Bolivia's Border Status: Open Or Closed?

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. The country has been landlocked since it lost its Pacific coast territory to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). Bolivia's borders are open, and the country can be accessed by land, air, or water. However, there are some important considerations for travellers wishing to enter Bolivia.

Bolivia's borders with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America. Bolivia borders five countries: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia's border with Brazil is the longest, at approximately 2,127 miles, followed by the border with Peru, which is about 668 miles long.

Bolivia-Brazil Border

Bolivia shares its northeastern and eastern borders with Brazil, with the border stretching for about 3,423 kilometers. This border is primarily defined by the Amazon River, which flows through the tropical rainforests in both countries. The border region is known for its biodiversity, as it is part of the Amazon rainforest. The eastern border serves as a significant transportation route, connecting Bolivia to the Brazilian cities of Corumbá and Porto Quijarro and facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Bolivia-Paraguay Border

The Bolivia-Paraguay border is located on the southeastern part of Bolivia and runs through the lowlands of the Chaco region. The border with Paraguay is relatively short, spanning about 750 kilometers. This region is characterized by dry forests and grasslands. Bolivia and Paraguay have had conflicts in the past, including the Chaco War between 1932 and 1935, which was fought over the oil-rich Gran Chaco area.

Bolivia-Argentina Border

Bolivia shares a southern border with Argentina, with the border stretching for around 82 kilometers. This border is primarily formed by the Pilcomayo River, which acts as a natural divider between the two countries. Bolivia and Argentina have maintained amicable relations, with close economic and cultural ties. Bolivia exported goods and services worth $708 million to Argentina in 2016, and millions of Bolivian citizens live and work in Argentina. There are three official border stations along the Bolivia-Argentina border.

Bolivia-Chile Border

Bolivia's southwestern border is shared with Chile, with the boundary defined by the Andean Mountains, including the Bolivian Altiplano. This border region offers breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and volcanoes. Bolivia and Chile have had difficult relations since their independence from Spain, as both countries fought for land along the Pacific coast. As a result of the War of the Pacific, Chile secured a significant part of Bolivia's Pacific coast, leaving Bolivia landlocked. Bolivia's attempts to regain its coastline have been unsuccessful, with the International Court of Justice ruling in favor of Chile.

Bolivia-Peru Border

Bolivia's northwestern border is shared with Peru, and it is approximately 668 miles long. The two countries share South America's second-largest lake, Lake Titicaca. There are border stations along the Bolivia-Peru border where customs officials check travelers' documents before allowing entry. In recent years, Peru has supported Bolivia's efforts to gain access to the Pacific coast, signing an agreement in 2010 that gave Bolivia a piece of land along the Peruvian coast.

Overall, Bolivia's borders play a crucial role in shaping the country's economy, culture, and geopolitical dynamics. The border regions offer diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and opportunities for cross-border exchange, contributing to Bolivia's rich cultural heritage and connectivity with the rest of South America.

The visa requirements for entering Bolivia

In theory, these visas are available on arrival and can be paid for in either US dollars or bolivianos. However, some airlines will refuse to let you board your flight unless you already have a tourist visa. It is 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).

Citizens of the following countries are granted visa-free entry: the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America.

Citizens of China, India, and Taiwan have to pay for a 30-day visa on arrival in Bolivia (up to $160 USD). Meanwhile, citizens of some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries need to get "official permission" from Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

Regardless of whether you require a tourist visa, your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry into Bolivia. Visitors under the age of 18 travelling without their parents will need 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. It is recommended that you show a credit or debit card, rather than displaying any cash, as this could prompt a request for a bribe.

When in Bolivia, you should carry photocopies of your passport and tourist visa at all times. The exception to this rule is when you're passing close to any of Bolivia's land borders. In this case, you should keep your real passport and visa on your person at all times.

The history of Bolivia's borders

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia shares Lake Titicaca, the second-largest lake in South America, with Peru.

Bolivia has a rich history, and much of its land has been disputed since ancient times. The country was once the centre of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire, and from the 15th to the early 16th century, it was a part of the Inca empire. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, Bolivia was subsumed within the Viceroyalty of Peru, and it provided Spain with immense wealth in silver.

