|
ADOPTIONS
ARRESTS
AUTHENTICATION AND NOTARIAL SERVICES
CHILD CUSTODY DISPUTES
CITIZENSHIP AND BIRTHS ABROAD
CONTACT INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS
DEATHS
DRIVING IN BOLIVIA
LEGAL DISPUTES AND ATTORNEY LIST
MARRIAGE IN BOLIVIA
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
PASSPORTS
REGISTRATION
REPORTS OF BIRTH, DEATH, DIVORCE AND MARRIAGE
SELECTIVE SERVICE
SOCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS
TRANSLATORS
TRAVELING TO BOLIVIA
TRAVEL TO THE U.S.
U.S. CUSTOMS
VOTING
WELFARE AND WHEREABOUTS
ADOPTIONS
Adoption of Children in Bolivia
PLEASE NOTE: Bolivia does not allow intercountry
adoptions to countries that have not ratified the Hague Convention
on Intercountry Adoption. Currently, the United States has signed
but not yet ratified this convention. U.S. citizens who are not
either (a) resident in Bolivia, or (b) U.S.-Bolivian dual nationals
are not permitted to adopt children from Bolivia.
Americans wishing to adopt a Bolivian child will need to work
with the Immigrant Visa division of the Consular Section at the
U.S. Embassy in La Paz. After reading the country specific information
on the State Department’s web page at http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_369.html
and the adoption-related information on our Immigrant Visa division’s
webpage: at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/consular/immigrantvisas.htm,
prospective adoptive parents should contact the Immigrant Visa
division (consularlapaz@state.gov, telephone: (591) 2 216-8480,
Fax: (591) 2-216-8809) to discuss both American and Bolivian administrative
and legal requirements. If the prospective parents are in Bolivia,
they may make an afternoon appointment to meet with the Immigrant
Visa division of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La
Paz to discuss adoption procedures.
Upon arrival in Bolivia to try to arrange an adoption, U.S. citizens
should register with the American Citizens Services division of
the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or online at
http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/registration.html.
The American Citizens Services division will be able to provide
information about any outstanding travel advisories and provide
other information about Bolivia including lists of physicians,
attorneys, interpreters and translators.
Back to the top
ARRESTS
What can the U.S. Embassy do for a person who has been
arrested?
Consuls cannot get a U.S. citizen out of jail; when you are in
a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country.
A Consular Officer may only work on a prisoner's behalf with the
local authorities if the Consular Officer believes that an American
citizen prisoner is being treated differently than other prisoners.
Consular Officers can also provide a list of local attorneys,
(which may also be found online at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/consulado/Attorneyslist.pdf),
visit a prisoner at regular intervals, and contact a prisoner's
family and friends at the prisoner’s request. Consular Officers
can also deliver money, food, and clothing from the prisoner's
family and friends.
Back to the top
AUTHENTICATION AND NOTARIAL SERVICES
How can I authenticate/notarize documents in the U.S. Consulate?
U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens may obtain authentication
and/or notarization of certain documents for use in the U.S.,
provided that the person seeking such service has adequate identification,
is competent and willing to perform the act, and the transaction
is not of a suspicious or irregular nature. Notarial services
are provided between 09:00 and 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday.
If you require the translation of a document, you may obtain
a list of authorized translators from the Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, from the Consular Agencies in Santa
Cruz and Cochabamba, or online at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/consulado/ListadeTraductores.pdf.
The fees for authentication and notarial services are as follows:
- Notarizing Powers of Attorney or Oaths – US $30.00
- Acknowledgements/Authentications – US $30.00
- Notarizing True Copies of documents - US $30.00
(extra copies $ 20.00)
All payments must be made by cash or travelers checks.
How can I authenticate/notarize documents in Bolivia?
A Bolivian document that will be used in the U.S. should first
be notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is located
in Plaza Murillo in La Paz. Once the document has been notarized
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs it should be authenticated
by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or by either
of the Consular Agencies in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
Information About Notarial Services
U.S. Consular Officers are authorized by law to perform limited
notarial services abroad in connection with certain documents
to be presented in the United States. Consular officers may not
perform notarial services in connection with documents for presentation
in the host country.
Prerequisites for U.S. Notarial Services
In order to receive a U.S. notarial service from the Consular
Section, the requestor must satisfy the following requirements:
- Provide satisfactory identification;
- Completely fill in all blank spaces on the document;
- Demonstrate that they understand the document to be signed
and are signing voluntarily;
- Show that the transaction is not suspicious, potentially
illegal, or irregular;
- As required under U.S. law, acknowledgements of documents
by more than one person must be completed separately; and
- The officer providing the notarial service must not have
a disqualifying interest.
