112 CultureShock! Bolivia
will guide you through the process for US$ 1 per suitcase,
to be paid after you have passed through customs. Items
offi cially exempted from customs taxes include clothing,
used articles, one photographic camera, one non-professional
camcorder and accessories, one personal portable computer,
one tape recorder, one electronic memo book,one cellular
phone and one set of sporting gear,as well as 400 cigarettes
(2 cartons), 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco, and new
articles, the total value of which does not exceed US$ 1,000
per person and which may not be sold in Bolivia. Customs
laws change periodically, so double-check with the consulate
if you fear a customs problem.Business Travellers
If travelling on business, there may be other immigration
requirements, possibly including a guarantee from your employer.
This will be explained at your local Bolivian Consulate.In the lowland regions, where drug enforcement is more
essential and prevalent, document checks are more likely.
If you’re staying for a longer period, bring an authenticated
birth certifi cate and a letter verifying a clean record from your
local police department; these are currently key documents
for securing long term residency. Permanent residence
paperwork costs approximately US$ 600.
The cost of various types of long-term residencies may be
reduced or waived if you can prove you are here for a project
that benefi ts the country, and you can provide a letter from
an important dignitary in the Bolivian government who will
corroborate your project.
Upon entering the country, there is no written requirement
as to the length of validity of a passport for travellers from
certain countries, but some airlines may require at least six
months of remaining validity, and the six-month standard is
recommended as a peace-of-mind precaution. Tourist visas
are granted for 30 days upon entry, or for 90 days through
special agreements with certain countries.
Nationals from the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia