Altiplano Bolivia

Documentation Required for Interpol Certificate Application

2017-05-21T01:13:00.005-04:00

Unless you have a translated and legalised Police Check report from your country of residence you will need to apply for an Interpol Certificate as part of the process of applying of your Temporary Resident Visa in Bolivia.

Overall the process is straight forward and it generally only takes 1-2 weeks to get your certificate. You will however need to be able to supply the following documents:

Certificates from FELCC and FELCN (local police checks)
Colour photocopies of at least 2 of the accounts for electricity, gas, water, or telephone for the property that you live at
Colour photocopies of your rental contact (or at least a letter from your landlord), along with a photocopy of their Carnet (identity card), and proof that that they are the owners of the property (title deed, notarised sale and purchase agreement, or last payment of taxes)
A colour photocopy of your translated and legalised marriage certificate if you are married

Additionally you will need to make a bank deposit of Bs 50, prepare a simple letter of request, and supply colour copies of your passport, entry stamp and any Visa you have, colour 3x4 photos, and a yellow folder with its fastener.

At times they may also ask for proof of activity in Bolivia, so that would mean providing a copy of a work contract, enrollment in an educational centre or a letter from your volunteer organisation or similiar documentation.

Note that each office of Interpol will have variations of these requirements so it is important to check.

Visa Objeto Determinado or Tourist Visa

2017-03-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

If you are planning to come to Bolivia and live you need to think about which type of Visa you will use to enter the country.

If you are from a Group 1 country and the US you may enter the country and start your application using a Tourist Visa which can be obtained at the border entry point.

Note however that some airlines will not permit you to fly to South America unless you have a return or outward ticket or a valid Visa that permits your entry into the destination country.

In such cases you have the option of either buying a return or outward ticket or applying in advance for a Visa Objeto Determinado (Special Purpose Visa) from a Bolivian Consulate office.

Therefore if you only intend to purchase a one-way ticket to South America it is recommended that you check the airline's policy in advance. If they are potentially not going to permit you to fly without a Visa or a return or outward ticket you may consider:

applying for a Visa Objeto Determinado
purchasing the return ticket
purchasing a fully refundable outward ticket

Group 2 and 3 countries must apply for a Visa Objeto Determinado (Special Purpose Visa) in advance from a Bolivian Consulate office.

Who can obtain a Resident Visa in Bolivia?

2017-02-27T23:39:00.001-04:00

Bolivian immigration law has the following categories for those wanting to obtain a temporary (1, 2 or 3 Year) and permanent (indefinite) Resident Visas:

Work contract for employment here,
Business operating here,
Family reasons for being here,
Student enrolled at a recognized institution (limited to the time the person is actually enrolled to study and a maximum 3 years),
Volunteer with a recognized organisation that can provide supporting paperwork, or
Specialized medical treatment (limited to the period of time treatment is required).

Although there is no special category for a “Retirement” Visa they are willing to accept applications under an “Other” classification.

There is no provision for an “Investor” Visa and applicants actually have to reside in Bolivia (for at least 9 months of every year) to be able to apply and be granted any Temporary or Indefinite Resident Visa.

For more more details about each category or specific advice relating to your situation please contact us at Altiplano Bolivia.

Carnet de Identidad for Extranjeros

2017-02-01T16:09:00.000-04:00

Once you receive your Residency Visa (1 year, 2 or 3 years) you will need to apply for an identity card commonly referred to as a Carnet (Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero) within 25 working days of picking up your passport with the new Visa. You now apply at SEGIP.

To make your application you will need copies of your passport with the new Visa page and two documents provided by the office of immigration when you collect your passport with the new Visa. As at January 2017 the cost was Bs 600.

In most cases you can pre-register online and even upload your own photograph. The you will visit the office of SEGIP and complete your application.

After that it is just a matter of waiting for the Carnet to be issued. In the meantime you will need to carry a copy of your passport that you used to apply for the Carnet as proof that you are in “tramites” (process). Once the Carnet is issued it will be valid for the period of your current Visa.