In the 19th century, Bolivia was involved in a border dispute with Chile for control of the Atacama Coast, which was rich in natural resources. The dispute eventually led to the War of the Pacific (1879-1884), in which Bolivia lost its Pacific coast territory, becoming landlocked. This war significantly shaped Bolivia's modern borders, and the country has since lost over half of its territory to neighbouring countries.

Bolivia gained independence from Spain in 1825 and was named after the independence fighter Simón Bolívar. Since then, the country has experienced a series of coups and political unrest, with democratic civilian rule established in 1982. Bolivia's modern borders have been influenced by historical events, territorial disputes, and international treaties, shaping the country's relations with its neighbours.

The process of crossing the Bolivia-Brazil border

Day 1: La Paz to Santa Cruz, Bolivia

From La Paz, you can take a bus to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The bus journey takes approximately 18-20 hours, and the bus station in La Paz is located in Plaza Antofagasta. The cost of the bus varies depending on the class of seat you choose.

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro, Bolivia

Upon arriving in Santa Cruz, you will need to take a bus or train to Puerto Quijarro, the town closest to the Bolivian border. The journey takes about 18-22 hours by bus. It is recommended to spend the night in Puerto Quijarro as the border is only open during the day.

Day 3: Border Crossing

On the third day, you will cross the border between Bolivia and Brazil. Take a taxi or shared ride to the border, which should take around 20 minutes from Puerto Quijarro. The immigration office has specific opening hours, so it is best to arrive early, preferably before 9:00 AM, to avoid long lines. Get your exit stamp from the Bolivian side and then walk a short distance to the Brazilian side to get your entry stamp. The process can take several hours, so be prepared for a wait.

After getting your entry stamp, you will be in the Brazilian town of Corumba. From Corumba, you can take a bus or taxi to the nearest city, Campo Grande. Campo Grande is a major transport hub, and you can find connections to other parts of Brazil.

Crossing the Bolivia-Brazil border can be a tiring and time-consuming process, but it is possible to do so without flying. The journey typically takes multiple days and involves long bus or train rides. It is essential to plan your trip, carry the necessary travel documents, and be prepared for potential delays at the border.

The US-Bolivia relationship

Bolivia–United States relations were established in 1837 with the first ambassadorial visit from the United States to the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. The Confederation dissolved in 1839, and bilateral relations did not occur until 1848 when the United States recognized Bolivia as a sovereign state.

The United States has been a long-standing consumer of Bolivian exports and a partner in development projects. In 1991, the United States forgave more than $350 million owed by Bolivia to the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The United States also leads an international contingent pressuring Bolivia to curb its illegal drug trade.

The election of Evo Morales as president in 2006 caused fresh tensions. Morales' platform includes programs to return land and power to the Aymara people of Bolivia, to nationalize key industries, and to legalize the use of coca, a traditional Aymara medicine. Morales has been publicly critical of U.S. policies and has accused the country of aiding coup attempts in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador. In July 2013, relations between the two countries deteriorated further when Morales' plane, returning from Russia, landed in Austria after several European countries closed their airspace to his plane due to unsubstantiated rumors that U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden was on board. Morales said the United States pressured European countries to prevent his passage home and threatened to close the U.S. Embassy in La Paz.

In May 2013, the Bolivian government expelled the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been operating in Bolivia since 1964. The United States government deeply regrets this decision, denying the baseless allegations made by the Bolivian government. USAID programs are implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and the Bolivian government, and are designed to address key issues such as poverty and the social exclusion of historically disadvantaged populations.

In November 2019, after accusations of fraud in the general election, Evo Morales resigned as President and Senator Jeanine Áñez took power. Áñez improved relations with the United States, naming a temporary ambassador to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. However, relations worsened again after the victory of socialist candidate Luis Arce in the October 2020 general election. When Áñez and several of her cabinet ministers were arrested in March 2021 and charged with criminal offenses, the United States Secretary of State called for their release, and the Arce administration stated that the United States was interfering in Bolivia's internal affairs.

Frequently asked questions