Limitations on Notarial Services
Further, U.S. law precludes the provision of notarial services
in certain cases. Among others, consular officers may not provide
notarial services in connection with:
- Documents to be used outside the United States;
- Documents issued by U.S. officials, including birth, marriage
and death certificates (such documents for use in Bolivia should
be authenticated in the U.S. by the Bolivian consul);
- Copies of documents;
- Academic credentials, transcripts or degrees;
- Seals and signatures of Bolivian officials other than those
designated by the Ministry of Foreign Relations Legalization
Department;
- Seals and signatures of U.S. officials stationed in third
countries. This authentication may be performed by the Department
of State's Authentication Office, 518 23rd Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20520, telephone (202) 647-5002; and
- Statements beyond the consular officer's knowledge, e.g.
that a document conforms to foreign law or that a person is
the spouse of another.
Back to the top
CHILD CUSTODY DISPUTES
What can the U.S. Consulate do in case of a Child Custody dispute?
For questions or problems related to child custody or regarding
an international child custody dispute, please contact the following
office:
The Office of Children's Issues
Department of State
Office of Children's Issues (CA/OCS/CI)
2201 C Street, N.W.
SA-22, Room 2100
Washington, D.C. 20520-4818
Phone: (202) 736-7000
Fax: (202) 312-9743
Or, you can visit their website: http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html.
Back to the top
CITIZENSHIP AND BIRTHS ABROAD
How do I process a Report of Birth Abroad and a U.S.
passport for my newborn baby?
How do I process a Report of Birth Abroad and a U.S. passport
for my newborn baby?
NOTE: In order to process a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, the
child must be your biological child. If your child is adopted,
you cannot use this process to claim U.S. citizenship for the
child. Please see the Immigrant Visa section for more information
on the immigration process for adopted children and to determine
whether your child qualifies for expeditious naturalization.
Birth Abroad to Two U.S. Citizen Parents in Wedlock: A child born
abroad in wedlock to two U.S. citizen parents acquires U.S. citizenship
at birth under section 301(c) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA). One of the parents MUST have resided in the U.S. prior
to the child's birth. No specific period of time for such prior
residence is required.
Birth Abroad to One Citizen and One Alien Parent in Wedlock:
A child born abroad in wedlock to one U.S. citizen parent and
one alien parent acquires U.S. citizenship at birth under Section
301(g) of the INA provided that the citizen parent was physically
present in the U.S. for the time period required by the law applicable
at the time of the child's birth.
Birth Abroad Out-of-Wedlock to a U.S. Citizen Father: A child
born abroad out-of-wedlock to a U.S. citizen father may acquire
U.S. citizenship under Section 301(g) INA, as made applicable
by Section 309(a) INA, provided that:
1) a blood relationship between the applicant and the father
is established by clear and convincing evidence;
2) the father had the nationality of the United States at the
time of the applicant's birth;
3) the father (unless deceased) has agreed in writing to provide
financial support for the child until the applicant reaches
the age of 18 years, and
4) while the child is under the age of 18 years:
A) the applicant is legitimated under the law of his or
her residence or domicile,
B) the father acknowledges paternity of the child in writing
under oath, or
C) the paternity of the applicant is established through the
adjudication of a
competent court.
Birth Abroad Out-of-Wedlock to a U.S. Citizen Mother: A child
born abroad out-of-wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother may acquire
U.S. citizenship under Section 301(g) of the INA, as made applicable
by Section 309(c) of the INA, if the mother was a U.S. citizen
at the time of the child's birth and had previously been physically
present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions
for a continuous period of at least one year.
Documentary Evidence Needed to Establish
a Citizenship Claim
CHECKLIST
Please submit the following item(s) to the American Citizens Services
division of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz
or to the relevant Consular Agency in Santa Cruz or Cochabamba:
- Child's original foreign birth certificate.
- Proof of parent's or parents' U.S. citizenship (i.e. certified
copy of U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate
of Naturalization or Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth
Abroad, etc.).
- Proof of parents' identity: officially issued photo ID.
- Certified copy of the parents' marriage certificate.
- Documentary evidence of termination of any previous marriages
of either parent (i.e. divorce decree, death certificate,
etc.), if applicable.
- Affidavit of Paternity/Maternity and Physical Presence
executed before a notary public.
- For the child's passport, one photograph. The photo must
be recent (taken within the past six months), 2x2 inches,
color with a white background. (Vending machine photographs
are not acceptable.)
- Fees: Effective June 1, 2002, a fee of $65.00 is charged
for an Application for Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen
of the United States.
- Other. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires
that both a blood and a legal relationship exist between the
child and the U.S. citizen parent. 22 CFR 51.40 provides that
the burden of proof is upon the applicant to establish a claim
to U.S. citizenship.
- Power of Attorney: If the application is executed by a
person other than a U.S. citizen, or by an alien parent or
legal guardian, that person must present a notarized statement
of authorization from a parent in order to execute the application
for a U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad for
the child.
How do I have an amendment made to a Report of Birth
Abroad?
Amendments usually are made to correct consular errors in the
information shown on the face of the document. They may also record
a change of name by adoption or other legal proceeding. After
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad has been issued and the application
filed with the Department of State, the document can be amended
by Department Passport Services, Correspondence Branch (CA/PPT/PS/PC).