Once you have indefinite residency your Carnet will be valid for periods of 5 years before it needs to be renewed.

Furnished Apartments for Lease

2017-01-31T18:24:00.000-04:00

Altiplano Property are pleased to let you know that we are the principal contact for some furnished apartments.

The departments are very well maintained, spacious, nicely furnished, very secure, and have great views. They can be leased on a short or long term basis.

There is one 3-bedroom, and two 2 bedroom apartments. All have en-suite bathrooms off the main bedroom and another house bathroom.

They are proving a very popular option for expats when they first arrive in Tarija.

Having somewhere nice to stay helps them adjust to a new country, gives them time to get their bearings, and then if they wish, to look for more permanent accommodation options.

Pricing options vary based on which size apartment you require and the amount of time you need the apartment for. For periods of less than a month the cost will be "one price" including utilities and WIFI.

So if you are planning moving to Tarija, or even just visiting for a short time, check out availability and costs by emailing Altiplano Property.

Please note that these are "furnished apartments" and are very nicely furnished and supplied with the basic utensils and bedding. If you require "serviced apartments" we can arrange that too, but they are considerably more expensive.

Check out why a furnished apartment might be a viable option for you at Experience Bolivia.

Immigration Office in Tarija

2017-01-13T07:35:00.000-04:00

The immigration office in Tarija has moved to Calle Ingavi between Junín and O'Connor.

See Google Maps.

Departamento en Venta - Cochabamba - Solo $67,599

2017-01-10T07:41:00.001-04:00

Departamento de 64.00 m2 inmediaciones de la zona residencial de Sarco, con condiciones ambientales favorables de seguridad y serenidad.

El departamento cuenta con 2 dormitorios, 2 baños privados con box de ducha, armario empotrado tipo vestidor, living, comedor, cocina con cajonería alta y baja, área de lavado y garaje.

El complejo tiene:

Edificio con 1 salón de copropietario, lobby de recepción con jardín interior
Ascensor para 8 personas, escalera amplia.
Parrillero - Cocineta - Baños
Sala de juegos - Sector infantil
Hidromasaje en terraza con vista panorámica
Seguridad y Control automatizado
Medidores Independientes (agua, luz, y gas)
Piscina-jacuzzi
Ambientes muy bien distribuidos
Excelente iluminación natural
Parrillero, jaulas de secado de ropa y lavanderías de un diseño moderno.
Edificio con excelente acabado

Documentos al día y en orden. Precio: $67.599 Dólares.

Por favor pónganse en contacto con Martin a info@altiplanoproperty.com o Martina a martina.arreano@gmail.com si desea más fotos o información.

Steps involved in obtaining a Residency Visa in Bolivia

2017-01-01T19:04:00.000-04:00

If you are coming to Bolivia, for any purpose other than as a tourist, you may need to apply for a Visa de Objeto Determinado (Special Purpose Visa) which is valid for 30-days. (Not required for citizens of Group 1 countries and the US who can enter on a 30-day Tourist Visa).

Then, if you are intending to reside in Bolivia you need to apply for the Visa de Residencia Temporal (Temporary Resident Visa) once you arrive in Bolivia.

Step 1: If you are not from a Group 1 country you will need to apply for a 30-Day Special Purpose Visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado) at a Bolivian Consulate (not the embassy) in your home country. You can apply in person or send your application to the consulate. The Visa is valid for 3 months from issue and then the 30 days is triggered on entry into Bolivia. Processing takes around 7-10 days in most consulates.

This Visa is renewable 2 times if you find it necessary to extend your temporary non-tourist stay in Bolivia or need more time to complete your Resident Visa application.

Don't forget to review what other documents you will need to prepare to bring with you at Documents to Bring When Coming to Bolivia to Live.

Step 2: Once in Bolivia you have 30-Days to complete the application process for the your Temporary Resident Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal). You have the option of applying for a Visa that lasts for 1, 3 or 3 years.

The application process for the Resident Visa will generally take you 2-3 weeks, but much depends on how efficient you can be in obtaining the various certificates and documents that you will require. This is actually a very physical and involved task requiring visits to various offices and agencies all over the city. Our assistance makes the process easier and quicker.

