Obtaining A Bolivian Visa: Airport Availability?

Bolivia's visa policy depends on the traveller's nationality. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. Citizens of countries in Group 1 can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. Group 2 citizens must obtain a visa before arrival, either at a Bolivian embassy or on arrival at the airport, for a fee. Group 3 citizens must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply at a Bolivian embassy.

Visa-free entry for some nationalities

The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on one's nationality and the type of passport they hold. The Bolivian government has classified countries into three groups, each with different entry requirements.

Group 1 countries:

Citizens from Group 1 countries can enter Bolivia without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days or 90 days per calendar year. This group includes all European Union member states, except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Romania, which are classified as Group 2 countries. Additionally, citizens from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most of South America can enter visa-free.

Group 2 countries:

Nationals from Group 2 countries must obtain a visa prior to entry, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate free of charge or upon arrival at the border for a fee. This group includes the United States, which was moved from Group 1 to Group 2 in February 2021. Obtaining a visa at the border costs $95 USD, while getting it from an embassy in advance is free.

Group 3 countries:

Citizens from Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance directly at a Bolivian embassy, and the visa costs $30 USD. Nationals of Iran can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports, but they must pay a $30 USD fee. Similarly, Chinese and Taiwanese nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for 90 days, but they also have to pay the $30 USD fee.

It is important to note that visa requirements can change, and individuals should always check with their local Bolivian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, all visitors to Bolivia must have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining and may be required to provide proof of lodging, round-trip tickets or onward travel plans, and sufficient funds for their stay.

Group 1 countries

The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country in Group 1, you do not need to obtain a visa before entering Bolivia. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet.

Firstly, your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry. Additionally, you must present a valid immigration card along with your passport. It is important to note that if you are entering Bolivia from Peru, you must use the same passport that was used to enter Peru.

Citizens from Group 1 countries can stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days and can extend their stay for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa from one of the Bolivian Embassies or Consulates abroad.

• All European Union member states
• USA
• Australia
• UK
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Brazil
• Russia
• Israel

Citizens of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Romania within the EU must obtain a visa.

Russian passport holders can stay in Bolivia without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period.

Please note that US citizens were moved to Group 2 in February 2021, so they now need to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia.

Group 2 countries

The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality stated on the passport under which you will be travelling. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups, each with different requirements for entry.

If you are applying for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, you will need to:

• Find the nearest embassy or consulate of Bolivia.
• Contact them to learn about their application requirements, whether you need to make an appointment, and how to submit your application.
• Complete the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application), which is accessible online. You will need to attach electronic copies of the following documents: a passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm), proof of accommodation in Bolivia, an invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable), a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, and any other required documents.
• Print out the confirmation page (which is downloaded as a PDF) and then sign it.
• Collect the required documents for a Bolivian visa.
• Pay the Bolivia visa fee, as per the requirements of the embassy or consulate. In some cases, you may not have to pay a visa fee at all if you are applying before your trip.
• Submit the documents at the embassy or consulate during opening hours or on the date of your appointment. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may also be able to submit the documents by mail.
• Wait 10-15 working days for the visa to be processed. Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified.
• Receive your visa. If you applied in person, you may have to go to the embassy or consulate yourself to receive your visa. If you applied by mail, the documents can be mailed back to you.

If you are applying for a visa on arrival, you will need to have all the required documents for a visa with you, and you must have the necessary cash (in US dollars) to pay the Bolivia visa on arrival fee. The bills for the visa fee must be in good condition, as visa officers may refuse to accept old, torn, or marked notes.

Nationals of the following countries are included in Group 2:

• Central African Republic
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• United Arab Emirates

Group 3 countries

Bolivia has distinct visa policies based on three groups of countries. While Group 1 countries enjoy visa-free entry, Group 2 can obtain a visa on arrival or at an embassy, and Group 3 countries must apply for a visa at an embassy and require special authorization.

The countries that fall under Group 3 are:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Israel
• United States

It is important to note that Bolivian authorities may change the rules and prerequisites at their discretion. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your local Bolivian consulate or embassy for up-to-date advice on requirements, processing times, and fees.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. The visa can be purchased at any land or air border, or in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. It is valid for 10 years.

It is recommended that you get a visa in advance, as some airlines will refuse to let you board without one. You can apply online via the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, or at the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC.

Be aware that the visa process can be inconsistent and vary depending on where you enter Bolivia. It is critical to research your visa requirements in advance.

In addition to the visa, you must have:

• A valid US passport with at least six months' 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 a Bolivian resident, you may need a letter of invitation from the host
• Completed the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia

Frequently asked questions