That office prepares a new report of birth showing the amended
data upon request by the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or the
registrant (person in whose name it was issued). After the registrant’s
18th birthday, only the registrant may request amendment.
Written Request
Persons requesting an amendment of the Consular Report of Birth
Abroad, for whatever reason, should submit a signed request addressed
to:
Department of State
Passport Services
Correspondence Branch (CA/PPT/PS/PC)
1425 K. Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20524
Contents of Request
The requestor should include appropriate supporting documents
(such as an adoption decree or court decree showing legal change
of name). The requestor should include a copy of the previously
issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad or an affidavit explaining
the unavailability of this document as well as the appropriate
fee ($30). The fee will be refunded if it is determined that the
need for amendment is due to Department error. The serial number
assigned to an amended Consular Report of Birth Abroad will be
the same as the number on the original, but will be followed by
a dash and a number indicating that it is not the original issuance
(Example, -1 for the first amendment).
Back to the top
CONTACT INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS
How can I get in contact with the American Citizen Services
section during office hours and non-office hours?
American Citizen Services are available at the following locations:
Consular Section of the Embassy of the United States
of America
Embassy of the United States of America in La Paz
2780 Avenida Arce (between calles Cordero and Campos)
La Paz, Bolivia
Hours:
American Citizen Services
Attention to the Public
Effective January 1st, 2007
Monday & Thursday: 13:30 – 17:00
Tuesday & Friday: 08:30 – 12:30 &
14:00 – 16:00
Except U.S. and local holidays
Telephone:
During normal business hours: 591-2216-8297
Emergencies after hours: 591-2-216-8000
Fax: 591-2-216-8808
Email: consularlapaz@state.gov
Consular Agency in Santa Cruz
Ave. Roque Aguilera #146 (Tercer Anillo)
Between Ave. Pirai and Ant.Carret. a Cochabamba)
Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Mondays 09:00 -12:30 and 14:00-17:00
Tuesday - Friday
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Telephone: (591-3) 351-3477 or 351-3479 or 351- 3480
Fax: 591-3-351-3478
Consular Agency in Cochabamba
Avenida Oquendo 654
Torres Sofer, Room 601
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Telephone: (591-4) 411-6313 or 425-6714
Fax: 591-4-425-6714
Please note that the Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba
provide services to American Citizens and provide limited visa
information; however, the Consular Agencies do not take visa applications,
handle visa cases, or issue visas to the United States.
How can I contact the Bolivian Embassy in the U.S.?
The contact information for the Bolivian Embassy in Washington
D.C. and the Bolivian Consulates in the U.S. may be found at http://www.bolivia-usa.org/.
Back to the top
DEATHS
What assistance can I get from the U.S. Embassy if a
relative dies in Bolivia?
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy in La Paz or the relevant Consular Agency in Santa
Cruz or Cochabamba should be notified as soon as possible. When
there is no next-of-kin in the country, a consular officer will
notify the next-of-kin of the deceased and inform them about options
and costs for disposition of the remains. All costs associated
with preparing and returning the body to the U.S. must be paid
by the family. A Consul prepares a Report of Death based on the
Bolivian death certificate, which is then forwarded to the next-of-kin
for use in estate and insurance matters.
If you are in Bolivia when a U.S. relative dies in Bolivia, please
bring the following to the American Citizen Services division
of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or to the
relevant Consular Agency in Cochabamba or Santa Cruz:
- The original Bolivian death certificate from the Corte
Electoral Departmental,
- The deceased's social security card number, and
- The passport of the deceased.
You will be asked to fill out a Report of the Death of an American
Citizen Abroad Form. Twenty original Reports of the Death of an
American Citizen Abroad will be given to the next-of-kin. The
original Report will be sent to Washington D.C., where additional
copies will be available for a $10 fee.
Back to the top
DRIVING IN BOLIVIA
Can I drive in Bolivia with my U.S. Driver’s License?
You can drive in Bolivia with your U.S. driver’s license
while you are visiting in Bolivia. If you are planning to reside
in Bolivia, you should first get a local temporary driver’s
license (which will be valid for one year) and then obtain a permanent
license.
Back to the top
LEGAL DISPUTES AND LAWYERS
How can I obtain legal assistance?
Although Consular Officers cannot serve as your attorneys or give
legal advice, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys.
However, neither the Department of State nor the U.S. Embassies
in La Paz can assume any responsibility for the caliber, competence,
or professional integrity of the listed attorneys. The list of
attorneys is available at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy
in La Paz, at the Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba,
and online at: http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/consulado/Attorneyslist.pdf.
The U.S. Government cannot fund your legal fees or other related
expenses.
Back to the top
MARRIAGE IN BOLIVIA
What are the requirements to get married in Bolivia?
Before any civil registrar’s office will permit an American
to marry in Bolivia, the following documents must be presented:
- Certified copy of birth certificate translated into Spanish
and authenticated by a Bolivian Consul in United States.
- Valid United States passport.
