Payback from Bolivia: the government says it will require visas for US tourists starting 1 December.
The action followed through on a pledge to treat Americans much like they treat Bolivians entering the US.
“Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca said US citizens would now fall under Bolivia’s most highly regulated migratory category. A 30-day tourist visa will cost US$134, an amount similar to fees paid by Bolivian citizens applying to enter the US,” said the Associated Press.
US tourists now need only fill out a small form upon entering Bolivia, which grants them 30 days’ stay with the chance to apply for up to 90 days.
The new category requires proof of “economic solvency,” proof of hotel reservations for the entire planned visit or a notarized invitation from a Bolivian citizen, as well as a small passport photo taken against a “red background.”
The Bolivian Tourism Chamber says one in five tourists visiting Bolivia is from the US. Americans spend an estimated US$40 million a year in South America’s poorest country.
Mr Choquehuanca hinted that the process might be simplified in the future.
“We are working to not hurt the flow of foreign tourists,” he said.
Report by David WIlkening
