Hospitals of Hope - Volunteer/Mission Opportunities

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL WITH HOH

Passports

A current passport is required to enter Bolivia. If you do not have one and are a US citizen you may get the application at most US Postal Service locations. *Please note that it usually takes longer than 6 weeks to get your passport unless you pay a rush fee, so please plan ahead and get your application in early. Passports cost in the US. Hospitals of Hope will need to receive a photocopy of your passport before you leave to keep on record. It is wise to leave a photocopy of your passport with your family and also to carry one with you as well (primarily for safety in case your original gets lost or stolen).

Visas

Bolivia has recently changed its visa requirements for US citizens. Please contact us for more information on applying for your visa or visit the Forms page.

"Effective December 1, 2007, U.S. citizens seeking to enter Bolivia as tourists must have an entry visa. Bolivian tourist visas can be applied for by mail or in person at Bolivian consulates in the U.S., as well as at Bolivian ports of entry, such as at Bolivia’s international airports and at land border crossings. Bolivian tourist visas are valid for five years from the date of issuance and allow the bearer to enter the country three times in a year for a cumulative stay of not more than ninety days. The cost of the tourist visa is $ 100 U.S. dollars. The $ 100 fee can be paid in cash, by deposit to the Bolivian Consulate’s bank account or by money order. Tourists applying for their visa upon arrival to Bolivia must pay this fee in cash to immigration authorities. In addition to the 0 fee, the applicant must present a visa application form with a 4x4 color photograph, a passport with a validity of not less than 6 months, evidence of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation in Spanish, proof of economic solvency (credit card, cash or a current bank statement), and an International Vaccination Certificate for yellow fever.

Please visit the Embassy of Bolivia web site at http://www.bolivia-usa.org for details on how to apply or contact the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. Bolivian consulates in the United States are located in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Oklahoma City, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC." from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1069.html

If you are staying for more than 90 days, HOH will need to make special arrangements for you to get your visa renewed for an additional 90 days. This can happen up to two times. There will be an additional cost for a renewed visa. Please anticipate spending approximately each time this is necessary. If you are staying for more than 9 months, special arrangements will need to be made to go to LaPaz for to get a 1 year visa.

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are required by Hospitals of Hope in Bolivia:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Good for life once series is completed (series of two shots; 1st shot must be taken a minimum of 4 weeks prior to departure)
• Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), stay >6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment. Good for life once series is completed (series of three shots; 1st shot must be taken a minimum of 6 weeks before departure)
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region. one shot good for two years
• Yellow fever vaccination - required for visa. one shot good for ten years

As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles. (CDC Web Site 2-1-08)

One that is often suggested but is only required in the jungle regions of Bolivia (which we will not be traveling to unless you make special arrangements outside of your regularly scheduled trip) is:

• Malaria – NOT NECESSARY

If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Also see: www.cdc.gov
Please note that your insurance company may cover these shots.

Travel Insurance

All participants on Hospitals of Hope mission trips are required to purchase traveler’s insurance. Traveler’s insurance usually covers the following:

Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage Insurance, Disability, Some medical coverage, etc.

Medical Evacuation is necessary only when a medical emergency is urgent enough that a person needs to be flown from the region where they’re serving back to their home country for better medical care. These circumstances are extremely rare, but the cost is overwhelming without insurance and therefore it is a requirement for all HOH personnel and volunteers.

Hospitals of Hope recognizes that there are many policies available. You are not required to purchase insurance from the company we’ve suggested here as long as proof of coverage is supplied.We recommend Adams & Associates Volunteer Missionary Travel Insurance.

Adams & Associates International
PO Box 5845
Columbia, SC 29250-5845
Tel: 803-758-1400
800-922-8438
Fax: 803-252-1988
https://www.aaintl.com/client_app/login.cfm

User Name:  hospitals
Password: hoh 

Once you have logged in, click on the "International Volunteer Program" link.  On the ensuing page, click on the "Travel Insurance Enrollment" link -- this will take you to the enrollment form.  You will have the option of paying online with a credit card, or just mailing a check after submitting the enrollment.