- Certification of eligibility to marry, such as death or
divorce certificates for prior marriages, or certificate of
no record of marriage from prior U.S. state of residence,
translated into Spanish and authenticated by a Bolivian Consul
in the United States.
- Proof of three months’ continuous residence in Bolivia.
This can be waived at the discretion of the local official.
Only civil marriages are recognized as legal in Bolivia. Civil
marriages are performed by a civil registry official, either before
or after a religious ceremony. Although the age of majority in
Bolivia is 21, men can marry at 16 and women at 14 with permission
from parents or guardians. Exceptions can be made for pregnant
minors whose parents refuse permission and for orphans (orphans
must have permission to marry from the Tribunal Tutelar del Menor
and from the Juez de Familia). As in the United States, marriage
is not permitted between close blood relatives, and bigamy is
against the law. Marriage is also forbidden to a long list of
others, including the mentally ill. Widows, divorcees and women
who have had marriages annulled cannot remarry sooner than 300
days after the death of a husband, the date of the final decree
of divorce or the notice of annulment.
Marriages performed outside the United States are generally recognized
in the United States. In order for a Bolivian Marriage Certificate
to have legal validity in the United States, it should be first
legalized by the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then
authenticated by a Consular Officer in La Paz or by our Consular
Agents in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
Back to the top
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION
How can I obtain medical assistance?
If you become sick or hurt, you can contact the Consular Section
for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists.
This list of physicians is available at the Consular Section in
La Paz, in any of the Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba,
and online at: http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/consular/medicalresources.htm.
If you are injured or become seriously ill, a Consular Officer
will help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform
your family or friends. The U.S. government cannot pay for hospital
or medical services for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuate
you for treatment in the United States.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
January 2007
Back to the top
PASSPORTS
How do I renew a U.S. passport?
All regular passports are printed in the U.S. and then sent
to the overseas Embassy or Consulate that processed the application.
Applications submitted at the consular agency in Cochabamba or
Santa Cruz are forwarded to the Consular Section in La Paz for
processing. The Consular Section normally receives back U.S. passports
within 12 days of the consular officer in La Paz approving the
duly completed application. If you need to travel immediately,
a limited, emergency passport may be issued. Please note that
the documentation requirements are the same for a regular or emergency
passport. Depending on the information presented with the application,
additional documentation may be required. Please below for special
requirements for minors applying for passports.
Passport Renewals: Please present the following items.
• Your most recent U.S. passport.
• Two identical and recent photographs measuring 5cm by
5cm taken full face with a light background. Photo booth machine
photographs are not acceptable. Ask the photographer for photos
for a U.S. passport to avoid needing to redo the photos.
• Fees in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Bolivianos,
at the Embassy exchange rate.
- For an adult 16 years or older who is applying for his/her
first 10-year passport, the cost is $97.00.
- For an adult 16 years or older who is renewing his/her 10-year
passport, the cost is $67.00.
- For minors under 16 years old the cost is $82.00.
• Completed Application Form:
- For an adult 16 years or older who is renewing his/her 10-year
passport, DS-82
- For minors under 16 years, DS-11.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passports: The Consular Section may replace
lost, stolen or damaged passports after verification of your identity
and U.S. citizenship. Please present the following:
• A tourist police report
• All available and ideally original evidence of your
U.S. citizenship and identification such as an expired passport,
or certified U.S. birth certificate and driver’s license.
A photocopy of your missing passport, while not evidence, is
also useful. If you have no evidence, you may wish to bring
along a U.S. citizen friend or relative with his or her passport
to attest to your U.S. citizenship and identity.
• Two identical and recent photographs measuring 5cm by
5cm taken full face with a light background. Ask the photographer
for photos for a U.S. passport otherwise you may receive wrong-size
photos.
• Fees in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Bolivianos at
the Embassy exchange rate.
- For an adult 16 years or older the cost is $97.00.
- For minors under 16 years old the cost is $82.00.
• Completed Forms
- Application form DS-11
(available on-line at www.travel.state.gov)
- Statement of Lost or Stolen Passport form DS-64
First-Time Passport Applications: Please present the following
items.
• Original evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S.
birth certificate, U.S. Naturalization Certificate or Certificate
of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Original evidence of identity such as a Bolivian carnet
or passport. Parents applying on behalf of their minor children
may use their own passport or other government-issued identification
with the bearer’s name, photo, and signature.
• Two identical and recent photographs measuring 5cm by
5cm taken full face with a light background. Photo booth machine
photographs are not acceptable. Ask the photographer for photos
for a U.S. passport to avoid needing to redo the photos.
• Fees in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Bolivianos,
at the Embassy exchange rate.
- For an adult 16 years or older who is applying for his/her
first 10-year passport, the cost is $97.00.
- For minors under 16 years old the cost is $82.00.
• Completed Form
- Application form DS-11
Requirements to Renew/Replace Passports of Minors (under age
14):
When seeking a passport for a minor under age 14, in addition
to the items noted above both parents must come with the child
and their own passports or other government-issued identification
with the bearer’s name, photo and signature. If both parents
cannot come, the absent parent must provide a notarized written
authorization(Form DS-3053
- Statement of Consent - Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under
Age 14) for the issuance of the passport and include the absent
parent’s passport or a notarized copy of the absent parent’s
passport/identification.
