Us Citizens: Exploring Bolivia Visa-Free

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian embassy or consulate in the US, or at the border. A visa costs $160 and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend for up to 90 days per year. It is also possible to obtain a visa that is valid for 10 years. To enter Bolivia, a US citizen must have a valid passport, proof of a round-trip ticket, and proof of lodging.

Visa requirements

US citizens travelling to Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. The visa can be obtained in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country, or upon entry at any land or air border. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year, and costs $160 US.

US citizens must present the following when applying for a visa:

• A valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required
• A completed Visa Affidavit form
• A 2" x 2" passport-size photograph
• A copy of the hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where the visitor will be staying, a sketch of the address, and invoices of the last three months of basic services (water, electricity, telephone) in the applicant's name
• A bank statement demonstrating economic solvency. In the case of minors, the requirement of economic solvency will be demonstrated by the parents or guardians
• A photocopy of the passport biographic page (if purchasing a visa at the airport)

It is also recommended that travellers make copies of their passport and carry these with them during their trip, keeping the original document locked in a hotel safe.

Entry documents

US citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be obtained in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or on arrival at any land or air border. The visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year, and costs $160.

To obtain a visa, you will need:

• A valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• A completed Visa Affidavit form.
• A 2"x2" passport-sized photograph.
• A copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host, including the address and a sketch of the address. You will also need to provide invoices of the last three months of basic services (water, electricity, telephone) in your name, a contract of current rent, or other related documents.
• A bank statement demonstrating economic solvency.
• A photocopy of your passport biographic page.

It is recommended that you make two copies of all travel documents in case of emergency and leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative. You should also carry your original passport with you and keep it locked away in a hotel safe when not in use.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa for Bolivia depends on several factors, including your nationality, where you are obtaining the visa, and whether you are applying for a visa extension.

Nationality

The Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups, each with different visa requirements. Citizens of Group 1 countries, including the USA, can enter Bolivia without a visa for 90 days. However, they may have to pay an exit fee of around $25 when they leave. Citizens of Group 2 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, which costs 95, or they can apply for a visa at a consulate beforehand for free. Citizens of Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian consulate and pay a fee of $30.

Where to Obtain the Visa

It is generally cheaper to obtain a visa at a Bolivian consulate than on arrival at a Bolivian border or airport. A visa on arrival for Bolivia would normally cost more than a visa obtained from a consulate. In some cases, a visa that is free when obtained from a consulate may require a fee if obtained on arrival.

Visa Extensions

US citizens can apply to extend their initial 30-day stay in Bolivia through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service). The extension is free of cost for citizens of Group 1 countries. However, citizens of Group 2 and Group 3 countries will have to pay a fee for the extension, in addition to providing proof of financial solvency, hotel reservations, and flight tickets.

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Typhoid

The typhoid vaccine is administered via a shot or an oral vaccine. The shot lasts for 2 years, while the oral vaccine lasts for 5 years. The oral vaccine must be kept in the refrigerator and the recipient must be able to swallow pills.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is recommended for most travellers. It is spread by consuming contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Polio

Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever. It is recommended for all travellers over 9 months travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya vaccination is recommended if travelling to regions under 10,000 feet.

Rabies

Rabies vaccination is recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is recommended for travellers to most regions.

Influenza

The influenza vaccine components change annually.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.

Pneumonia

The pneumonia vaccine is given as two separate vaccines. All travellers aged 65+ or who are immunocompromised should receive both.

Meningitis

The meningitis vaccine is given to anyone unvaccinated or at increased risk, especially students.

Chickenpox

The chickenpox vaccine is given to those unvaccinated individuals who did not have chickenpox.

Shingles

The shingles vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)

Only one adult booster of pertussis is required.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine is given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One adult booster is recommended.

Travel advisories

The US Department of State advises US citizens travelling to Bolivia to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and crime. Some areas, such as the Chapare region, have an increased risk of violent crime, and pro-coca groups may target US interests. The US government's ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in this region is limited.

Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time and may result in violence. They can also disrupt traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services, leading to delays or unexpected cancellations of domestic and international flights. It is recommended to monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly.

To enhance safety and make it easier to be located in an emergency, US citizens should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and follow the Department of State on social media. It is also advised to review the Country Security Report and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to have the necessary visas and documentation. All US citizens are required to obtain a visa, which can be purchased at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or a neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service) for a maximum of 90 days per year. The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 US, payable in US or local currency upon arrival.

In addition to the visa, visitors must provide proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia, as well as proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation. If staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required. It is also mandatory to have a valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining and an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.

For US-Bolivian citizens, a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad, may be required upon entering or exiting Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions