Visiting Bolivia

Tiahuanacu

General Tips:
While Bolivia is quite safe as compared to other Latin American countries, street crime is common in the major Bolivian cities. There is also the risk of robbery by unlicensed taxi drivers while leaving the airport in cities like La Paz. In addition, all Indians are requested to exercise extreme caution regarding their baggage to avoid anybody trying to plant drugs - there have been instances were criminals have tried to smuggle drugs in the baggage of unsuspecting tourists. Indians should also refuse to entertain non-uniformed policemen or enter into unmarked vehicles - there have been cases of persons trying to impersonate as police officers, etc.

Commerce with Bolivia:
Regarding exports to Bolivia, given the deteriorated economic situation in Bolivia, and reports that some importers are either defaulting on their payment or even employing fraudulent means (including fictitious companies / banks) to avoid paying for the imports, it is important for Indian exporters to exercise due caution while exporting to Bolivia. Exports to Bolivia should only be down with a confirmed L/C from a reputed bank. There are no exchange control regulations in Bolivia, nor is there any restriction on opening an L/C. Therefore, such arguments should not be accepted by any Indian exporter. Of course, given the economic slowdown in the country, credit default is rampant and the cost of opening a L/C has, thus, become expensive.

In view of above, if the importer is unable or unwilling to open a L/C, and the exporter still wishes to carry on with the deal, the documents could be shipped on D/P basis. However, in all such cases, the bank used should be among the more stable and larger banks in Bolivia like Banco Santa Cruz, Banco de Credito, Banco Mercantil, Banco Nacional de Bolivia, Banco BISA, Banco Union, Banco Economico, Citibank, etc. The exporter can also contact the Embassy or the Honorary Consulate General in La Paz for verifying the creditworthiness of a bank.
Note:
There is no bilateral investment Protection & Promotion Agreements nor Double Taxation Agreement between India and Bolivia.

Visas
Bolivia has recently liberalised its visa regimen for Indian nationals. Thus, it is now possible to obtain a Bolivian visa from any Bolivian consulate around the world. However, since Bolivia does not have any Embassy in India, the visa application has to be made to any Bolivian consulate en-route to Bolivia. The Bolivian Consulate in Lima is a good place to apply as they are aware of the new visa regime.

Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens:
As per Bolivian Visa and Inmigration Laws, all Indian citizens (Including Diplomatic & Official Passport holders) need a visa to visit Bolivia. Bolivia does not have a facility of issuing visas on arribal. Since Bolivia does not have Embassy in New Delhi, it becomes imperative on the part of any Indian traveler to acquire a Bolivian visa at any Bolivian Consulate (preferably at a place where the applicant stays or is in transit for at least two days since the normal duration for visa issual is 2 working days). All travelers passing visa via Lima have to present the following documents for issual of visa at the Bolivian Consulate located at:

CONSUL GENERAL OF BOLIVIA IN LIMA – PERU
Calle Los Castaños 235, San Isidro, Lima
Phone: 51 1 422-8231
Timings: Monday to Friday From 08:45 to 13:00 hrs. and 13:30 to 17:15 hrs.

TOURISM VISA:

1. Valid Passport
2. Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever
3. 01 photograph (colour, carnet size)
4. Fee: free of charge (gratis)
5. Validity: up to 30 days, starting on date of arrival in Boliva

BUSINESS VISA

1. Valid Passport
2. Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever
3. 01 photograph (colour, carnet size)
4. Formal Invitation Letter from any Bolivian company
5. Letter from the parent Indian company confirming that the visa applicant is
   employed in the company and is authorized for the visit to Bolivia.
6. Police Clearance certificate.
7. Bank statement for 3 months.
8. Air tickets - to and fro
9. Hotel reservation confirmation
10. Fee: U$ 85.00 to be deposited in Consulado General de Bolivia account (Banco Continental; Acc. No. 011 0189 0100006269) ONLY AFTER VISA APPROVAL