Never answer the phone, don't bother calling . They also never even truly know what they are even asking for.

I was so nervous about getting this visa given the poor reviews here, conflicting information online about what to send in to get your visa, and the fact that we only have 4 weeks before departing to Bolivia. But. I went through all the hoops, mailed in my husband's and my passport on Monday afternoon...and got it back Wednesday by noon! That's less than 48 hours out of my hands (yes, I sent it overnight and also included overnight return postage. I also live 2 hours south of Washington, DC which helped with the speediness). But anyway, it did not take the 10 processing days, for us at least. For your benefit here are some details that may help: 1) You need to fill out the sworn statement online first and upload your various documents. I would make sure all your forms are ready before starting the statement. The website also emails you a code which you need to submit before being able to proceed with the form. For some reason, my gmail account didn't receive the code until the next day...I ended up trying a work email account in the meantime and received the code right away. My husband used his hotmail account and received the code right away too. FYI. Browser may make a difference too. 2) The online form says to upload a 3x3 passport photo but directions say 2x2...we just did 2x2 since that's standard size and it was fine. 3) We also printed everything just in case because we couldn't figure out if the online uploading of forms was sufficient. The latter probably is fine because the LA Consulate says it is...but the DC website didn't explicitly specify and we didn't want to risk having our visa application rejected. I should note that all the extra documents (and passport photos) submitted were ultimately mailed back to us - they only kept the sworn statement and money order. 4) We sent $320 as a money order which I got from USPS. It seems that you can combine the fee for the number of applicants (e.g., for us, $160 x 2). 5) We mailed it all overnight via USPS which I think is the most affordable overnighting service (don't quote me on this). The DC website doesn't confirm a mailing address - ugh - so I just used the Bolivia Consulate address on Connecticut Avenue and held my breath. It seems this is correct. I also wrote "Attn: Visas" - who knows if that really helped, but again I was so nervous about getting everything right the first time given the time crunch. And with all of this, we received our passports and visas back in a flash - phew! I am so relieved, but also feel a responsibility to tell you people of the Internet about our experience given how stressful it felt to prepare the documents correctly, and worrying that we might not get our visas in time. PS - you can only send your passport into the DC consulate if you live in certain states - check the website for details. read more

Getting a visa: i went on a Tuesday morning (9am) and was able to be seen pretty quickly. I think I was outside by 845 and was #7 in line. Make sure you apply online and bring the form with you. It says passport photo but I took a picture with my phone against a white background and cropped it to the appropriate size. You enter and at the kiosk, select ENGLISH, then tourist visa and take a number which they will call (or your number sometimes shows on the screen). They will call your number in Spanish, once in awhile in English but if you are a Spanish speaker to converse with the people working there it is much more helpful. I had to return to the consulate because the form I printed online did not have the registration code (numbers after RREE-VC-______) and even though I had all my documents, I could not apply again with a new application in person. I had to go home, create a new application/upload documents (documents should be in PDF fyi!), and re-print the completed application, sign and go back. They did not ask for proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine- I think because I was not going to an area that has a higher risk of it. At the consulate you can pay the $160 with credit or debit card. The woman that saw me the second time asked to see my hotel booking confirmation in person and that was it. Doesn't seem like everyone is asked to show hard copy items but to be safe I would bring them. The second time I got there was around 1:00p on that same Tuesday and was able to be seen probably within 10 min. Overall a good experience for me, very nice staff. read more

