Brits In Bolivia: Visa Requirements And Rules

British citizens do not need a tourist visa for short-term stays in Bolivia of up to 90 days. However, there are several requirements that must be met, including having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of onward travel. For longer stays or other visa types, different requirements and restrictions may apply, and it is recommended to contact the Bolivian Embassy or consulate for detailed information.

Do Brits Need a Visa to Enter Bolivia?

Do Brits need a visa to enter Bolivia?

British citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Bolivia for a short-term stay of up to 90 days. However, they must meet several requirements to enter the country. These include:

• Holding a British passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of the intended stay in Bolivia.
• Holding proof of sufficient funds.
• Holding proof of onward/return airline tickets.
• Holding all necessary documents for the next destination.
• Holding a valid yellow fever certificate if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or travelling to high-risk areas.

It is important to note that the immigration authorities may request additional documentation or information, and travellers are advised to have all the necessary documents ready for presentation to the immigration officers upon arrival in Bolivia.

For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, British citizens may need to apply for a different type of visa and should seek advice from the Bolivian Embassy or the relevant government authorities.

How long can Brits stay in Bolivia without a visa?

British citizens can visit Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days per calendar year. This is also the case for citizens of all other European Union member states. This period of 90 days can be made up of 30-day stamps issued by border officials, but you can stay for 90 days without any new stamp.

As a tourist, you get 90 days of visa-free travel in a one-year period. If you want to stay longer, you can check with the Bolivian Embassy in the UK or the Department of Immigration.

To enter Bolivia, your passport should have an expiry date of at least 6 months after the date you arrive. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

You may need to show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel or hostel booking, at least for your first night in Bolivia. Make sure you get your passport stamped when you arrive in Bolivia, otherwise, you will have to pay a fine when you leave.

What are the passport requirements for Brits entering Bolivia?

To enter Bolivia, British citizens must have a passport with an expiry date of at least six months after their date of arrival. The passport must also be the same one used to enter Peru if entering Bolivia from there. It is also important to get an entry stamp when arriving in Bolivia, as failure to do so will result in a fine when leaving the country.

British citizens can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa. Border officials issue 30-day stamps, but visitors can stay for 90 days without any new stamps. As a tourist, Brits get 90 days of visa-free travel in a one-year period. If they want to stay longer, they should check with the Bolivian Embassy in the UK or the Department of Immigration.

To work, study, or travel for business or other reasons, Brits must meet the Bolivian government's entry requirements. These requirements include a police criminal record certificate from the UK, which can be obtained from the ACRO Criminal Records Office. Any required documents from the UK must be translated into Spanish and legalised by the Legalisation Office.

When entering Bolivia, visitors may need to show proof of accommodation, such as a hotel or hostel booking and its address, for at least the first night. They may also be asked to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay, which can be done by showing a credit or debit card.

What vaccines do Brits need before entering Bolivia?

The NHS Fit for Travel website recommends that travellers review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on their page to understand if they may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before travelling to Bolivia. It is recommended that travellers make an appointment with a travel health professional or their GP for further advice.

The NHS lists the following vaccines as being advised or required for travel to Bolivia:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis B (only for individuals at highest risk)

The CDC and WHO, as cited by Passport Health, 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)

Passport Health also recommends taking preventative measures to avoid insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, and Zika.

How can Brits extend their stay in Bolivia?

British citizens can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa. Border officials issue 30-day stamps, but tourists can stay for 90 days without any new stamp. If you want to extend your stay in Bolivia beyond 90 days, you must apply for a visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how Brits can extend their stay in Bolivia:

• Check your eligibility: Before applying for a visa extension, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Bolivian government. The requirements may vary depending on your purpose of stay, such as tourism, work, or study.
• Contact the Bolivian Embassy: Reach out to the Bolivian Embassy in the UK or the local Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service) offices in Bolivia for specific instructions on extending your stay. They can guide you on the necessary documents, fees, and procedures.
• Gather the required documents: The exact documents you need will depend on your situation, but some standard ones include a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, proof of accommodation, and proof of a return ticket or onward travel. If you are working or studying in Bolivia, you may also need additional documents like a police criminal record certificate and legalised birth certificates.
• Submit your application: Apply for the visa extension at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, either in your home country or in Bolivia. You may be able to obtain the extension directly at the border, but it is always best to check with the Bolivian authorities beforehand.
• Pay the applicable fees: There may be fees associated with obtaining a visa extension. These fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you require. Confirm the payment methods and amounts with the Bolivian authorities.
• Comply with other requirements: Bolivia has specific requirements regarding entry and exit stamps, yellow fever vaccination certificates, and registering your entry through the web-based SIGEMIG system. Ensure you comply with all the necessary requirements to avoid any issues during your extended stay.

By following these steps and working closely with the Bolivian authorities, Brits can successfully extend their stay in Bolivia beyond the initial 90-day visa-free period. It is important to start the process early, as visa applications and extensions can take time to process, and you want to ensure you don't overstay your initial visa.

Frequently asked questions