Do I need a visa to travel to Bolivia?
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Loading... - Elijah Hughes
- 28 Feb 2022
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Deciding to visit is easy, but 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 applying 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 on arrival at any of Bolivia's international airports or land border crossings.
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. You can find a full list on the website of the Bolivian immigration department.
Citizens of the US (and some other countries) need to apply for a visa
Citizens of the US need a pricey 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. In theory, these visas are available on arrival, and can be paid for in either US dollars or bolivianos (the Bolivian currency), but some airlines will refuse to let you board your flight unless you already have a tourist visa.
It’s always advisable to get a visa in advance. You can apply online via the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or at the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC (or via your local Bolivian embassy or consulate).
Travelers from China, India and Taiwan have to pay for a 30-day visa on arrival in Bolivia (US$30), while citizens of some Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries need to get ‘official permission’ from Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling. Contact your local Bolivian embassy or consulate for more information.
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. Visitors under the age of 18 traveling without their parents will need written parental consent authorized by their local Bolivian embassy or consulate.
You may also be asked to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Bolivia – showing a credit or debit card will normally suffice. 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 traveling in Bolivia. The safest policy is to carry photocopies, rather than the originals – petty theft is common, and losing your passport will open up a whole world of hassle.
The exception to this rule is when you’re passing close to any of Bolivia's land borders. The authorities are skittish about illegal border crossings and you should keep your real passport and visa on your person at all times, even if you’re not actually crossing over into a neighboring country. Read More…
