Visa Services
How to Apply for a Visa
Schedule your Appointment
Information and interview scheduling for the above visas are available by telephone only. There is a charge of Bs.110.00 for this service, payable at any participating branch of DHL in Bolivia. We recommend that you schedule your appointment several weeks in advance of any planned travel.
You will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which will allow you to schedule up to 5 immediate family members living at the same address. The PIN will allow 8 minutes of access to the service. You will be able to access the service immediately after obtaining the PIN to call the service at 800-100-449 from anywhere in Bolivia, using a touch-tone telephone. The visa information and appointment service is available Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Bolivian local time, excluding Bolivian holidays.
Applicants Who Are Not Required to Make Interview Appointments
Applicants for the following types of visas are not required to make appointments for their visa interviews through the call center:
A, C-3, G – official/diplomatic visas: see
Non-Immigrant Visas for information on how to apply for these visas.
Applicants for official or diplomatic visas, specifically A, C-3, and G visas, must obtain and submit with their applications a diplomatic note from their employing/sponsoring Foreign Ministry, Embassy or International Organization.
E1/E2 – treaty trader/treaty investor: Please send an e-mail to
consularlapaz@state.gov to request an interview appointment. E1 and E2 visas are not required to schedule a visa appointment through the Call Center.
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ALL applicants, unless specifically noted below, must appear in person for a visa interview. All visa interviews take place at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. Due to federally mandated fingerprinting and personal interview requirements, we are no longer able to offer visa interviews at our Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz or Cochabamba.
Applicants over 80 years of age who wish to renew a valid or recently expired b1/b2 visa may be represented by a family member or friend at the visa interview. The applicant must be at least 80 (eighty) years old and present the passport containing the valid or recently expired visa that the applicant wishes to have re-issued (photocopies of the prior passport/visa are not acceptable). The previous visa must have expired less than twelve months ago, and the applicant have no record of prior visa refusals. Fingerprinting is not required of applicants over 80 years old. Bolivian applicants (or legal residents of Bolivia) over 80 years of age who meet the above criteria must still make an appointment for a visa interview by following the standard procedures; however, they may be represented at the visa interview by a family member or friend. Applicants who are over 80 years of age who do not meet all of the above criteria must appear in person for their visa interviews.
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 applying for a non-immigrant visa may be represented at the visa interview by one or both parents or a duly appointed legal guardian. Any applicant whose 14th birthday has occurred on or prior to the date of his/her visa interview must attend the visa interview.
Certain applicants applying for visas relating to official and/or diplomatic travel. Such applicants should consult with the administrator responsible for visa issues at their respective embassy, government ministry or international organization, and may direct specific inquiries to the Consular Section at consularlapaz@state.gov.
Certain applicants traveling to the u.s. for emergency medical treatment, where travel to la paz for the visa interview would pose a serious health hazard to the applicant. Decisions regarding waivers of the personal appearance requirement in such cases are made on a case by case basis, and are rarely granted. Any applicant who wishes to apply for a waiver of personal appearance and fingerprinting should contact the Consular Section at consularlapaz@state.gov. Such applicants must still make an appointment for a visa interview by following the standard procedures. If a waiver is granted, they may be represented at the visa interview by a family member or friend.
Notwithstanding the above, the consular section reserves the right to require any applicant to personally appear for his/her visa interview and/or to re-appear for follow-up interviews as necessary
Applicants who do not fall into any of the above categories, but who are unable to travel to la paz for their visa interviews due to health or other concerns may apply for non-immigrant visas through the Consular Section of a U.S. Embassy located in one of Bolivia’s neighboring countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru or Uruguay. Please note, however, that it is often difficult for applicants who are applying for visas outside of their country of residence to demonstrate that they maintain strong ties to their home countries.
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The applicant should arrive at the Embassy's Consular Section one-half hour in advance of the scheduled time. Applicants arriving late are not admitted and must reschedule their appointments. Only the applicant is admitted at the interview, unless he or she needs to be accompanied due to advanced age, inability to speak English or Spanish, or ill health. Please note that there is no waiting area in front of the Embassy for friends or relatives who are not admitted to the interview.