The parents must also establish parentage by presenting the child’s
birth certificate listing both parents. If the parents’
names on the birth certificate are not the same as on the parents’
passport, e.g., the birth certificate lists only the mother’s
maiden name and her passport lists her married name, that parent
must provide evidence of the legal name change, e.g., the marriage
certificate.
If the child’s appearance has changed since the last passport
was issued, e.g., the child was an infant, the parents should
also bring photographs of the child from when the last passport
was issued to the present. This will help the consular official
in verifying the child’s identity.
How do I have extra pages added to my passport?
You may have extra pages added to your passport by submitting
Form DS-4085
(APPLICATION FOR ADDITIONAL VISA PAGES) to the American Citizen
Services Unit. This process normally takes 20 minutes. There is
no fee for this service.
I need to travel right away and my passport has expired,
what should I do?
You should contact the American Citizen Services section at (591-2)
216-8297.
What kind of picture do I need for my new passport? Where
can I have them done?
Two (2) recent photographs of the passport bearer is required
at all times. No joint photographs of the bearer and other person(s)
will be accepted.
SIZE AND STYLE
The photographs shall be 5 x 5 cm. (2 x 2 in.). The image size
measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head including
hair shall be not less than 2.5 cm., nor more than 3.4 cm (from
1’10 to 1’38 in.).
The photographs must have been taken within 6 months of the date
of the application and should portray a good likeness of the applicant.
Photographs must be clear with a full front view of your face
against a white background. The photographs should be taken in
normal street attire, without a hat or dark glasses (unless required
for medical reasons).
Additional Information regarding pictures specifications please
click here
PHOTO STUDIOS IN LA PAZ
ESTUDIO FOTOGRAFICO EGUINO
Plaza del Estudiante 1924
Tel. 231-3724
La Paz
RAPID FOTO COLOR
Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz 1350
Tel. 237-1876
Calle 21 # 8226, Calacoto
(Lado Supermercado Ketal)
Tel. 279-0157
FOTO MUNDO
Calle 21 # 8215, Calacoto
(Frente Supermercado Ketal)
Tel. 279-7100
How can I have an amendment made to my passport?
As announced by the Department of State on September 19, 2005
and also conveyed through the Embassy’s warden system, effective
September 26, 2005, as an additional security enhancement, all
U.S. passport offices will no longer amend valid passports. Instead,
customers requesting name changes, extension of validity for limited
passports, or correction of a printing error will apply for replacement
passports. These applications may be submitted at the U.S. Embassy
in La Paz or through the U.S. consular agencies in Santa Cruz
and/or Cochabamba.
If the change is within one year after issuance, customers will
submit a U.S. Passport Re-Application Form (DS 5504), together
with the passport that needs the change, the documentation required,
and new passport pictures. There will be no charge for routine
processing. Please note that this form may be used only for passports
to be printed in the U.S. Emergency passport requests must be
submitted on form DS-11 or form DS-82; please read and follow
the instructions on those forms to ensure that the proper form
is used.
If the change is more than one year after issuance, customers
will need to submit an Application for Passport By Mail (DS-82),
together with the passport that needs the change, the documentation
required, and new pictures. The cost includes the $55 application
fee and $12 security surcharge, for a total of $67 for routine
processing. Because minor children are not eligible to use this
form, changes in children’s passports will need to be submitted
using the DS-11 form and paying the related consular fees. Of
course, if the requested data change is due to a printing error
by Passport Services, there will be no charge.
Those only needing to add visa pages to their passports will
submit an Application for Additional Visa Pages (DS-4085). This
service is always free of charge when routine. Please note that
for any passport services for children under age 14, including
adding visa pages, the parental consent requirements apply. For
more information on these requirements, please consult the Department
of State, Consular Affairs, website at www.travel.state.gov
or the U.S. Embassy website,
http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.
All of these forms are available online at www.travel.state.gov.
The Passport Amendment/Validation Form (DS-19), previously used
to amend passports, will no longer be valid. For more information
on applying for a U.S. passport, forms, and a wealth of other
international travel information, please visit the Department
of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website at www.travel.state.gov.
Back to the top
REGISTRATION
How should I register with the U.S. Embassy?
As soon as you arrive in Bolivia, you should register online
at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/english/registration.html,
by telephone, by email (consularlapaz@state.gov)
or in person with the Consular Section in La Paz or with any of
the two Consular Agencies located in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in
case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. If you register
in person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you. Your
passport data will be recorded at the consulate, thereby making
it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it
be lost or stolen.
Back to the top
REPORTS OF BIRTH, DEATH, DIVORCE
AND MARRIAGE
Where can I obtain a copy of a Bolivian birth, death,
divorce or marriage report?
