and stamped from bank (at least three months)
7. Income Tax return ITR , at least one year (if any)
8. Air ticket reservation (to and fro)
9. Cover letter (to be addressed to Consular officer) detailing your motive to travel Bolivia
10. Professional documents
11. Police certificate (recent) for Bangladeshi citizens
Step 2: When all documents are collected, applicant has to scan them and save in PDF file separately. Never take photos of documents by mobile phones for visa purpose.
Step 3: Sign up for an e-mail account. Now, open the Bolivia visa application online with the following link:
There is language option for English and Spanish version. Choose the English version and follow up. Insert all asked data in the application system. Never and never enter any false information because if you are found with any fake information or document, you may be blocked for several months, even for many years. When all pages are done, you may see the preview of the application form.
If you are sure that your application is authentically filled-in, click the 'Finish' button.
Instantly, your computer will display a color visa form (Sworn declaration form) having 2 pages. Make sure that there is your photograph and a number. The form without the number is invalid.
Now, you have applied for a tourist visa. Print the form in color, sign below at the designated place.
Carefully read the printed form and below you will find that this form is valid for 15 days only from the date of application. That means, you must go to the embassy with the form along with all original documents that you have uploaded within 15 days.
Step 4: Get prepared for the interview. Be very simple and authentic and sincere during your interview with the consular. Be 100% honest with every question. If you are in doubt, simply request a repeat. Never make argument with the officer. Never try to influence or threaten the visa officer in any way. Respect the official decorum. Remember, Bolivian officers always carry smile while talking with others.
Normally, visas are approved within two working days. Bolivia tourist visas are free of cost for Bangladeshi and Indian citizens.
While receiving your passport with visa, don't forget to say 'Thank you Sir / Madam'.
Amar Chand Nath
Iquique, Chile.