Note that now, if you have not previously resided in Bolivia and have a translated and legalized Police Check certificate from your habitual country of residence, you no longer need to apply for an Interpol Certificate. However this certificate will need to be translated, authenticated and legalised by the Bolivian Consulate in your home country and again at the office of the Cancilleria her in Bolivia so you may choose not to do this.

If you are married and/or bringing children 17-years of age or less you will also need certified, translated and authenticated marriage and birth certificates, which are then legalized here in Bolivia before they can be used to support your application.

Step 3: Once you received your Visa you have 25 working days to apply for a Carnet, which is a Bolivia identity card.

Step 4: Before your 1, 2 or 3 Year Visa expires you start to apply for a the next Visa. Only after 3 years of Temporary Residency you can apply for citizenship.

Altiplano Services for Expats specializes in helping people with these steps and can provide information and clarification on the process and requirements.

Five recommendations for those wishing to move to Bolivia

2016-12-16T09:22:00.000-04:00

(1) If you are planning on living in Bolivia for more than a year visit Bolivia first before your planned move. In this way you will get to see what the country and people are like, know what the housing options are, what you can or cannot buy here, and what your living costs will be.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about the vast differences that exist in each city, region, and with the people of each area.

(2) Be prepared to adapt the culture. While Bolivia is progressing quickly in many ways the people are largely indigenous and still influenced by their cultural background.

Expect that Bolivia, the people, the ways of doing things, and outlook on life will be different, because it is.

(3) Get as much advance information about immigration matters as possible before you arrive. Arriving without the correct documentation that you will need from your home country will prove to be frustrating, costly, difficult and time consuming to rectify after you have arrived in Bolivia.

See the page Frequently Asked Questions page on our website and also Documents to Bring When Coming to Bolivia to Live

(4) If you are coming long term, ship as much of your personal and household items as you can. If you are coming to live you can ship up to US$35K worth of personal household effects without incurring import duties.

Again it is important to make sure that your shipper from your country of origin confirms what documentation will be required by the Bolivian authorities before you leave.

(5) If you are not fluent in Spanish, budget to take Spanish language lessons as soon as you arrive. Bolivia is a Spanish speaking country and, a part from in the tourist areas, very few people speak English.

Being reasonably proficient with Spanish will help you adapt, get to make new friends, and accomplish things more quickly.

In Tarija we recommend the Altiplano Spanish Language School for spanish lessons.

Note that Altiplano Bolivia are professional destination services providers and can help you with all of the above.

See also a related post "6 Common Mistakes made By People Moving to Bolivia"

Finca en Venta - Entre Rios, Tarija

2016-12-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Esta hermoso terreno de 6 hectáreas esta solo 5 minutos del pueblo de Entre Ríos, Tarija, Bolivia.

Ubicado en la carretera principal cuenta con 4 hectáreas plano y luego las 2 hectáreas pendiente hasta un pequeño arroyo que forma el límite norte de la propiedad.

Edificios constan de una casa sencilla de dos habitaciones con baño y terraza y una casa más grande en obra gruso. La propiedad tiene agua, séptica, y electricidad.

Los propietarios tienen buenas ganas para venderlo por lo que han enumerado la propiedad por sólo de US$ 80,000 el (reducida por 10k), que es un muy buen precio para este tamaño y la ubicación.

Por favor ponerse en contacto conmigo a info@altiplanoproperty.com para obtener mas informacion o fotos.

Registration for Foreign Residents Living in Bolivia

2016-12-03T15:43:00.001-04:00

From the 24th of November the Bolivian immigration department are asking all foreign residents (temporary and permanent) to register either in person or via their website.

At this stage it appears that the registration be done completely online if they already have your finger prints and a digital photograph. If not you can pre-register online and then present yourself at the nearest immigration office to complete the registration.

To register online go to the immigration website.

Note that you have until the 31 of October 2017 to complete this registration so there is no need to be anxious about it.

If you feel that you need further help with this please contact us at Altiplano Bolivia for assistance.