You can obtain a copy of these reports in the Corte Electoral
Departmental in any of the main cities of Bolivia. This needs
to be done personally or by a person holding a specific power
of attorney for this purpose.
Where can I obtain a copy of a U.S. birth, death, divorce
or marriage report?
The National Vital Statistics System is responsible for the Nation's
official vital statistics. These vital statistics are provided
through state-operated registration systems. The registration
of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and fetal deaths within
the U.S. is a State function.
For information on how to obtain copies of vital events you can
contact http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
Where can I obtain a copy of a Consular Report?
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad is a document issued by an American
embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a birth abroad of
a child acquiring U.S. citizenship at birth through one or both
parents. This record, also known as an FS-240, along with the
Certification of Birth, DS-1350, are acceptable as proof of birth
and U.S. citizenship for all legal purposes.
Report of the Death of an American Citizen
A Report of the Death of an American Citizen is a document issued
by an American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a
death abroad of an American citizen. The document is based upon
the local death certificate.
Certificate of Witness to Marriage
A Certificate of Witness to Marriage is a document issued by an
American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a marriage
abroad in which at least one party is an American Citizen. A Consular
Officer must have attended the ceremony. This accommodation was
discontinued in 1987.
Instructions
Submit a signed, written request including all pertinent facts
of the occasion along with requester's return address and telephone
number. Only the subject, parent, or legal guardian may request
a birth record. If the request is for an FS-240, the original
FS-240 or a notarized affidavit attesting to its disposition must
be included with the request. If a birth record is to be amended
or corrected, appropriate certified documents supporting the request
must be included.
The request must be notarized by a Consular Officer or Consular
Agent.
The request must include a copy of a valid photo identification
of the requester (driver's license, passport, etc.), even if the
requester is not an American Citizen.
Where to Write
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Vital Records Section
1111 19th St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20524
Cost
$30.00 for one copy FS-240.
$30.00 for first copy and $20.00 for each additional copy for
DS-1350, Report of Death, Certificate of Witness to Marriage.
Turnaround Time
Unlike passport agencies, which receive all of the documentation
needed from the applicant, most consular vital records must be
retrieved from off site repositories, including the National Archives.
Since the time required to retrieve these records varies significantly
based upon the type of record and date of occurrence, it is impossible
to give a definite turnaround time. However, most cases can be
completed between four and eight weeks.
Expedited Service
Overnight delivery can save about ten days processing time, but
there is no way to reduce the retrieval time. Overnight return
via Federal Express is available for an additional $10.00 or the
requester may provide a pre-paid air bill for the carrier of choice.
Additional Information
The Vital Records Section can be reached at (202) 955-0307. A
clerk or caseworker will be pleased to assist you.
Back to the top
SELECTIVE SERVICE
How can I register for Selective Service?
Citizens of the United States who are to be registered under
the Military Selective Service Act and who are not in the United
States on any of the days set aside for their registration, shall
present themselves at the Consular Section in La Paz or at either
of the Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz or Cochabamba for registration
before a Consular Officer of the United States. The person who
is to be registered must have a Social Security number.
Back to the top
SOCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER FEDERAL
BENEFITS
What Social Security services are provided by the U.S.
Consulate?
What Social Security services are provided by the U.S. Consulate?
Federal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from
the Department of the Treasury to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in the countries where the beneficiaries are residing.
The Consular Section provides the following Social Security
Administration services:
• Distribution of benefits checks;
• Report changes in payee status (address change, name
change, death of a payee, or death of a payee);
• Assist claimants and beneficiaries with claims or requests
for information; and
• Accept Social Security Number applications.
Consult the official site of the Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov for additional information.
Where can I obtain federal tax forms and information
on federal tax issues?
Many federal tax forms are available in the Consular Section.
Tax advice is not available since there is no Internal Revenue
Service representative at the Embassy in La Paz. Taxpayers requiring
IRS assistance should contact the Philadelphia Service Center
or visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website at www.irs.gov.
Back to the top
TRANSLATORS
How should I go about contacting an authorized translator?
If you require the translation of a document, you may obtain
a list of authorized translators from the Consular Section and
Consular Agencies or online at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/consulado/ListadeTraductores.pdf.
Back to the top
TRAVELING TO BOLIVIA
PLEASE NOTE: By international agreement, travelers are
required to have a minimum passport validity of six months when
applying for entry into a country not of their own nationality.
For example, a Bolivian citizen whose passport expires on 15 August
2005 would not be allowed to travel overseas after 15 February
2005 without first obtaining a new passport.
Do I need a visa to enter Bolivia?
U.S. citizens are not required to obtain visas for tourist stays
of up to 90 days. Tourist cards are issued upon arrival in Bolivia.
To obtain a “Defined Purpose Visa” for adoptions,
business, or other travel, U.S. citizens will need to fill out
an application form and provide 1 photo, an $85 fee and, for business
travelers, a letter from the company explaining the purpose of
the trip. For more information, contact the Consular Section of
the Embassy of Bolivia, 1819 H St., NW, Suite 240, Washington,
DC 20006 (202/232-4827/28), or the Consulate General 9100 S. Dadeland
Blvd., Suite 406, One Darlon Center, Miami, FL 33156 (305/670-0709).
