bolivia visa questions, i'm american...i mean from the u.s.
 

i guess were all ameican down here. some, just from the united states of america, like me. and i'm entering bolivia in a few weeks... maybe more, but was wondering about visa requirements and costs, and was wondering if anyone knows anything about such... i have heard 130 bucks! which is insane! which makes it not a very cheap country after all. i also heard there were ways around it, cheaper ways to get a visa (before hand at an embassy maybe?) anyway, hope someone out there knows something i don't.

thanks ahead of time.
steve

ps. equador is extremely cool. and the original thumper is the bees knees. anyone want to buy a klr 650 in buenes ares in say... 2 1/2 - 3 months?

When I (USA citizen) came in to Bolivia in November I was with an Argentine who was sure he could talk our way through with out me paying the visa fee, we came close but had to pay. The problem is that USA charges $135 for a visa and countries think that if they have to pay to come to US that we should pay to come into their countries. The only fix is to change US rules and fees. Homeland Security thinks that if they treat people really rude that the terrorist won't come in, good plan right. Contact your Senator and Representative and maybe when they get tired of trying to screw up our health care they will work on it.

It is costing Bolivia and other countries (including the USA) more than they get, but it is about politics and getting even. Many will stay home if all countries start charging the fee. then we can all live in our own little world, never knowing how the rest of the world thinks, after all it is much easier to just bomb them. OK maybe I got a little carried away, pay the fee and have a great ride through Bolivia.

Road Hog:scooter:

I checked the US State department website a few weeks back. yup something like $130 or $135 to enter. gotta love it. I'm in Peru now and headed to Bolivia next (within a week I think). I'll try to use my ravishing good looks to smooth over the border officials for a discount. It's bound to work!

Your ravishing good looks won't save you. Buck up and pay the fee, and be thankful you're not Bolivian applying for a US visa. In that case, our consulate would take your $135, make you wait a month for an interview in a distant city, then turn you down without explanation, apology or offer of a refund. At least you're more or less guaranteed entry and a pretty passport sticker, good for five years' entry.

Lots of good riding and scenery in Bolivia.

enjoy,

Mark

(still catching up on accumulated internet stuff in Puerto Natales)