Entry Requirements for Traveling to Bolivia

With its sensational national parks, beguiling cities, rich Indigenous culture, and dramatic landscapes – ranging from towering Andean mountains and high-altitude lakes to shimmering salt flats and dense Amazonian rainforests – Bolivia is a magnet for travelers from across the globe.

Deciding to visit is easy; however, the logistics of getting into the country can be a little trickier. Here’s our handy guide to the entry requirements for Bolivia, including information on tourist visas, how to extend your stay, and how to apply to work or study in the country.

Which Nationalities Need a Visa for Bolivia?

Here’s the good news – Bolivia’s entry requirements are simple and pain-free for most visitors. Many nationalities don’t require a tourist visa; instead, you’ll get a free entry stamp valid for a 30-day stay upon arrival at any of Bolivia’s international airports or land border crossings. However, US citizens are required to apply for a visa.

The list of countries granted visa-free entry includes the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America. For more detailed information, consult your local embassy or consulate.

Citizens of the US and Some Other Countries Need to Apply for a Visa

Citizens of the US need a costly tourist visa to visit Bolivia. Visas cost US$160, but they allow holders to stay for up to 90 days per year, and they’re valid for 10 years. Although these visas are theoretically available on arrival and may be paid for in US dollars or bolivianos (the Bolivian currency), several airlines could deny boarding if you don’t already have a tourist visa.

It’s always advisable to obtain a visa in advance. You can apply online through the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or at your local Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Likewise, travelers from China, India, and Taiwan must pay for a 30-day visa on arrival in Bolivia (up to US$160), while citizens of some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries need to get “official permission” from Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to traveling.

Additional Regulations for Entering Bolivia

Whether you require a tourist visa or not, your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry into Bolivia. Moreover, visitors under the age of 18 traveling without their parents will require written parental consent authorized by their local Bolivian embassy or consulate.

You may also be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Bolivia – typically, showing a credit or debit card will be sufficient. It is advisable to avoid displaying any cash, as this could prompt a request for a bribe.

Carry Your Identity Documents While in Bolivia

Officially, travelers should carry their passport and tourist visa with them at all times while in Bolivia. The safest policy is to carry photocopies rather than the originals – petty theft is common, and losing your passport can lead to significant hassle.

However, when passing near any of Bolivia’s land borders, it is crucial to keep your real passport and visa on your person at all times, even if you’re not crossing into a neighboring country.

Health Restrictions for Bolivia

If you are traveling into Bolivia from a country with endemic yellow fever – such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru – you may need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. You may also be requested to provide this certificate when traveling to areas of Bolivia that are below 2500m (8200ft) in altitude, including the Amazon Basin.

Watch Out for “Administration Fees” at Land Borders

Officials at remote border crossings may request an unofficial “administration fee” – essentially a small bribe – to process your entry into the country. There’s no legal basis for this, but it’s often challenging to avoid. In general, the easiest policy is to pay the “fee” and proceed.

How to Extend Your Stay in Bolivia

If you wish to stay in Bolivia for longer than the standard 30 days, simply visit the immigration office in the nearest large city at least a week before your current stamp expires.

You can extend your entry stamp for an additional 30-60 days for free by visiting the office in person, but travelers are permitted to stay in Bolivia for a maximum of 90 days in a given year.

Avoid overstaying – if you do, you may face a fine at the airport, border crossing, or immigration office, leading to significant bureaucratic challenges. Additionally, you may be barred from re-entry in the future.

Working and Studying in Bolivia

If you intend to work or study in Bolivia, you must apply for a special class of visa and meet a variety of criteria. The application process typically requires support from an employer or educational institution in Bolivia. For more information on how to make an application, consult your local Bolivian embassy or consulate.

This article was first published Feb 26, 2022, and updated Dec 20, 2023.