Where can I extend my visa or change my Visa status?
You can extend your visa or change your visa status at the Servicio
Nacional de Migración offices in:
La Paz - Avenida Camacho, entre Calle Bueno y Loayza
Phone- (5912) 211-0960
Cochabamba – Calle Jordán Esquina Esteban Arce
Phone – (5914) 422-5553
Santa Cruz – Ave. Profesor Noel Kempff Mercado #1108
Phone – (5913) 343-8564 or 343-8559
There are immigration offices in most of the main cities in Bolivia,
but their addresses vary from time to time. You can check their
addresses by calling (5912) 211-0960.
Does my U.S. child need a special permit to leave Bolivia
when traveling with only one parent?
Yes. If your child is a permanent resident in Bolivia, in order
for the minor to travel with only one parent you should obtain
a “Permiso de Viaje para Menor al Exterior” issued
by the “Juzgado de Partido de la Niñez y Adolescencia”
(which is located in Edificio Hansa, 5th floor) for each child,
signed by the non-traveling parent.
For more information about traveling to Bolivia visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/bolivia.html
For more information about traveling to South America visit:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips_samerica.html
Back to the top
TRAVEL TO THE U.S.
PLEASE NOTE: By international agreement, travelers are
required to have a minimum passport validity of six months when
applying for entry into a country not of their own nationality.
For example, a Bolivian citizen whose passport expires on 15 August
2005 would not be allowed to travel overseas after 15 February
2005 without first obtaining a new passport.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (www.tsa.gov)
regularly updates security information related to travel to and
in the United States. Please check the TSA website for up to date
information on about new airport security measures in the United
States. The website includes a list of timesaving tips, information
on assistance for special needs, the latest list of prohibited
and permitted items and other information that will help guide
you smoothly through the security process.
Travel Advice from TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now screening
all checked bags. In some instances, the screening includes opening
luggage after it has been checked in by the passenger. Leaving
bags unlocked will avoid the potential need for them to be opened
forcibly. (Note: TSA has opened bags forcibly, either by cutting
padlocks off luggage or forcing open built-in locks). TSA is moving
toward providing travelers with free, padlock-like seals that
screeners can snip open if a search is necessary. But for now,
air travelers are advised to use cable or zip ties as an alternative
to baggage locks. If a checked bag is searched, a statement to
that effect will be inserted in the bag to notify the owner. TSA
has developed bag search plans with each of the nation's airports.
Besides the large Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines, screening
will be done using methods including explosives trace detector
machines, explosives-sniffing dogs, passenger-bag matching and
hand searches.
The following packing tips are provided by TSA:
- Do not pack food or beverages in checked bags.
- Pack footwear on top of other contents.
- Put personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce chances
of a TSA screener having to handle them.
- Spread out books - do not stack books.
- Travelers should not place undeveloped photographic film
in checked bags, as it is likely to be damaged by screening
equipment.
- Leave gifts unwrapped- screening may require them to be opened.
- Put scissors, pocketknives and other sharp items in checked
bags; never in carry-ons.
- For other tips, visit the TSA website www.TSATravelTips.us.
Additional suggestions:
* Do not place high-value items in checked bags.
* If your destination has APO/USPS service, mail items to yourself
at your destination.
* Take digital photographs of your bags as you pack, with a photo
for each layer of packed items in each bag. This will be helpful
to you should you need to submit a claim for pilfered items.
* Remove batteries from any small electrical appliances (clocks,
penlights) and place them elsewhere in the bag.
* Prepare an inventory of the items in the bag (separate bags,
separate inventories). Place the inventory on the top layer before
you close the bag. This may discourage pilferage. Keep a separate
copy with you.
Back to the top
U.S. CUSTOMS
What documents do I need to take my pet back to the U.S.?
The Public Health Service is the U.S. Government agency that regulates
the entry of non-working dogs (pets, show dogs, etc.) and cats
into the United States. The following requirements must be met
when exporting cats and dogs to the United States.
- At least three months old.
- Free of infectious disease.
- Accompanied by a valid certificate of vaccination (Certificado
Unico Zoosanitario) issued by a licensed veterinarian that:
(a) Identifies the pet.
(b) Specifies an expiration date for the vaccinations not earlier
than the date of the pet's arrival in the United States. If
the expiration date is not indicated on the certificate, the
certificate will be valid for only 15 days from the date of
issue.
(c) Specifies a date of vaccination not less than 30 days prior
to the date of arrival.
- An export permit (Certificado Zoosanitario Para Animales
de Compañía) from SENASAG (Servicio Nacional de
Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria) located in:
La Paz- Calle Juan de La Riva #1595. Phone (5912) 220-4153.
Cochabamba – Calle Cincinato Km. 12.5, Quillacollo.
Phone (5914) 436-5881.
Santa Cruz – Ave. Ejército Nacional #107.
