Comments for What happens if I exceed the 90 day per year limit on a Bolivia tourist visa?

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Mar 01, 2021
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A comment from a Londoner in Bolivia in 2021
by: Kelvin Benjamin (London, UK)

Thought I would quickly share our story and an update shortly when we leave Bolivia.

My wife (Bolivian national), my son (British national) and myself (British national) arrived early December 2020. I have a visa-free period of 90 days here as a Brit. We attended an immigration office on 4th Jan to extend our stay before the end of the first 30 days ended—a requirement by immigration here.

An officer advised us that we did not need to return to the immigration office before 28th Feb (which would have taken us up to about 83 days in Bolivia). We listened and turned up at the offices at that point only to be told by staff that we were supposed to extend our stay at the beginning of Feb (every 30 days) and were sequestered to pay a fine (in Bolivianos). The first officer wanted to charge us 300, the second we spoke to 651. My wife argued our case with them and after two visits and a harsh talking to they suddenly just waived the penalty and told us to make sure we leave on day 89/90.

Due to Covid and the special restrictions now placed on South American countries by the UK we are a little unsure of our next steps but we were advised that we could apply for a one year temporary transitory visa, which wouldn't be possible within 7 days so we would, if i overstay, mean a penalty daily up until the visa was received...

The penalty fee was shown to us to be 27 bolivianas per day for overstaying. I will hope to provide an update for anyone who may be interested or helped by our sharing.

Sep 23, 2012
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Change the dates of your flight
by: Anonymous

Another option would be to change your flight dates. It would certainly cost less than what you'll pay to lose a round trip ticket altogether if you attempt to enter now.

Sep 23, 2012
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No can do.
by: Anonymous

The specific purpose visa is for people who plan to request residency in Bolivia either because you have a job here, will start a business here, or plan to marry here. In either case, in order to obtain the specific purpose visa, the Bolivian consulate in your country will request several things from you including a letter of intent (in which you detail your plan as a resident in Bolivia - where you will live, who you will live with, where you will work, who you plan to marry, or anything else that explains the reason for which you want to live in Bolivia long-term). You will also be asked to show several past months of bank statements, and you'll be signing a sworn statement along with your application for the visa, which basically states that what you are saying is true.

If you enter Bolivia on a specific purpose visa, you cannot later change that to a tourist visa.

Sep 23, 2012
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Absolutely true.
by: BoliviaBella.com

The comment below is absolutely true. The latest case of a tourist being detained (that we have personal knowledge of) occurred just three weeks ago in Santa Cruz. He was detained, not allowed outside the customs area, put on the next flight back to the U.S., and lost all the money he spent on his round trip ticket.

If you entered the country prior to using up your 90 days and then overstay, you pay a fine. But authorities will not even allow you to enter the country if you have already exceeded the 90 days per year maximum.

What you are basically proposing is to attempt to enter by offering to pay Bs.20/day in advance, to purchase more days. If that were allowed, everyone would do it. It isn't. Wait until January.

Sep 23, 2012
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Other Options
by: Nick

Wow. Thanks for the info. Do I have any other options? I already bought my ticket for Dec. 3- Jan. 30.

Could I get a Special Purpose Visa for 30 days (for December) and then switch over to my Tourist Visa on Jan. 1 since I'll still be there through January?

Sep 23, 2012
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Do not take the risk!
by: Anonymous

If you have already spent 90 days in Bolivia in 2012 (more, since you already exceeded that and paid a fine), you will not be allowed into the country. Worse yet, you will be detained at the airport and sent home on the next available flight. You will not even be given a chance to see or communicate with anyone who may be waiting for you in the arrival area. This has already happened to several people this year.

As of January 1, 2013 you will be eligible for another 90 days so why take the risk.

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