Updates to recent changes for Resident Visa applications in Bolivia

2016-12-01T09:14:00.000-04:00

Here a couple of updates relating to Temporary Resident Visa applications in Bolivia:

If you are from a Group 1 country you do not need to enter on Visa Objeto Determinado (Special Purpose Visa) You can simply arrive and obtain a 30-Day Tourist Visa, and start the application process for your Resident Visa.
In Tarija at least, Jehovah's Witnesses can apply as volunteers without having supporting documentation from their organisation.
If you have already arrived in Bolivia and don't have a police check record from you country of habitual residence you can substitute this by applying for an Interpol Certificate.

Note that there are also changes to the way that Tourist Visas are issued for US Citizens. Now, although you are still permitted to be in Bolivia for up to 90 days in any one calendar year, your Tourist Visa is initially only issued for 30 days. To extend it you need to visit an immigration office and request another 30 days.

Amnesty and Biometric Registration of Foreigners Living in Bolivia

2016-11-25T16:30:00.001-04:00

Currently there are two things happening here in Bolivia that will effect foreigners living in Bolivia.

First the government has allowed by means of a special decree (Decreto Supremo No. 2965) that foreigners residing here for less than 1 year before 1 November 2016 without full legal residency or a Carnet (Cedula de Identidad Extranjero) may within the next 12 months correct this situation by applying for a 2-Year Temporary Resident Visa and a Carnet without any penalties or sanctions. The requirements, in Spanish are contained in the special decree (DS 2965) or can be obtained by visiting your local immigration office.

Second they have started a process of registering foreign residents (Extranjeros) that are currently living here in Bolivia. It appears that they initiated the process in La Paz on the 24th of November 2016 however details on the law and the procedure haven’t yet been made clear on official websites. Therefore we recommend that, if you are concerned, you approach the immigration office in your city or the office of Interpol for further information.

Should you require further assistance with either of the above matters you may contact our office by email.

The Day of the Pedestrian and Cyclist

2016-09-05T08:29:00.001-04:00

Each year Bolivia sets aside a day in which pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the streets without automobiles. Traditionally, for all other cities in Bolivia, this is the first Sunday of September.

However in Tarija, due to other cultural celebrations being held on this day, The Day of the Pedestrian and Cyclist (el Día del Peatón y del Ciclista) is schedule for the last Sunday of September (in 2016 this will be the 25th of September).

It is a very relaxed day with motorized transport being restricted between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm allowing cyclists and pedestrians to get out as families and enjoy the city.

Note that this will also affect the departure and arrival of public bus transport that is normally scheduled to arrive during the day.

Argentina Suspends $160 Reciprocity Fee For US Citizens

2016-06-20T15:59:00.004-04:00

As of 25 March 2016, in order to strengthen the relationship between Argentina and the United States of America, the Argentine Government suspended the collection of the US$160 reciprocity fee from US passport holders who visit our country for less than 90 days, for tourist or business purposes.

For more information go to the website of the Embassy of Argentina in the US

Rural Property for Sale – Entre Rios, Tarija

2016-05-15T14:30:00.000-04:00

This property is 6 hectares of beautiful land just 5 minutes from the small town of Entre Rios, Tarija, Bolivia.

Situated on the main road it has 4 hectares of flat cultivated land and then the remaining 2 hectares sloping down to a small stream that forms the northern boundary of the property.

Buildings consist of a simple two room house with bathroom and veranda and a partly completed larger house.

The property has water, septic tank, electricity and is fenced.

This property would make an ideal country retreat and could be used to provide income to cover your costs.

The owners are keen to sell so have listed the property for just US$80,000 (reduced by 10k), which is a very good price for this size and location.

Click here for the location on Google Maps.

Please contact me for more information and pictures.

Australian and Canadian Citizens Visiting our Neighbor - Argentina

2016-02-02T14:37:00.000-04:00

Australian and Canadian citizen tourist and business travelers must pay a reciprocity fee by credit card online through the Provincia Pagos website prior to arrival in Argentina via all entry points or border crossings.