I got my tourist visa! Sharing my experience because I wish someone would have given me more details before going in person. You *CAN* apply online BUT you have to get them your passport and payment via mail or in person to get the visa. I applied online and was too apprehensive to mail my passport so I went in person. When you apply online, you upload a passport style photo (I just took one with my phone), you yellow fever vaccination info, your travel itinerary, your "invitation" or hotel reservations, and some kind of bank statement information. The website compiles the information and sends it to the consulate. You will need to print off the PDF generated with your picture and registration info. You do not have to have a separate passport picture on photo paper stapled to the document- the picture you uploaded is populated on the form and will suffice. I was nervous the picture needed to be in color, but it looked like it didn't matter because they have the color version electronically. Be sure to sign the form. I printed everything I uploaded to bring with me along with my passport but they only needed the form the online submission generated and my passport. The PDF form will list an expiration date - you have to visit or send in your passport before that expiration date or you will have to apply again. I drove to the consulate and by some stroke of luck found free parking - I would avoid driving there if at all possible. I arrived at around 11:30am on a Tuesday and it was PACKED. When you arrive you are supposed to get a number by using the touch screen thing. Click English then tourist visa. A numbered receipt will be generated. VT is for tourist visa so your number should look something like VT-102. Most of the numbers are called in English and Spanish, but mine was only called in Spanish (enterally grateful for my high school Spanish classes!) most of the numbers, when announced appear on the tv screen at the bottom, but not always. Other types of requests have different letters like PA for a Bolivian citizen passport request. The window on the far right (6) did not always update appropriately on the screen so it is important to listen closely for your number to be called. It seemed like only windows 5 and 6 could process passport related and visa related requests. The other windows seemed to do with something for Bolivian citizen identification cards, pictures, and fingerprints. I waited almost 2 hours, but the next tourist visa after me came in an hour after I did and was called at the same time I was, so perhaps it is better to come around 12:30pm, but it could have just been the day I was there. My number was only called in Spanish. It seemed like two of the people helping with tourist visas spoke English, but my transaction occurred entirely in Spanish. They took my passport and I paid the $160 visa fee. They had my passport for about 5-10 minutes in the back. When they came back they gave me my passport with a sticker that was the Bolivian visa and told me it was good for 10 years. I was a little stressed with the number calling system, but overall had a positive experience. The employees were very attentive and helpful once your number was called. I wish I didn't have to wait that long but I'm glad I didn't have to mail my passport and send a wire transfer! Hope this post helps others looking to secure a Bolivian tourist visa! read more

I was terrified to get a Bolivian visa because it seemed that no one had any clear answers on how to fill out the paperwork and the requirements were different everywhere I looked. But I'm happy to report that I now have a visa! Here's what I did: Before you do anything, you need to get a Yellow Fever vaccine. Right now there is a country-wide shortage, so I had to drive 2 hours to the nearest location offering an alternative vaccine. I also got a typhoid vaccine while I was at it. Schedule this early and expect to pay no less than $150. Check the CDCs website for approved locations and call around for the best price. Most of the locations within five hours of me were closer to $250 because they include a doctors visit. Next, I printed off wallet sized photos at Walgreens for $1, then they let me use their passport photo cutter. This was much cheaper than the $15 they charge for official passport pictures, and they let me use their camera and passport background in the store. I live in the Midwest so this may not be typical but was extremely generous. The Consulate returned the photos with my visa. I printed off a screenshot of my flight purchase, a travel itinerary I typed on Google Docs, an email of my hotel confirmation (even though I have not paid for it yet), and a bank statement. I did not print my savings account statement, so I was unsure if the debit account would work since I do not keep much money in that account on a regular basis. It seemed to be fine. I also scanned the printed documents and uploaded them when I filled out the online portion of the visa application, and the photo I uploaded was not the same as the one I printed at Walgreens. After I had collected all of these documents and had my Yellow Fever card, I filled out the online forms (http://www.rree.gob.bo/formvisas/). I used the Passport Visa Express PDF I found online to help me since many of the questions did not translate to English very well. I actually filled the visa application out twice because I did not use PVE website the first time and completed many questions incorrectly. Some of the beginning steps have changed (you no longer have to register your email and get a code, instead you just do a simple math problem), but the majority of the steps are accurate. Make sure to check which Consulate you need to go through and change that city if needed in step 2. Last, I mailed all of those documents I had printed, two photos from Walgreens, my Yellow Fever vaccine document, and my passport to the Bolivian Consulate in DC (again, this depends on where you live). I found two addresses for the Consulate, but used the 1825 Connecticut Ave address. I had printed a credit card form to pay the $160 fee that way, but at the post office I realized at the last minute that it was only for the LA consulate. The post office set me up with a money order and a prepaid, self-addressed priority envelope to go with my documents. I mailed my documents on a Wednesday, it got to the consulate two days later on Friday, and then I checked the tracking number for the return envelope religiously for about a week. It was mailed the following Thursday night and I received it Monday. They say it could take up to 10 days but I was hopeful that it would be as quick as the other Yelp reviewer. It was somewhere in between. Now I have all of my documents and am ready to travel next month! read more

It's embarrassing to say that this location represents Bolivia. Especially after reading these reviews. How can the people in charge not pay attention to all of the complaints? It's upsetting that people trying to obtain visas to the country are faced with so many loops to jump through and incompetent employees. I sat here for over 10 minutes before anyone told me to grab a number off a screen, then I sat around waiting for 38 min while I watched one man doing all of the work. He was efficient, unlike the lazy women sitting there staring at their computer screens. Please don't be derailed by the horrible service. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Bolivia is definitely a great traveling experience, but most of the staff at this consulate need to be fired! read more

I did not have high expectation prior to my arrival, so I planned on a long drawn out process. After arriving at Bolivian Consulate in DC, I was surprised how organized and professional the staff was to me. I had all of my paperwork 100% ready before hand, so my total time spent there was 45 minutes (Tuesday). I received excellent customer service and had a fantastic time in Santa Cruz and throughout Bolivia. Again, excellent service!!! Thank you!! read more

I am a Bolivian resident with disabilities, and I have cancer. I live here in The USA for some time now. I need to geta new passport since I need to travel back to my country as soon as possible. Before taking my route to the embassy or to Consular section, I need to explain my situation. a week ago, I have called the embassy, and no one seems to answer the phone 202 483 4410 to set up an appointment and the woman was so rude to me that I decided to hang up on her (they do not treat you well here or in Bolivia). Then, I decided to call 202 232 4827 / 4828, same issue. I have called this number a week ago or so and it goes directly to a voice mail where the man says he is not in his desk, well he is never in his desk because I have called today since 10AM on 6/9/22 until 11AM and it is very frustrating. I need to arrange my appointment with them based on my health and so on. At the very least answer the phones. I really do not like to go to the Bolivian embassy because they treat you like a dog with no respect and there is no privacy if you need to speak in private. My niece went there many years ago and not only were rude still and give them the wrong information, but they took their money based on the bad information and they do not take responsibility. If you need to speak with someone higher than them, they always say he/she is not here, very frustration, my frustration leads me here. At least hired people that want to work and give a good service, they only work for couple hours. Good Luck to you. read more

My husband I were super nervous to get our visas here because of all the bad reviews. But when we got there it was extremely painless. Everyone had great customer service. We were surprised. I guess that they improved from years past. We are excited to travel to Bolivia in August! read more

I called the consulate to get information about a visa ! a GRUMPY ! woman answered In a bad manner ! only to shout at me saying '' go online all info is there ''! I m having problem online ! but she get more upset and reply you need to go online, if they don't wanna deal with people why don't find a better job ! read more

I give a star because there is no option for NO starts. They are inefficient, impolite and non professional. The worst is that very often, the documents that they issue are wrong. People who need to go there regularly know that once they obtain a document, they have to review line per line to make sure that the consulate did not introduced errors. read more

Worst place on Earth, I know I'm exaggerating, not really. No one here seems like they like their job at all, I went in 2 days ago with my mom to get a tourist visa for her. The staff is unprofessional, they don't smile, they don't want to help you (like they are doing us a favor). We got there and the ticket machine wasn't working, when I told the girl, she didn't seem to care. After it got fixed, we sat down and then its a waiting game. I have been to this place before cause I did get my tourist Visa, and the only guy there did seem to care then, this time he wasn't much help. After watching people being unhappy, because of waiting time, unprofessionalism when asked again to please help fix the ticket machine yet this girl younger than me didn't care about her job. We noticed her attitude, I'm ashamed to even say I'm half Bolivian if it would relate me to her. SOMEONE NEEDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON THIS PLACE. Why bother calling when no one ever picks up the phone. read more

Our experience was great, these ladies and gentlemen are super busy and handling everyone with a smile. They close at 3pm so they can finish up with their current customers at a reasonable hour. With people constantly pouring in the door, I totally understand them not answering the phone. The ones that make the effort to get to the office get excellent service! FYI- CVS gives yellow fever vaccines and our insurance covered the cost completely. read more

place is absolutely TERRIBLE. no one ever picks up the phone over there and hardly anyone speaks english there. i applied for a visa and it took me more than a month to get my passport back because the consulate keeps losing my prepaid envelopes. i am an avid traveller and i apply for visas all the time and can't believe how much trouble the Bolivian Consulate gave me with my visa. after 3 weeks of not receiving my visa and passport back, i called the place like a gazillion times and eventually got a live person instead of an answering machine. she told me that they didn't have my prepaid envelope to send back. however, i know i sent them my prepaid envelope. i have the receipt showing that i brought a $4.90 stamp on which i placed on the flat rate mailing envelope in which i placed into a larger envelope to send to the consulate. there is NO WAY that i would every forget to include a prepaid envelope. my passport is my lifeline; if i don't send a prepaid envelope with it, my passport nevers gets returned to me. on top of that, when I am sending my passport, i always put the passport INSIDE the prepaid envelope. in order to stamp my passport with the visa, you have to look inside the prepaid envelope after opening the package to retrieve the passport and stamp it. instead of admitting that they lost my envelope, the girl on the phone said to pick up the passport in dc. i live on the west coast. i am NOT going to buy a $350+ plane ticket because of YOUR mistake. i asked her to please look again for my prepaid envelope. she hands me over to her manager who just says "send us another envelope or pick up the passport in person. bye" and just HANGS UP ON ME. what the *%&%?!?! don't deal with this consulate. they are inefficient and rude. go to the miami consulate or better yet, just get the visa when you arrive in bolivia. this is not worth the hassle. read more

Went there to obtain a visa. Inefficient, terrible customer service, overall a terrible terrible experience. Seems like anyone with a high school education could come in and streamline their procedures to make the process more efficient. read more

TERRIBLE, I do not understand why this people is working here, before to come to work in this country they need to know that they are not anymore in Bolivia where you have to wait long hours for a simple ID or any legalization paper. They do not know that we have a job and we have schedule to follow. They do not care, they are very bad customer service. Today I went to have a bolivian ID. even I did call before and ask what is the requeriments when i get there after the long wait i did not have the requirements. The woman doing the "carnet" the ID was so unrespectul and incompetent she couldn;t fill in the computer our information. assuming that people here are ignorants like she was.I think they need to go back to Bolivia they have to send other people with more customer service skils. read more

I am only giving 1 star because I would not be able to rate otherwise. We travel frequently for business in South America Bolivia, and going to get any type of documentation at the Consulate of Bolivia in Washington DC is the worst experience I have encountered. They are RUDE, uneducated and lack professional manners. Do not go to this place, send your documents to the Miami Florida location they will process what you need very fast. They should be a complaint line to get better service or have Americans take these jobs because obviously they are not capable of doing the work read more

The only reason I am giving this consulate 1 star is because of the sweet employees who work here. To begin with... you cannot reach this consulate by phone, you will be on hold for a veryyy long time. Luckily we ~~only~~ live 3 hours away. They will NOT mail your passport with visa to you.... it is only supposed to take 7-10 days. We provided them with a prepaid envelope because they said they would mail it back to us. After waiting a month (and 3 days before our trip), we decided it was time to make a trip back to D.C. And pray we get our passports with visas back. Well, we showed up and the lady told us they weren't ready yet. She said come back at 5 and my boyfriend pointed out they close at 3.... she then said okay come back at 3. Well, after waiting 4 hours, we returned and waited with the other people's we were given our passports back with the simple stamp. Luckily, we won't have to wait at the La Paz airport at 3 am for our visas but it was still a frustrating process. read more

I got everything I needed for a visa to travel to Bolivia on two different occasions. Once, for a Tourist Visa in 2011, and this year for a Specific Purpose Visa. I sent the documents listed and a SOE and my passport was returned without delay. read more

Well first of all, as a Bolivian is Sad to say that this place is one of the WORST places I have been, the staff is not friendly, its like they are always having a bad day, it is not a good impression to give to other people who are not Bolivian. Also, for no apparent reason they get upset if you ask a question, its like they thing you should already know. They should learn everything about good customer service maybe more people will travel to Bolivia of they didn't have to deal with people like the staff in the consulate. read more

I fully agree with the other posters. Information on their website is out of date, many of the consulate workers are rude and misinformed (had to bring form showing I had everything necessary before one woman would stop saying she wouldn't take the "incomplete" packet). Necessary evil, I suppose, if you have to deal with them, but AWFUL. read more

renovated office , staff was helpfull they now me here as i lost my id a couple of times also beware of unfriendly non bolivian and unpatient bolivians who think there first in line just cause they live here in america,lame, first come first serve basis read more