One or both parents or the duly appointed legal guardian must apply on behalf of children under age 14. Children under age 14 are not required to attend the visa interview. All applicants 14 and above must appear in person at the visa interview, and applicants up to the age of 18 may be accompanied by their mother, father, or legal guardian. We encourage both parents of applicants who are minor children to accompany such applicants to the visa interview. A legal guardian must present court documents demonstrating his or her legal status as the guardian of the child.
Each applicant, even minor children, must have his or her own passport to apply for a visa. However, minor children who possess valid visas that are included in a parent’s passport may still use such visas if they are traveling with the passport holder. Minor children whose visas are included in a parent’s passport may not travel without the passport holder. If they need to travel alone or with other family members, they need to apply for a new visa.
Since early March 2004, applicants' fingerprints are taken as part of the interview process. Prints of both index fingers are taken with an electronic device that does not use ink. This requirement does not add significantly to the time necessary for the interview.
Please note that you may have to wait several hours for your visa interview. Cell phones are not permitted in the waiting area. Do not bring any electronic devices or metallic items to your interview. Possession of these items will delay your appointment.
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What to Bring
- The appointment confirmation number.
- The applicant's passport, in good condition and with a minimum validity of six months (note: the passport validity period may be less than six months, provided that the passport will be valid for the period of the anticipated trip to the United States).
- The EVAF form completed, signed, and dated. Please remember to print all 3 pages of the EVAF to bring to the appointment. For more information regarding the EVAF, or if you cannot access the EVAF, please see our Forms page.
- One 5x5 cm (2x2 inch) photograph, glued or stapled to the application form. The photograph must have been taken within the last six months; the face must occupy half of the photograph; the subject must be facing the camera directly; the photo must be in color and the background must be white. Further information regarding photograph requirements may be found here.
- Supplemental Nonimmigrant visa application (DS-157) to be completed by all male applicants who are between 16 and 45 years old.
- Supplemental Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) to be completed by all applicants seeking an F, J, or M visa.
- Proof that you have paid your nonrefundable SEVIS fee for applicants seeking F, M, and certain J-1 visas. More information on the SEVIS fee is available at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml. Payment may be made at any DHL office in Bolivia offering Western Union services or by credit card at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml.
- Banco Bisa receipt for the payment of the $131.00 MRV fee.
- All previous passports containing a previous U.S. visa or showing international travel.
For information regarding what types of supporting documentation to bring to your visa interview, see Supporting Documents. Please also consult Visa Types & Requirements for specific requirements that might apply to the visa that you are applying for.
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Supporting Documents
U.S. immigration law presumes that applicants for nonimmigrant visas are intending immigrants, unless they prove otherwise by demonstrating to the consular officer that they have a residence abroad which they have no intention of abandoning. The Consular Officer will make this determination at the time of the interview. Applicants generally demonstrate their intention to return home after a visit to the U.S. by showing convincing evidence of economic and other ties to their home country.
Applicants may present any documents they choose at their interview, and while documents can help demonstrate ties, they are not in and of themselves sufficient reason to either issue or deny a nonimmigrant visa. No specific documents are required, except with respect to certain types of visas as described in Visa Types. However, the following documents may help to support an applicant’s claim to have strong ties to Bolivia:
- Job letter stating position, tenure with the company, salary, etc.
- Pay stubs or paychecks for the last six months.
- If you work independently, your NIT and tax payments for the last six months.
- If you are studying, a letter or certificate from the school stating that you are currently enrolled and the length of time you have been enrolled.
- Most recent tax payments on any land or property owned or, if renting or leasing property, the rental agreement.
- Bank documents from the last six months. This can include bank statements from checking or savings accounts, investments, certificates of deposit, etc.
- Previous passports and visas. Current and previous passports and visas of your spouse and family members.
- Certificates of birth, marriage, divorce and death, if relevant.
- Correspondence regarding the purpose of your travel.
- Proof of legal recidency of your relatives in the U.S.
Please note that the Consular Officer may not view any supporting documentation during the interview.
The Consular Section no longer accepts letters of invitation by regular/electronic mail or fax sent to the Embassy or the Consular Section in order to support a non-immigrant visa application. These letters should be presented in person by the applicant at the time of the interview. It should be noted that a letter of invitation (even one which offers to cover all costs of an applicant’s trip) does not qualify an applicant for a visa. In order to qualify for the visa, the applicant must demonstrate his or her own financial and family ties to Bolivia to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer who conducts the interview.
