Exploring Bolivia: Visa Validity And Travel Tips

The length of time a Bolivian visa is valid for depends on the nationality of the passport holder. 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 or on arrival for a fee, and Group 3 citizens must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization. For US citizens, a visitor visa allows a stay of 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

Visa-free entry for some nationalities

The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality of the passport holder. There are three groups of countries, as outlined by the Bolivian government.

Group 1 countries:

Citizens of Group 1 countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia. They can stay for up to 90 days within any given year, as long as they present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card upon entry.

Group 1 countries include:

• European Union member states (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Romania)
• Russia
• Brazil
• Philippines
• Finland
• Israel (as of February 2021)
• United States (as of September 2024)

Group 2 countries:

Citizens of Group 2 countries must obtain a visa prior to entering Bolivia. They can obtain the visa free of charge at any Bolivian embassy or consulate, or upon arrival for a fee. The visa fee is typically $30 USD and must be paid even if the visa is obtained in advance.

Group 2 countries include:

• China (including Hong Kong and Macao)
• Taiwan
• Iran (with visa on arrival only available at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports)

Group 3 countries:

Citizens of Group 3 countries must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization. They cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must instead apply for further authorization from a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Group 3 countries include:

• Serbia and Montenegro
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• St. Tome and Principe

It is important to note that visa requirements and groups may change, and travelers are advised to research the most current information before their trip. Additionally, all visitors to Bolivia must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of lodging and a round-trip ticket.

Visa requirements for Group 1 countries

The visa policy of Bolivia depends on the country you are from. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country included in Group 1, you do not need to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism or business purposes.

Group 1 countries include:

• All European Union member states, except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania
• Australia
• Russia
• Brazil
• Israel
• The United States (as of December 20, 2019)

Citizens of Group 1 countries can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Additionally, citizens of these countries can enter Bolivia with only their ID card instead of a passport.

If you wish to stay in Bolivia for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa from one of the Bolivian Embassies or Consulates abroad.

Visa requirements for Group 2 countries

The visa requirements for Group 2 countries when visiting Bolivia are as follows:

Firstly, it is important to establish which countries are included in Group 2. These countries are:

• Islas Marshall Rep. De Las
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Serbia and Montenegro
• St. Tome and Principe

Nationals of these countries must apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge. However, if the visa is obtained at the border, a fee of $95 USD will be applied.

In addition to the visa, there are several other requirements that Group 2 country nationals must meet to enter Bolivia. These include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining at the time of entry.
• A round trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• Proof of a hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where the visitor will be staying.
• A bank statement as proof of economic solvency.
• A 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph.
• Completion of the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arrival in Bolivia.

It is critical to research visa requirements before travelling to Bolivia and apply for the visa within the necessary timelines.

Visa requirements for Group 3 countries

The visa requirements for Group 3 countries when visiting Bolivia are as follows:

Firstly, it is important to note that the visa requirements for each individual depend on the nationality stated on the passport under which they will be travelling. Some visas are free, while others require payment. Some can be obtained upon arrival at the Bolivian border, while others must be obtained in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Passport holders from Group 3 countries must apply for their visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy. The visa costs $30 USD.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A 2" x 2" passport-sized photograph.
• A round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying.
• A bank statement demonstrating economic solvency.
• A completed Visa Affidavit form.

Additionally, it is critical to research the specific visa requirements for your country of citizenship before travelling and to apply for your Bolivian visa within the necessary timelines.

Visa extensions

A standard tourist visa for Bolivia is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. If you want to stay in Bolivia for longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service). They have offices in most major cities.

You can extend your entry stamp for an additional 30-60 days for free by visiting the office in person. However, the maximum time travellers are permitted to stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days.

To avoid fines and bureaucracy (and potential barring from re-entry), it is important not to overstay your visa.

If you are a US citizen, you can apply for a visa extension through the US Embassy in Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions