According to the Embassy of Bolivia in Ottawa, the procedures for obtaining a passport and for emigration are the same (24 Feb. 1994). An applicant must present a fiscal document showing that he/she does not owe money to the state (ibid.). Moreover, applicants must produce a "certificate of identity" and a certificate of birth (ibid.). A prospective emigrant could travel on either a Bolivian passport or a travel document issued by another country (ibid.). The DIRB is seeking a written confirmation from the Bolivian Foreign Affairs Ministry and this information will be forwarded to you when received.

According to the Travel Information Manual, an exit permit, obtainable from the Dirección General de Extranjeria in La Paz, is required for nationals of Bolivia leaving the country (Feb. 1994, 58). According to the Country Reports 1992, the Bolivian government "does not impede emigration and guarantees departing citizens the right to return" (1993, 341). Article 7(g) of the Bolivian constitution also guarantees the right to leave and/or return (Hannum 1987, 139).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. US Department of State. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Embassy of Bolivia, Ottawa. 24 February 1994. Telephone interview with a representative.

Hannum, Hurst. 1987. The Right to Leave and Return in International Law and Practice. Dordrecht: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.

Travel Information Manual. February 1994. Hoofddorp, The Netherlands: International Aviation and Transportation Association (IATA).

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. US Department of State. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Hannum, Hurst. 1987. The Right to Leave and Return in International Law and Practice. Dordrecht: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.

Travel Information Manual. February 1994. Hoofddorp, The Netherlands: International Aviation and Transportation Association (IATA).