Once paid, you must print out the receipt and present it to the Argentine immigration officer at the time of entry.

The fees vary for each country.

Australians pay US$100 for unlimited visits for one year, and
Canadians pay US$75 per visit (unless they’re coming and going from bordering countries, in which case it covers multiple entries),

The reciprocity fee applies only to bearers of tourist passports. Travelers bearing diplomatic or official passports are not charged, nor are travelers transiting and not entering Argentina.

Note also that foreign citizens who arrive in Argentina with expired or damaged passports may be refused entry and returned to their home country at their own expense. So we encourage you to ensure that your travel documents are valid and in good condition before you leave home.

US citizens are no longer required to pay this fee. For more information check the Argentine Ministry of the Interior website.

Religious Volunteers - Certification from Organisation

2015-12-11T08:22:00.002-04:00

If you are planning to come to Bolivia as religious volunteer you will need to have documentation that confirms your volunteer status from the organisation you work with.

If you are an unpaid or unsponsored volunteer this documentation will also need to state that you a solvent for your living expenses from your own financial resources and do not receive financial support from the organisation your are associated with.

Shipping Household Items to Bolivia

2015-09-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

If you are a Bolivian citizen returning to Bolivia after being away for more than 2 years or a foreigner planning on taking up residence in Bolivia you can qualify to bring your household goods and personal effects without incurring import duty.

The limits are:

Returning nationals that have lived outside of Bolivia for more than 2 years – Up to US$50,000
Foreigners planning on taking up residence in Bolivia – Up to US$35,000

This provision does not include motor vehicles or commercial equipment, but does allow you to bring personal tools related to your trade or employment.

What will you need to be able to successfully ship your household items to Bolivia?

First of all you will need a shipping agent that is knowledgeable about Bolivian customs procedures. For this reason it may be better to contract a shipping agent from within Bolivia than one from your home country.

Second, you will need to make sure that you have a very detailed list which includes the description, brand, number of items, value, and weight of each item you are sending. We recommend that you prepare this list in Spanish and itemising for each individual carton or crate. Note that this list has to be signed before the Bolivian Consulate in your country of origin (Copia de lista de empaque firmado por el consulado).

Note that not having the correct information, and especially the shipping list signed by the Bolivian Consulate, will cause delays in the processing of your shipment and may even result in having it forfeited*.

Third, once you arrive in Bolivia you will also need to also register with the Customs Department (Aduana Nacional de Bolivia) as a non-habitual importer.

Your shipping agent will request you complete a number of forms, provide a copy of your passport or Carnet, and of course pay various fees.

*Important Note: Bolivian law only allows you to have your shipment in the temporary customs warehouse for 60 days. If you are not able to completed the processing within this time frame your shipment becomes the property of the Bolivian Government and will be sold or donated governmental programs. In view of this we recommend getting professional advice before shipping your personal effects.

US Citizens - Renouncing Your Tourist Visa

2015-08-07T17:34:00.002-04:00

If you are an US citizen planning on moving to Bolivia, and have visited beforehand using a Tourist Visa or enter on a Tourist Visa*, you will need to renounce that Visa before starting the application for your 1-Year Residents Visa (Visa 1-Ano Temporal).

Tourist Visas for US citizens are valid for 5 years, and in many cases are obtained from a Bolivian consulate before travelling to Bolivia. If this is the case, and you are now planning on returning to Bolivia to live you will need to renounce the Tourist Visa (have it stamped out) before you can complete your application for the 1 or 2 Year Temporary Resident Visa. To do this you will need to visit the office of the Cancilleria Boliviana in Santa Cruz, La Paz, or Cochabamba to have the Visa renounced.

If your Tourist Visa was issued by the Bolivian immigration authorities at your point of entry into Bolivia this “renouncing” can be done at any immigration office in Bolivia.

If you have any questions about this please email us at Altiplano Bolivia for assistance.

*See Visa Objeto Determinado or Tourist Visa

The Wines of Tarija: Wines of Bolivia

2015-07-31T09:23:00.001-04:00

The Wines of Tarija: Wines of Bolivia: There is a new website that has a very good overview of the various wine regions of Bolivia and the different wines that are produced.

