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The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality of the passport holder. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups. Citizens of countries in Group 1 can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. Group 2 citizens must obtain a visa prior to entry, either for free or upon arrival for a fee. Group 3 citizens must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization. The cost of a Bolivian visa depends on nationality, purpose of visit, and changes in immigration rules. For example, US citizens can enter Bolivia with just their passport for stays of up to 30, 60, or 90 days, as decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that don't require a visa | USA, EU, Australia, Brazil, Russia, etc. |
| Visa duration | 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year |
| Visa cost | $160 USD |
| Visa validity | 6 months |
| Required documents | Passport, International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination, proof of accommodation, proof of a round-trip ticket |
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for US citizens
As of 2 September 2024, US citizens must obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. The visa can be purchased at any land or air border, or in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. The visa costs $160 and grants entry for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.
To obtain a visa, US citizens must provide:
- 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
US citizens who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities.
It is important to note that US citizens should get entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time they enter or leave Bolivia. This is especially important if the visa was obtained at a land border or entry port, as losing your passport will require you to obtain a new visa and pay the visa fee again.
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How to apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 2)
The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on the nationality of the passport holder. There are three groups of countries, with different requirements for each. Group 2 countries are those whose citizens must obtain a visa prior to entry, either for free or upon arrival for a fee. The US and China are among the Group 2 countries.
To apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 2), follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Visa Requirements
It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality before travelling to Bolivia. Contact your local Bolivian embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice on requirements, processing times, and fees.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Group 2 visa applicants must present the following documents:
- A passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- 2 copies of the passport information page
- A detailed printed itinerary of your time in Bolivia
- An exit ticket out of Bolivia
- A photocopy of your bank statement
- A completed special immigration form, which can be found on the Bolivia Hop bus
Step 3: Apply for Visa
The Group 2 visa can be obtained at any Bolivian embassy or consulate before arrival, free of charge. Alternatively, it can be obtained on arrival at the border for a fee of $30 USD.
It is recommended that Group 2 passengers process their visa in advance, as it is cheaper and ensures a smoother and faster entry across the border.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fee (if applicable)
If you choose to obtain your visa upon arrival, be prepared to pay the $30 USD fee. This fee must be paid in US Dollars, and the notes must be in perfect condition. Old, torn, or marked notes will not be accepted by officials.
Step 5: Enter Bolivia
Upon arrival in Bolivia, present your visa and other required documents to the border officials. Ensure that you have all the correct documentation, as border officials are very strict.
Important Considerations:
- It is the personal responsibility of each passenger to ensure they have all the correct documentation for their visa application.
- Visa requirements and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Bolivian authorities.
- If you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa.
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How to apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 3)
The visa policy of Bolivia depends on the country you are from. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups. If you are a citizen of a Group 3 country, you must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply for one directly at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. The process will be longer as they have to request authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.
Find Your Nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate:
Locate the nearest Bolivian diplomatic mission or choose the one that is most convenient for you to visit.
Contact the Embassy or Consulate:
Get in touch with them to understand their specific requirements, whether you need to schedule an appointment, and how to submit your application. Some embassies/consulates may allow you to send your application and documents by mail, so be sure to inquire about this option.
Complete the Online Bolivia Visa Application Form:
Fill out the "Sworn Statement for Visa Application" form, which is accessible online. Attach electronic copies of the required documents, including a passport-size photograph (3 cm x 3 cm), proof of accommodation in Bolivia (invitation letter or hotel reservation), and a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
Collect the Required Documents:
Gather all the necessary documents for your Bolivian visa application, including your valid passport (with at least six months of validity and blank pages for visa stickers), printed visa application form, passport-size photograph adhering to specific dimensions and format requirements, proof of accommodation, copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary, and proof of financial resources.
Submit Your Application and Documents:
Visit the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate to submit your passport and documents in person. Alternatively, if the option is available and you've confirmed it with the embassy/consulate, you can send the documents by registered mail.
Wait for Processing:
The Bolivian Embassy/Consulate will forward your application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia for approval. This process typically takes three to five weeks, but in some cases, it can take up to three months.
Receive Your Visa:
If your application is approved, you will be notified and receive your visa. Congratulations! You are now one step closer to exploring the beautiful country of Bolivia.
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Bolivia Visa On Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to visitors at a Bolivian airport or border crossing. Visitors can obtain the visa at the entry point by submitting a completed application form and paying a visa fee to the immigration authorities. The visa fee can be paid in US dollars or the local currency. However, since most visitors are unlikely to have the local currency upon arrival, they will have to pay in US dollars.
The visa on arrival option is not available to everyone. Only citizens from selected countries are eligible, and there are 26 countries on the eligibility list, most of which are African, Latin American, and Asian countries. The visa is issued at Bolivia's La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz airports.
The process of applying for a Bolivian visa is straightforward. Before leaving your home country, ensure you qualify for a visa on arrival by checking the eligibility criteria. Once you arrive at one of the designated airports, request the visa application form, fill it out, and submit it along with your passport and visa fee. This process can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the number of people waiting in line. Alternatively, you can download the application form, fill it out, and present it to the authorities upon arrival in Bolivia.
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- A recent 3cm x 3cm photograph of yourself.
- Travel itinerary showing arrival and departure dates and places you intend to visit.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or house address.
- An invitation letter issued by a Bolivian host, including their contact information and the address of their house or office.
- A vaccination certificate for yellow fever.
In addition to these documents, the authorities may require you to provide other documents depending on your nationality. Therefore, it is essential to do your research before travelling to Bolivia.
The visa on arrival is linked to the purpose of your trip. Eligible countries can obtain a transit visa, tourist visa, or business visa at the airport if they meet the Bolivia visa on arrival requirements.
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Bolivia Short-term Visa
A Bolivia Short-term Visa is for tourists, businesspeople, students, participants in exchange programs, seasonal workers, and others who want to stay in Bolivia for a short period of time. The requirements and application process for this visa vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the purpose of their visit.
For US citizens, a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination are required. A visitor visa allows a stay of up to 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year, and costs $160. Visitors must also provide proof of a round-trip ticket, accommodation, and entry and exit stamps.
Citizens of certain countries, including European Union member states, can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. Nationals of Group 2 countries can obtain a visa for free at any Bolivian embassy or consulate before arrival or upon arrival for a fee. Group 3 countries must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization.
The Bolivia eVisa is an alternative to the traditional visa application process. Applicants complete an online form and provide personal and travel information, as well as a digital photograph and a scanned copy of their passport. The visa is typically valid for a single entry and a maximum stay of 90 days. The cost varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of times you can enter Bolivia on a visa depends on your nationality. If you are from a country in Group 1 (USA, EU, Australia, etc.), you can enter Bolivia multiple times without a visa, for stays of up to 90 days. If you are from a country in Group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, which is typically valid for a maximum of 30 days per entry.
A Bolivian tourist visa is typically valid for a maximum of 30 days per entry. However, you can apply for a visa extension to stay for up to 90 days per year.
The cost of a Bolivian visa depends on your nationality and where you obtain it. If you are from a Group 2 country and obtain your visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate before your trip, you may not have to pay a fee. If you obtain your visa on arrival, the fee is typically around USD 160. For Group 3 countries, the visa fee is typically USD 30.