If an applicant presents false documentation or makes false statements in order to support his or her visa application (or the application of a third party), they may be found permanently ineligible for a visa, and if they already have a visa, this visa may be cancelled.
DHL will generally return the passport with visa to a DHL office in the Bolivian city closest to the residence of an approved applicant within 48 to 72 hours AFTER DHL HAS RECEIVED these passports from the Embassy. Applicants should allow at least 3 business days after the interview for any travel.
The DHL delivery fee is Bs.55.00 per passport, payable at the time the applicant picks up his/her passport at the DHL office (This fee may be changed by DHL without prior notice). Information regarding the procedures for claiming your passport from DHL will be provided to successful applicants at the time of their visa interviews.
The Embassy chose DHL based on their reputation, experience and cost-effectiveness, after soliciting proposals from several other delivery companies.
Emergencies / Urgent Travel
In the case of a death in the family or a medical or business emergency, please inform the interviewing Consular Officer during your interview, as it may be possible to receive your visa the same day.
Visa Annotations
In some cases, the Consular Officer will annotate your visa. The most common visa annotation is “SUBJECT NOT THE SAME AS CLASS ENTRY” – this annotation is included on your visa when your name, date of birth or other identifying feature is similar to that of another person, and it is designed to facilitate your admission into the United States at your point of entry. If you have questions regarding other annotations on your visa, please e-mail us at consularlapaz@state.gov.
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Visa Denials
Most visa denials are made under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) because the applicant has not convinced the interviewing officer that he or she has sufficiently strong ties to Bolivia to compel his or her return after a limited visit. Click here for more information.
Refusals under Section 214(b) of the INA are not permanent. Applicants may reapply whenever they believe their circumstances have changed sufficiently, or if they have new evidence to present. People refused under Section 214(b) of the INA who wish to reapply must pay the nonrefundable visa application fee.
Some cases are refused under Section 221(g) of the INA and requested to return with additional information to assist in the adjudication. Persons refused under Section 221(g) of the INA will be given a form letter explaining what additional information is needed and when to reappear before the consular officer. These applicants do not have to pay another application fee and may return with the requested information as specified on the form letter.
Applicants who are refused under other Sections of the INA will be told at the time of their visa refusal and will receive a written document explaining the reason the applicant is ineligible for a visa. In some cases, waivers of ineligibilities are available; if a waiver is available for your type of ineligibility, you will be advised at the time of your refusal.
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 applying for a non-immigrant visa may be represented at the visa interview by one or both parents or a duly appointed legal guardian. Children who intend to travel without their parents, must qualify for the visa based on their parents’ documents of support. Documents of relatives or friends inviting the children will not be accepted.
ANY APPLICANT WHOSE 14TH BIRTHDAY HAS OCCURRED ON OR PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIS/HER VISA INTERVIEW MUST ATTEND THE VISA INTERVIEW.
APPLICANTS 80 YEARS OLD AND OVER WHO WISH TO RENEW A VALID OR RECENTLY EXPIRED B1/B2 VISA MAY BE REPRESENTED BY A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND AT THE VISA INTERVIEW. The applicant must be at least 80 (eighty) years old and present the passport containing the valid or recently expired visa that the applicant wishes to have re-issued (photocopies of the prior passport/visa are not acceptable). The previous visa must have expired less than twelve months ago, and the applicant have no record of prior visa refusals. Fingerprinting is not required of applicants over 80 years old. Bolivian applicants (or legal residents of Bolivia) over 80 years of age who meet the above criteria must still make an appointment for a visa interview by following the standard procedures; however, they may be represented at the visa interview by a family member or friend.
APPLICANTS WHO ARE 80 YEARS OLD AND OVER WHO DO NOT MEET ALL OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA MUST APPEAR IN PERSON FOR THEIR VISA INTERVIEWS.
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Altitude Health Problems
If the applicant cannot come up to La Paz due to altitude health problems, it is possible to apply for a visa in Asuncion, Paraguay. The personal interview and collection of fingerprints is a requirement. In order to do so, the applicant needs to send an email to consularlapaz@state.gov explaining his/her case. His/her request should be supported by a medical certificate issued by a doctor accredited by the U.S. Embassy.
Currently, only one medical doctor in Santa Cruz is accredited by the U.S. Embassy:
Dr. Jorge Esteban Foianini
Centro Medico Foianini
Calle Chuquisaca #737
Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Phone: 591-3-336-2211 (office) 591-3-337-0650(fax)
In addition, the applicant must send to La Paz all of the supporting documentation that he/she intends to present for the interview in Asuncion, Paraguay including the passport and visa application form. The documentation should be sent to the following address:
Ave. Arce 2780
Consular Section
Non-Immigrant Visa Unit
La Paz
A list of the suggested required documents is detailed in Supporting Documents. It is important to note that the processing fee of US$131.00 should not be paid in Bolivia. If your interview in Asuncion is approved, the fee should be paid in Asuncion.
The applicant will be notified by the Consular Section of the date of his/her interview in Asuncion once his/her documents are reviewed and approved.
The fact that a visa interview has been scheduled in Asuncion does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Every applicant must qualify for the visa in accordance with the immigration laws of the United States. Please take this into account before you decide to start the process.
One photo 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) photograph, glued or stapled to the application form. The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
The applicant in the photo should not be wearing head covers, hats or dark glasses and should be facing directly to the camera. The face, measured from the chin to the top of the head, including the hair, should not be smaller than 1'10'' (2.5 cms) and no larger than 1' 38'' (3.4 cms). The photo must be in color with a white background.
Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 – to be completed by all non-immigrant visa applicants.
To provide better customer service and speed-up visa processing, the Consular Section now requires all non-immigrant visa applicants to complete the online DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). Detailed instructions regarding how to fill out and print the EVAF are provided on the EVAF webpage. You must print and bring ALL 3 pages of the completed EVAF including the barcode with you to your visa interview. A Spanish version of the EVAF form and instructions on how to fill it out and print it may be found here.
The EVAF program will not allow applicants to save their data; therefore, when you exit the EVAF website, all applicant data will be lost. Consequently, it is important that all pages are reviewed, printed and checked for clarity at the time of form completion. You must print all three pages of the EVAF on a laser or ink-jet printer. Each page must be printed in its entirety, and the bar codes must be printed in a clear and legible format so that they can be read by our scanners. If you present an EVAF form on your appointment date that is incomplete, printed on a non-laser or ink-jet printer, or which has an unreadable bar code, you may be required to leave the Consular Section and fill out a new EVAF that conforms to our requirements.
The DS-156 is a sworn statement and all questions should be answered. A separate form must be filled out for every person traveling, including children.
Additional forms:
- Supplemental Nonimmigrant visa application (DS-157) to be completed by all male applicants who are between 16 and 45 years old.
- Supplemental Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) to be completed by all applicants seeking a F, J, or M visa.
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Fees
For visa information, and/or to schedule an appointment, you must obtain a PIN from any participating branch of DHL in Bolivia for the equivalent of US $14.00. The PIN will allow you to schedule up to five immediate family members living at the same address.
Immediately after obtaining the PIN, you will be able to access the service during business hours by calling from a touch-tone telephone from anywhere in Bolivia: Tel: 800-100-449.
Processing Fee
$131.00 MRV processing fee: Each applicant for a nonimmigrant visa, except those qualifying for A, G, or C-3 visas, must pay a non-refundable processing fee of $131.00, payable in bolivianos or dollars. The fee may be paid at any branch of Banco Bisa. The receipt must be in the applicant's name and printed on the standard Banco Bisa receipt paper. No application is accepted without this fee being paid first. If an applicant is denied a visa and wishes to reapply, or if an applicant loses the receipt, the $131.00 MRV processing fee must be paid again. A new receipt is required for each application; copies are not accepted.
Other fees: Fees associated with blanket petition H1B and L1 visas, waiver processing or reciprocity fees for applicants from applicable countries, may be paid at the Embassy in cash.
DHL Fees
If your visa is approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you through DHL courier to the nearest city to your residence. This service costs Bs.55.00 per passport. This fee may be changed by DHL without prior notice. For security reasons DHL does not perform home delivery of passports.
For a list of participating DHL locations, please click here.
Visa Services
Visa Waiver Program
How to Apply for a Visa
Lost/Stolen Passports
How Do I Turn in My I-94
Expedited/Postponed Appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Immigrant Visas
