Lyla Lindsey
If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to know the entry requirements, especially when it comes to your passport. The requirements for entry to Bolivia vary depending on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. Here's what you need to know:
Firstly, ensure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Bolivia. Most countries' citizens will need a valid passport with this minimum validity period. Additionally, make sure you have at least one blank page available for stamps.
For some nationalities, such as Australian, British, Canadian, and most EU citizens, no visa is required for tourist visits of up to 30 days, which can be extended twice for additional 30-day periods without charge. However, US citizens and citizens of some other countries do require a visa, which can be obtained in advance or on entry, usually at a cost. It's recommended to check with your local Bolivian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and to avoid potential issues or fines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | Must have at least 6 months validity remaining |
| Proof of accommodation | Required |
| Entry stamp | Required, otherwise a fine will be imposed when leaving |
| Exit stamp | Required, especially when crossing a land border |
| Visa | Required for US citizens, can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or neighbouring country, or at any land or air border |
| Visa cost | $160 US |
| Visa validity | 10 years |
| Visa duration | 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year |
| Proof of onward travel | Required |
| Proof of funds | Required |
| International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination | Required |
| Registration with Bolivian migration authorities | Required, otherwise a fine will be imposed when leaving |
What You'll Learn
What documents do I need to enter Bolivia?
To enter Bolivia, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the date of entry into Bolivia. Visitors under the age of 18 travelling without their parents will need written parental consent authorised by their local Bolivian embassy or consulate.
Citizens of the US need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. Visas cost $160, are valid for up to 90 days per year, and are valid for 10 years. The visa can be obtained on arrival at any land or air border, but some airlines will refuse boarding to anyone without a visa. It is therefore advisable to obtain a visa in advance by applying 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 UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America do not require a tourist visa and will get a free 30-day entry stamp on arrival. This can be extended to 90 days per year for free.
All visitors to Bolivia must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
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.
You must register your accommodation or hotel address online with the Bolivian migration authorities.
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How long can I stay in Bolivia?
The length of time you can stay in Bolivia depends on the type of visa you hold. Most nationalities don't require a tourist visa and are granted a free entry stamp valid for an initial 30-day stay upon arrival. This can be extended by an additional 60 days (for a total of 90 days) at any Immigration office in Bolivia. US citizens, on the other hand, are required to obtain a visa and can stay for up to 90 days per year.
The Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 USD and can be paid in US dollars or local currency upon arrival. It is valid for 10 years and can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighboring country. It can also be purchased at any land or air border, although some airlines may refuse boarding to those without a visa.
To extend your stay beyond the standard 30 days, visit the immigration office in person at least a week before your visa expires. You can extend your entry stamp for an additional 30-60 days for free, but the maximum time allowed in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days. Overstaying your visa will result in a fine and may lead to future re-entry barriers.
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What happens if I overstay in Bolivia?
If you overstay your visa in Bolivia, you will face a fine at the airport, border crossing, or immigration office. The fine is calculated at 12 UFV per day, which is an accounting unit called an "unidad de fomento de la vivienda" that is designed to make payable amounts independent of inflation. At the time of writing, this amounts to around 20-26 bolivianos per day, or 3.34 euros (3.70 US dollars) per day. The fine is calculated from the date of expiry of your visa until the date you exit the country.
In addition to the fine, you may face a mountain of bureaucracy, and there is a possibility that you may be barred from re-entering Bolivia in the future.
It is important to note that overstaying your visa can have serious consequences and is not recommended. Always check the latest official guidelines and consult with the appropriate authorities if you have any questions or concerns about your specific situation.
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What are the health requirements for entering Bolivia?
To enter Bolivia, you must meet the country's health requirements. Here is what you need to know:
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Before travelling to Bolivia, you must get a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs. You will need to provide a certificate as proof of vaccination. This requirement is necessary because yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Zika Virus
The Zika virus is widespread in Bolivia. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before travelling to Bolivia, and consider postponing non-essential travel to affected areas.
Malaria and Dengue
In areas below 2500m, there is a risk of malaria and dengue. To protect yourself, ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing, and consider taking anti-malarial medication. Consult your doctor for specific advice on preventing malaria.
Altitude Sickness
Many areas of Bolivia are located at high altitudes, and you can experience altitude sickness above 2500m. Consult your doctor before travelling to these areas, and get travel insurance to cover emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.
Food and Water Precautions
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common in Bolivia. To protect yourself, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid raw and undercooked food, and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical help.
Other Recommendations
Stay informed about potential health risks in Bolivia and consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before your trip to get personalized advice and recommendations. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza.
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What are the rules for dual nationals entering Bolivia?
Rules for Dual Nationals Entering Bolivia
Dual citizenship is allowed in Bolivia, except for those with criminal records or who have remained in the country illegally. However, Bolivian law does not recognize multiple citizenship. Nationals of other countries who are also Bolivian citizens are advised to carry both valid passports when travelling to or from Bolivia.
Upon entering or exiting Bolivia, dual citizens may be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad. This is in addition to the standard requirement for all visitors to Bolivia to hold a passport with at least six months' validity remaining.
U.S./Bolivia dual citizens will be required to present their U.S. passport at U.S. immigration and may be asked to present their Bolivian passport when going through Bolivian immigration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a valid passport to enter Bolivia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Bolivia.
A visa is required for citizens of some countries, including the US. Citizens of other countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU and European Economic Area countries, are granted visa-free entry. A tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border. A valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination is also required for entry into Bolivia.
Overstaying in Bolivia can result in a fine at the airport, border crossing, or immigration office. There will also be a mountain of bureaucracy to deal with, and you may be barred from re-entering the country in the future.
Minors who are dual citizens and are travelling alone or with only one parent must follow strict entry and exit rules. They may need permission from the non-travelling parent or parents to leave Bolivia and may also need to show their original birth certificate.
