LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
Consular
Agency, Santa Cruz Consular
Agency, Cochabamba Please note that the Consular Agencies in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba provide services to American Citizens and provide visa information; however, the Consular Agencies do not take visa applications, handle visa cases, or issue visas to the United States. Services for Americans living in Bolivia include the following: Assistance in finding medical help If you become sick or hurt, you can contact a consular officer for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul will help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform your family or friends. Assistance in getting funds Should you lose all your money and other financial resources, consular officers can help you contact your family, bank, or employer to arrange for them to send you money. Help in an emergency In the event that your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or because they are worried about your welfare they should call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will relay the message to consular officers in the country in which you are traveling. Consular officers will try to locate you, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family. Visit in jail If you are arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify a U.S. Consul. Consuls cannot get you out of jail. You are in a foreign country and are subject to its laws. However, Consuls can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are treated the same as Bolivian prisoners. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, and contact your family and friends. Making arrangements after the death of an American citizen When an American dies abroad, a consular officer notifies the American's family and informs them of options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs for preparing and returning a body to the U.S. are high and must be paid by the family. Notarizations Notarization services can be provided for a fee of $30.00 for each document. Adoption of Children in Bolivia An American wishing to adopt a Bolivian child should consult the Visa Officer to discuss both American and Bolivian administrative and legal requirements. Adoption in Bolivia is a lengthy and complex process. Bolivian judicial and administrative requirements are numerous. The U.S. visa requirements are also somewhat complex. Afternoon appointments are made to discuss adoption procedures. For general information see http://travel.state.gov/adoption_bolivia.html The consular section can also: -
issue a Consular Report of Birth of an American citizen Abroad;
Consular officers cannot act as travel agents, banks, lawyers, investigators, or law enforcement officers. Please do not expect them to find you employment, get you residence or driving permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can, however, tell you how to get help on these and other matters. In order to allow the consular section to better help and serve you, please register with the Embassy or a Consular Agency as soon as you arrive in Bolivia or register on-line by filling out the American Citizens Registration Form . Please see links below for additional information for American Citizens:
USEFUL
SITES www.ins.usdoj.gov -- The official Web Site of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. An excellent resource for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Especially useful for H1B employment visas. www.cdc.gov -- The Centers for Disease Control. Contains both health information for travelers as well as "Where to Write for Vital Records", designed to assist people who need U.S. birth and death certificates. www.irs.gov -- Official site of the Internal Revenue Service. Online access to tax forms and information. www.fvap.gov -- Federal Voting Assitance Program. This site provides both federal and state voting information for U.S. citizens living overseas. www.tsa.gov or www.tsatraveltips.us -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regularly updates security information related to travel to and in the United States. Please check the TSA website for up to date information on new airport secruity 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. E-mail: consularlapaz@state.gov |
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