Phone 332-1813.
Further inquires should be referred to APHIS, Veterinary Services
at (301) 734-4357.
The United States Customs Service is the agency responsible for
implementing and enforcing these regulations at the U.S. Port
of Entry. For additional information, you can visit the following
site: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/travel.html.
What do I need to know about U.S. Customs before I travel
to the U.S.?
If you left the U.S. for purposes of traveling, working, or studying
abroad, and return to resume U.S. residence, you are considered
a returning U.S. resident by the U.S. Customs Service. As a returning
U.S. resident you’ll need to declare everything you bring
back that you did not have with you when you left the United States.
If you need specific information about Customs procedures, requirements,
regulations or policies regarding travelers, you can consult the
U.S. Customs Service web site: http://www.cbp.gov.
Back to the top
VOTING
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE 2006 U.S. ELECTIONS
All American citizens are reminded that 2006 is an election
year in the United States. Every seat in the U.S. House of
Representatives and one-third of the seats in the U.S. Senate
are being contested this year. Overseas citizens are eligible
to participate in primary, run-off, and special elections that
occur throughout the year, as well as the general elections in
November.
We strongly encourage you to register to vote and/or request
absentee ballots as early in the year as possible to ensure
that you will receive all ballots for which you are
eligible. Should questions or problems occur, you would still
be able to address them in time to vote in the 2006 general elections.
The following is the basic absentee voting process:
You complete an application form (see below) and send it to
local election officials in the U.S.
The local official approves your request, or contacts you for
further information
The local official sends you an absentee ballot
You vote the ballot and send it back in time to meet your state's
deadline
The official US Government website for overseas absentee voting
assistance is the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at
www.fvap.gov. It has a
wealth of information about absentee voting, including the downloadable
absentee ballot application, state-specific instructions for completing
the form, links to state and local officials, and a downloadable
emergency ballot.
Overseas citizens groups help people to vote. We encourage
you to contact Democrats Abroad, Republicans Abroad or other American
citizens groups or organizations for assistance in registering
to vote and requesting absentee ballots. Links to these groups
are at http://www.fvap.gov/links/ocitlinks.html.
To register to vote and to request an absentee ballot, download
the Federal Post Card Application at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.html. You
can also obtain this form from overseas American citizens groups
or from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Fill it out and send
it in, following the guidelines for your state. A postage-paid
envelope template, valid if you are using the U.S. postal system,
is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/returnenvelope.html.
Each state has different voting procedures. Information
about your state's procedures is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html. Information
about your state's deadlines to register and vote is available
at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html. A
calendar of election dates is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html.
States sometimes make last-minute changes. There may be
late changes to your state's voting calendar, procedures or deadlines. When
these occur, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) will
issue a News Release. News Releases are available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/releases.html.
Be an educated voter. Non-partisan information about candidates,
their voting records, and their positions on issues is widely
available and easy to obtain via the Internet. Use the links
appearing on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/links/otherlinks.html, or
choose any one of several search engines to locate articles and
information.
An emergency ballot is available. If the ballot receipt
deadline is approaching, and you have not yet received the blank
ballot from local officials, you can download an emergency ballot,
write in the names of the candidates and the offices for which
they are running, and send it back in time to meet your state's
ballot receipt deadline. The emergency ballot (SF-186, Federal
Write-in Absentee Ballot, or FWAB) is available on the Internet
at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/forms.html.
The Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy in La
Paz, Bolivia is available to answer questions about absentee
voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call (591-2)-216-8297
during business hours 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., or fax (591-2) 216-8808;
or e-mail to USCIT.Services.Bolivia@gmail.com
or consularlapaz@state.gov. Look
for notices from the Embassy throughout the year relating
to the 2006 elections.
Again, we strongly encourage you to begin this process
as soon as possible.
Back to the top
WELFARE AND WHEREABOUTS
How can I find a friend or relative living in the U.S.?
The U.S. Embassy does not have the resources to help locate a
person living in the United States. There are, however, many public
records to help you locate a U.S. resident yourself. To search
for your friend or relative in U.S. phone books, try Infobel.com.
You may also wish to contact the Bolivian Embassy in the U.S.
at http://www.bolivia-usa.org/.
How can I find a friend or relative living in Bolivia?
Should one of your U.S. citizen family members be missing in
Bolivia, the Consular Section can assist you in locating them.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a U.S. citizen family
member in Bolivia, this office can provide assistance as well.
When contacting the American Citizens Services unit in these cases,
please let us know:
• The name of the person you are looking for,
• His/her U.S. passport number,
• Date and place of birth,
• Travel plans, and
• The date when he/she entered Bolivia.
Please note that once an individual is located, you will be notified
of this ONLY if he/she has signed an authorization or given verbal
permission to waive the Privacy Act, which prevents us from releasing
information about persons without their consent.
Back to the top
For answers to specific questions not addressed above,
please feel free to e-mail us at consularlapaz@state.gov.
In most cases, you will receive a response to your inquiry within
one business day.
|
