Bolivia: Documentation required and procedures to be followed by a parent wishing to travel abroad with a minor child in the absence, or without the consent, of the second parent (2001-2009)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa |
| Publication Date | 17 December 2009 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BOL103333.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Bolivia: Documentation required and procedures to be followed by a parent wishing to travel abroad with a minor child in the absence, or without the consent, of the second parent (2001-2009), 17 December 2009, BOL103333.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4b7cee78c.html [accessed 10 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) of Bolivia, the following documents are required to apply for a passport for a minor child (under age 18 years): a valid identity card and two photocopies, a certified birth certificate or two photocopies; one of them must be certified, and a photocopy of the mother's, father's or legal guardian's identity card (Bolivia n.d.). In addition, if the minor child travels alone, a travel permit issued by the Court of Childhood and Adolescence (Juzgado de Partido de la Niñez y Adolescencia) must also be submitted (ibid.; Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano n.d.). In correspondence dated 4 December 2009, an official of the Embassy of the Republic of Bolivia in Ottawa indicated that the information provided by the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia is up-to-date. In the case of orphans or adopted children, the guardians or the institution responsible for them must obtain authorization to travel from a Judge of Childhood and Adolescence (Juez de la Niñez y Adolescencia) (Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano n.d.).
Article 169 (travel) of the Law 2026 – Bolivian Children's and Adolescents' Code (Ley No 2026 – Ley del Código del Niño, Niña y Adolescente), states that travel outside the country must be authorized by a Judge of Childhood and Adolescence, in the following cases:
[translation]
1. When the child or adolescent travels with only one parent, in which case the express authorization of the other is required. In the absence of the other parent who must provide the authorization, the Judge shall demand the guarantee of two persons who reside in the place where the request is submitted;
2. When the child or adolescent travels without his [or her] parents, the authorization of both is required. In the absence of one of the parents, the procedure indicated in the above paragraph shall be followed;
3. In case of travel with both parents no authorization is required; the presentation of the identity documents of both parents and of the child or adolescent is sufficient. (Bolivia 27 Oct. 1999)
In the correspondence of 4 December 2009, the Official of the Embassy of the Republic of Bolivia indicated that article 169 of the Law 2026 – Bolivian Children's and Adolescents' Code of 27 October 1999 is still in effect.
Bolivia has not ratified the Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (HCCH 26 Aug. 2009)
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Bolivia. 4 December 2009. Embassy of the Republic of Bolivia in Ottawa. Correspondence from an official.
_____. 27 October 1999. Ley No 2026 – Ley del Código del Niño, Niña y Adolescente.
_____. N.d. Servicio Nacional de Migación. "Normas Vigentes en Materia Migratoria y Consular." (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).
Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). 26 August 2009. "Status table - 28: Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction."
Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano. N.d. "Requerimientos para viajar – Menores."
