Visa Requirements For Bolivia: Do I Need A Visa?

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to understand the country's visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. US citizens, for example, need to apply for a tourist visa, which costs $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year. On the other hand, citizens of the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, and some other countries are granted visa-free entry for up to 90 days. It's always advisable to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information. When travelling to Bolivia, ensure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining, and be prepared to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay.

Tourist visas

For citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada, most EU and European Economic Area countries, and some other countries, a tourist visa is not required. Visitors from these countries will be granted a free entry stamp in their passport, valid for 30 days, when arriving at any Bolivian international airport or land border crossing. This can be extended for an additional 30-60 days for free, but the maximum stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days.

All visitors to Bolivia must have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of arrival, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia. Visitors may also be asked to show proof of their accommodation.

Proof of accommodation

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to be aware of the essential documents you need to carry. One of the key requirements is providing proof of accommodation. Here is a detailed guide on what this entails:

When visiting Bolivia, you may need to show proof of your accommodation to the authorities at the border. This includes providing details such as the address of your hotel, hostel, or other lodgings, specifically for your first night in the country. It is recommended that you carry your travel itinerary, including accommodation reservations, as this can be helpful if you are questioned by immigration authorities.

If you are planning to stay with friends or family in Bolivia, you may need to provide additional documentation. The Bolivian authorities may require a letter of invitation from your host. This letter should include the address of your accommodation and confirm that you have been invited to stay with them.

The requirement for proof of accommodation varies. In most cases, providing details for your first night in Bolivia is sufficient. However, it is always a good idea to carry your full travel itinerary, including all accommodation bookings, to avoid any potential issues.

It is important to note that the requirement for proof of accommodation is mandatory for entry into Bolivia. Failing to provide this information may result in delays or even denial of entry. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before your trip.

Additional Tips:

• Always carry copies of your important documents, including your travel itinerary and proof of accommodation, in case of loss.
• Store electronic copies of your documents securely online, so you can access them easily if needed.
• If you are travelling with children, ensure you have the necessary consent and documentation, as outlined in other sections of the entry requirements.
• Stay updated on travel documentation requirements by regularly checking the official immigration website for Bolivia or consulting trusted sources.

Passport validity

To enter Bolivia, your passport should have a minimum of six months' validity from your arrival date. This is a standard requirement for many countries, and your travel provider should be able to confirm this. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you will need to renew it before travelling.

It is also important to note that you will need to ensure your passport has blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Bolivian authorities will stamp your passport on both sides of the border if you enter overland. However, if you are arriving from Argentina, they will not stamp your passport, but you must register your exit with Argentinian immigration authorities, who will pass the information to Bolivia.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. You can do this at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. or a neighbouring country, or you can purchase a tourist visa at any land or air border. This will allow you to stay for 30 days, which can be extended to 90 days per year.

Visa costs

The visa cost for Bolivia depends on several factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Here is a detailed breakdown of the visa costs:

Group 1 Countries:

Citizens of countries in Group 1, such as the USA, EU countries, and Australia, do not require a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. They can enter with a valid passport or, in some cases, a national ID card.

Group 2 Countries:

Nationals of Group 2 countries must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or upon arrival. The cost of the visa varies depending on where it is obtained. If the visa is purchased from an embassy or consulate before the trip, it may be free of charge. However, obtaining a visa upon arrival at the border or airport incurs a fee of around $95 to $160 USD. It is important to note that the visa officers only accept bills in good condition.

Group 3 Countries:

Citizens of Group 3 countries must apply for their visas in advance at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. The cost of the visa is typically $30 USD. However, the process is longer as it requires authorization from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

US Citizens:

As of February 8, 2021, US citizens visiting Bolivia for tourism are required to obtain a tourist visa. The cost of a Bolivian visitor visa is $160 USD, allowing a stay of up to 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. This visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or purchased at any land or air border.

UK Citizens:

UK citizens can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa. They receive 30-day stamps upon arrival, but no new stamp is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Other Considerations:

It is important to note that the visa costs and requirements may change based on your specific circumstances and the latest regulations. Additionally, if you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa, which may have different associated costs.

Visa extensions

If you want to stay in Bolivia for longer than 30 days, you can extend your entry stamp for an additional 30-60 days for free. However, the maximum time travellers are permitted to stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days. To extend your visa, visit the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service) in person. They have offices in most major cities.

It is important not to overstay your visa. If you do, you will face a fine at the airport, border crossing or immigration office, and there will be a lot of bureaucracy to deal with. You may also be barred from re-entering the country in the future.

Frequently asked questions