Bolivia

When traveling to Bolivia, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you must obtain work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Bolivia, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Attend seminars and administrative training as a participant or instructor
• » Conduct fact-finding missions
• » Visit a current project site for information purposes

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Bolivia?

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a Specific Purpose Visa to perform business activities in Bolivia. Depending on nationality, the visa may be obtained in country or from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

Certain select nationalities must obtain government authorization and pre-approval before they may apply for a Specific Purpose Visa. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine the visa process and requirements for your nationality.

What types of activities require work authorization?

Foreign nationals are permitted to perform short-term paid activities in Bolivia under a Specific Purpose Visa, which could include the following:

• » Technical training
• » Systems installation
• » Hands-on technical work
• » Consulting
• » Auditing

 
Please consult with your immigration provider for an individual assessment prior to travel to determine whether your activities are permissible under a Specific Purpose Visa.

If I am traveling to Bolivia for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your intended duration of stay and on whether your employer has an entity in Bolivia. The most common type of work authorization for Bolivia is the Temporary Residence Permit. To qualify, employment contracts must be registered with and approved by the Ministry of Labor in Bolivia.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no nationalities that are exempt from work authorization requirements in Bolivia.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.