Lexi Webster
Whether or not you can cross the Bolivian border without a visa depends on your nationality. US citizens, for example, are required to obtain a visa, which can be purchased at any land or air border. However, some airlines will not let you board your flight unless you already have a tourist visa. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, allowing holders to stay for up to 90 days per year. Citizens of the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America, on the other hand, are granted visa-free entry and can get a free entry stamp valid for a 30-day stay on arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that require a visa | US, China, India, Taiwan, some Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries |
| Countries that don't require a visa | UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America |
| Visa cost | $160 USD |
| Visa validity | 10 years |
| Visa duration | 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year |
| Where to get a visa | Any land or air border, the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC, or your local Bolivian embassy or consulate |
| Required documents | Passport with at least 6 months validity, International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination, proof of a round-trip ticket or plans to depart Bolivia, proof of lodging in Bolivia |
What You'll Learn
US citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia
The requirements for obtaining a Bolivian visa include:
- A valid US passport with at least 6 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 or a letter of invitation from a host
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a visa at the border can be inconsistent and bureaucratic, varying depending on the entry point. Additionally, officials at remote border crossings may request an unofficial "administration fee" to process entry, which is essentially a small bribe.
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Visas can be obtained at the border or in advance
US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. This can be done at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighbouring country. Tourist visas can also be purchased at any land or air border.
It is 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). However, in 2023 people were getting visas at the border. This involves a slog through inconsistent bureaucratic policies that can vary depending on where you enter.
The Bolivian government has listed all countries into three different groups, each with different entry requirements. Group 1 countries do not require a visa or need to pay any fees on entry. Group 2 countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or at the border. Obtaining a visa at the embassy in advance is free, but getting one at the border incurs a fee. Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian embassy, and this costs $30 USD.
If you are planning to travel to Bolivia, it is important to research the visa requirements for your specific nationality and apply for your visa within the necessary timelines.
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A valid passport and proof of Yellow Fever vaccination are required
All visitors to Bolivia must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their entry into the country. Additionally, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, or Peru, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. This requirement also applies to travellers over nine months old who will be travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) in the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija.
It is recommended that you get vaccinated for yellow fever before travelling to Bolivia, even if you are not arriving from a country with the disease. The vaccine provides lifetime protection and is crucial for preventing this serious illness, which is transmitted through mosquito bites.
In addition to the passport and yellow fever vaccination requirements, there are other entry requirements for Bolivia that you should be aware of. For example, some airlines will not let you board your flight to Bolivia unless you already have a tourist visa, which can be obtained from a Bolivian embassy or consulate or at the border. You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay and a round-trip ticket or confirmation of onward travel. It is important to research the specific requirements that apply to your nationality and mode of travel before planning your trip to Bolivia.
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Visitors must show proof of departure and accommodation
When visiting Bolivia, it is important to have all the necessary documents ready before getting to the border crossing. This includes a valid passport, with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Bolivia, and a valid immigration card (TAM). Visitors must also show proof of departure from Bolivia, such as a round-trip ticket or confirmation of onward travel plans. Additionally, visitors are required to provide proof of lodging in Bolivia, including the address of their accommodation. This can be in the form of hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host if staying with friends or family.
It is worth noting that the requirements for entering Bolivia may vary depending on the visitor's nationality. While citizens of the US need to obtain a tourist visa, which can be purchased at any land or air border, many other nationalities are granted visa-free entry and receive a free entry stamp valid for a 30-day stay. This includes citizens of the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and some South American countries. On the other hand, travelers from China, India, and Taiwan are required to pay for a 30-day visa upon arrival, while citizens of certain Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries need to obtain official permission from Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling. As such, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for your country of origin before planning your trip to Bolivia.
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US citizens can extend their stay through the National Migration Service
US citizens need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. This can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighbouring country, or at any land or air border. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 10 years, allowing holders to stay for up to 90 days per year.
US citizens who wish to extend their 30-day stay can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities. Applications for extensions should be made in person at least a week before the initial 30-day stay expires. Extensions are granted for an additional 30-60 days for free, but the maximum time US citizens are permitted to stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the US and some other countries need to apply for a visa. Many nationalities don't require a tourist visa and will get a free entry stamp valid for a 30-day stay on arrival at any of Bolivia's international airports or land border crossings.
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). You can also obtain a tourist visa at any land or air border.
A Bolivian tourist visa costs US$160 and can be paid in US dollars or local currency upon arrival.
You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate may also be required.