Investors Required - Returns of 10-12% Per Year

2015-05-17T08:31:00.003-04:00

We are looking for investors who want to make loans that would be secured over property for businesses operating here in Tarija, Bolivia.

Businesses here often have liquidity problems when undertaking bigger projects or wanting to expand and, although financially viable, can't wait for 3-4 months for banks to approve their loans. Therefore they are looking for short term financing and are willing to offer property as security.

Amounts of between US$30-500,000 are required. Interest rates of 10-12% p.a. net are payable for investment periods that range from 3 months to 2 years.

Contact us if your would like more information on the types of businesses requiring loans and security offered.

Bolivia - Group 1 Countries

2015-03-01T09:18:00.000-04:00

The following are Group 1 Countries for Bolivian immigration purposes.
As such they do not require prior approval for a Tourist Visa. Additionally
citizens from these countries are no longer required to apply for a Visa
Objeto Determinado (Special Purpose Visa) before they initiate their
application for a Temporary Resident Visa.

ALEMANIA, REP. FED. DE
ANDORRA, PRINCIPADO DE
ANTILLA NEERLANDESA
ARGENTINA, REP.
AUSTRALIA, COMMONWELTH
AUSTRIA, REP.
BELGICA, REINO DE
BRASIL, REPUBLICA FEDERATIVA DE
CANADA
COLOMBIA, REPUBLICA DE
COSTA RICA, REPUBLICA DE
CROACIA, REPUBLICA DE
CHECA
CHILE, REPUBLICA DE
DINAMARCA, REINO DE
ECUADOR, REPUBLICA DEL
ESPAÑA, REINO DE
ESLOVENIA, REPUBLICA DE
ESLOVAQUIA, REPUBLICA DE
ESTONIA
FILIPINAS, REPUBLICA DE
FINLANDIA, REPUBLICA DE
FRANCIA, REPUBLICA
HUNGRIA, REPUBLICA DE
GRECIA, REPUBLICA HELENICA
ISLANDIA, REPUBLICA DE
IRLANDA, REPUBLICA DE
ISRAEL ESTADO DE
ITALIA, REPUBLICA DE
JAPON
LIEHTENSTEIN, PRINC. DE
LITUANIA, REPUBLICA DE
LETONIA
LUXEMBURGO, GRAN DUCADO
MEXICO, ESTADOS UNIDOS
MONACO, PRINCIPADO DE
NORUEGA, REINO DE
NUEVA ZELANDA
PAISES BAJOS, REINO DE LOS
PANAMA, REPUBLICA DE
PARAGUAY, REPUBLICA DE
PERU, REPUBLICA DEL
POLONIA, REPUBLICA DE
PORTUGAL, REPUBLICA DE
REINO UNIDO DE GRAN BRETAÑA E IRLANDA DEL NORTE
SUECIA, REINO DE
SUIZA, CONFED.
TURQUIA, REPUBLICA DE
URUGUAY, REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL
VATICANO, EST. CIUDAD DEL
VENEZUELA, REPUBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE

Departamento en Alquiler: Central Tarija

2015-01-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

Centrico Departamento con 3 habitaciones, una con en-suite baño, roperos emportrados, cocina con muebles, baño de casa y baño de visitas, grande salar, lavanderia. Solo 3 cuadras de plaza principal.

Alquiler Bs 2500 por mes.

Pongase en contacto con Martin 7452 6395 o email Altiplano Property

Bolivian Visa Requirements for Students

2014-12-14T15:37:00.002-04:00

If you intend to come to Bolivia to study at an educational institution you will need to bring your documents and certificates that accredit your level of education in your country of origin, proof of solvency and a police clearance certificate. These need to be legalized and, if not already in Spanish, translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.

You will also need to have certification confirming your enrollment in a recognized educational organisation here in Bolivia.

Note that time spent in Bolivia as a resident as a student does not qualify to apply for permanent residency after 3 years.