Bolivia visa, yes or no!?

[renimus]

Leaving for South America soon and wondering if I should get visa for Bolivia or not. Obviously, it's required but I'm not sure if it's worth getting it!? Is there any valid reason why I should get it? I can make my way around it from Peru to Chile and down to Argentina, Uruguay and Brasil.
For those of you who have been; any special things that one must see, roads to ride? Will it make my trip easier if I do get it? I was initially gonna go to Brasil first and then make my way to Uruguay, Argentina and make Chile my final stop.

[danielsprague]

I am not psychic regards your nationality, but most western nationals do not need a visa to enter Bolivia as a tourist.

Why not do some actual research and see if there is anything that interests you in Bolivia. It has some of the most spectacular scenery in South America, for a start.

[renimus]

Originally Posted by danielsprague

I am not psychic regards your nationality, but most western nationals do not need a visa to enter Bolivia as a tourist

Hmmm, US citizens ARE required to have visa for Bolivia.

[Keith1954]

I wouldn't want to go to Bolivia anytime soon. The country is currently experiencing terrible floods. Links:

BBC World News

Aljazeera (English)

.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by renimus

Leaving for South America soon and wondering if I should get visa for Bolivia or not. Obviously, it's required but I'm not sure if it's worth getting it!? Is there any valid reason why I should get it? I can make my way around it from Peru to Chile and down to Argentina, Uruguay and Brasil.
For those of you who have been; any special things that one must see, roads to ride? Will it make my trip easier if I do get it? I was initially gonna go to Brasil first and then make my way to Uruguay, Argentina and make Chile my final stop.

No one has mentioned THE COST of a Visa for Bolivia. In recent years Bolivia
(and many other countries) have begun charging a substantial fee for a Visa in response to what certain countries charge Bolivians for a Visa for their country. (we call that reciprocity) Can't blame them really.

US citizens have to pay, (IIRC) $100 or maybe now ... $150 USD?? for a Bolivian Visa. I'm not sure UK citizens pay anything or not, and I don't believe Canadians are required to pay. Not positive on any of this as it's been ages since I've been to Bolivia.

The fees to US citizens I've heard about come from those entering by land, mostly from Peru'. It may be different for those flying in, not sure. Also, sometimes if you show up at a Bolivian Embassy in person in USA or other country, the Visa may be Gratis. Not sure.

Lots to see in Bolivia ... but it can be rough travel in places and weather can be tough too. I rode the Death Road in the 1970's. Awesome. And the Oriente regions are interesting too. Research is your friend.

[renimus]

Originally Posted by mollydog

No one has mentioned THE COST of a Visa for Bolivia.

Cost is $160. I can get it at Bolivian consulate here in States or bring all necessary documentation with me and get it when I enter Bolivia. But that's really not my concern here. I'm more interested to read about people's experience traveling through Bolivia and if I should include it in my trip as well. Might be convenient to easier access Brasil if I choose to go that route. I'm definitely passing on Paraguay since they require visa for US citizens too.