Requirements for travelling to Spain from Bolivia (Schengen visa)

Spain is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and even the world, especially by Latin American populations with which it shares a language. In addition to iconic cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, Spain also boasts large mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, where you can practice snow sports for several months each year. We must not forget its archipelagos: the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands are highly appreciated by tourists from all over the world and throughout the year due to their pleasant climate. And honestly, we are not surprised, its dream beaches will leave you in awe.

In today's article, we want to focus on the requirements to travel to Spain from Bolivia. Do you need a visa to go to Spain? Are you required to purchase travel insurance? Below, we answer all your questions regarding the requirements to travel to Spain.

• How to travel to Europe from Bolivia
• What is the Schengen Area?
• Schengen Visa
• The European Union
• Does everyone need a Schengen visa?
• How much does a Schengen visa cost?
• How to apply for a visa to travel to Spain from Bolivia?
• What documents do I need?
• How far in advance should I apply for it?
• How can AXA help me?

How to travel to Europe from Bolivia?

First of all, to make everything clear, it is important to define certain concepts. Can you explain what the Schengen Area is? And the European Union? At AXA Schengen, we understand that all of this can be a bit confusing, so let's define these concepts.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is an association of 27 European countries. It was formed in the summer of 1985 with the goal of gradually eliminating border controls, thereby fostering the movement of goods, people, and capital. Here is the list of the 27 members of the Schengen Area:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Norway
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Schengen Visa

It is important to explain this because these 27 countries have agreed to adopt a common visa policy. This is what is known as the Schengen visa. So, with a Schengen visa, you can visit any of these 27 countries. The most common Schengen visa is the Type C visa (short-stay visa) that allows you to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. It is very important to understand that this visa does not allow you to work or study in Spain.

The European Union

On the other hand, there is the European Union. Most of the European Union states are also part of the Schengen Area, but there are 4 exceptions: Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. That means you cannot visit these countries with a Schengen visa. If you want to go to one of these 4 countries, you will have to apply for a different visa through their national authorities. The United Kingdom, which does not belong to either the Schengen Area or the European Union, is another exception: if you want to visit the UK, you will also need to apply for a separate visa.

Does everyone need a Schengen visa to go to Europe?

The answer is no. Not everyone needs a Schengen visa.
Clearly, citizens of the Schengen Area member countries do not need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area, and there are two possible options:

• Foreigners who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. This is the case for citizens of countries like Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, or the United States (among others). These countries have agreements with Schengen authorities and are exempt from applying for a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. But beware! It is essential to know that starting in 2024, citizens of these countries will need to present the ETIAS form
• Foreigners who do need to apply for a Schengen visa with the European authorities. This is the case for citizens of countries like Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, China, or Morocco (among others). Therefore, yes, we can confirm that applying for a Schengen visa is a requirement to travel to Spain from Bolivia (visa).

• Foreigners who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. This includes citizens from countries like Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, or the United States (among others). These are some examples of countries that have reached an agreement with the Schengen authorities and, as a result, are exempt from applying for a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. But be aware! It is important to know that, starting in 2024, citizens from these countries will need to submit the ETIAS form
• Foreigners who do need to apply for a Schengen visa before European authorities. This is the case for citizens from countries like Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, China, or Morocco (among others). Therefore, we can confirm that applying for a Schengen visa is a requirement to travel to Spain from Bolivia (visa).

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The Schengen visa costs €80 for anyone over 12 years old, €40 for children between 6 and 12 years old, and it is free for children under 6 years old.

How to apply for a visa to travel to Spain from Bolivia?

If you're wondering how to get a Schengen visa in Bolivia, you should know that the Spanish authorities have delegated visa processing services to an agency called BLS International. This agency has two offices in Bolivia and each one handles specific jurisdictions. You must apply in person at the visa center. It is prohibited for third parties to submit an application. In the case of minors, they must be accompanied by the adult who holds parental responsibility or legal guardianship over them.

If you are only visiting Spain, you must apply for your visa with the Spanish authorities. If you are visiting other Schengen countries then you must submit your application to the authorities of the country where you will spend the most time.

The BLS España VAC La Paz office handles applications from citizens living in the jurisdictions of:

• La Paz
• Cochabamba
• Sucre
• Oruro
• Potosí

On the other hand, the BLS España VAC Santa Cruz office manages the jurisdictions of:

• Santa Cruz
• Beni
• Pando
• Tarija

If the appointment is requested at the wrong office, the application will not be accepted.

What documents do I need for the application?

As for the documentation, here are the requirements to travel to Spain from Bolivia:

• Schengen visa application form
• A passport-size photograph
• Schengen travel insurance
• Proof of financial means. (This may vary by country. In the case of Spain, the minimum amount required is €108 per person per day. Regardless of the number of days of stay, a minimum of €972 will be required).
• Valid passport (The validity must exceed 3 months from the departure date of the country).
• Proof of the purpose of the trip
• Proof of residence in the jurisdiction
• Proof of accommodation (hotel or vacation rental booking, letter from the family member or friend you are staying with).
• Round-trip ticket

How far in advance should I apply for a Schengen visa?

The application should be submitted between 6 months and 15 days before the planned travel date.

So, is it mandatory to have travel insurance to go to Spain?
The answer is YES. One of the mandatory requirements to travel to Spain from Bolivia is having medical travel insurance. Moreover, this insurance must meet the following requirements:

• The insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000€
• It must be valid in all Schengen member countries.
• Covers medical repatriation for medical reasons
• Emergency medical assistance
• It must be valid for the entire trip
• It must be approved by all embassies or consulates of all member countries.

How can AXA help me with all of this?

The travel insurance for the Schengen visa from AXA meets all the requirements set by the Schengen authorities. Furthermore, to make your life easier, we have designed 3 different policies that suit both your travel style and your budget. Take a look at the conditions in the following table:

At AXA Schengen, we hope that after reading this article, you have a clearer idea of the requirements to apply for a visa to Spain from Bolivia. We wish you a great trip to the old continent!

Other articles that might interest you

• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Colombia?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Mexico?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Ecuador?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Peru?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Bolivia?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from the United States?
• What travel insurance do I need to travel to the Schengen area from Chile?

FAQ Travel to Spain from Bolivia

What is the Schengen visa for Bolivians?

The Schengen visa for Bolivians allows travel to the 27 countries in the Schengen area. This visa must be requested from the authorities of the country that is the main destination of the trip. If your plan is to travel to several Schengen countries and none of them is the main destination, you should apply for the visa at the country where you will travel first.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Europe?

AXA's policies include a 24-hour emergency assistance service in case of medical emergencies - available seven days a week - which will connect you with local experts who will guide you step-by-step to resolve any situation and direct you to the nearest medical center.

Additionally, the emergency number in Europe is 112.

When is the cheapest time to travel to Europe?

The low season in Europe is between November and March. However, prices may increase during the Christmas holidays.