Bolivia Visa: Easy Or Difficult To Obtain?

Getting a visa for Bolivia can be a complicated process, with different requirements depending on your nationality and place of residence. U.S. citizens, for example, need to obtain a visa before entering the country, which can be done at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, or at any land or air border upon arrival. The visa application process typically involves submitting various documents, such as a valid passport, proof of lodging, and a round-trip ticket. The cost of the visa is $160 USD and it is valid for up to 90 days per year. On the other hand, Canadian citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. For Australian citizens, while a visa is not required, they must register their accommodation online and ensure their passport has at least six months of validity remaining.

Visa requirements: A valid passport, proof of a round-trip ticket, and confirmation of lodging in Bolivia are needed

Visa Requirements for Bolivia

Valid Passport

To enter Bolivia, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry. This rule applies to all travellers, including US citizens.

Proof of a Round-Trip Ticket

Before you can enter Bolivia, you must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of your plans to depart the country. This can be in the form of a copy of your travel itinerary or a flight booking.

Confirmation of Lodging

You must also provide confirmation of your lodging in Bolivia. This can be done by showing a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your Bolivian friends or family indicating the address where you will be staying. If you are staying with friends or family, authorities may require a letter of invitation from the host. This letter must be personal, and institutional invitations are only for specific object visas.

Visa costs: A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival

A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival. This is a flat fee and there are no hidden costs. However, there are other requirements that you must fulfil to obtain a Bolivian visa.

Firstly, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. You will also need to provide an international certificate of yellow fever vaccination.

Secondly, you must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia. This can be in the form of a return flight booking or travel itinerary. Additionally, you must provide proof of lodging in Bolivia, including the address of your accommodation. If you are staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required by the authorities.

It is important to note that you may also need to complete a visa application form and provide additional supporting documents, such as a passport-sized photograph and a bank statement. The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the point of entry into Bolivia.

Obtaining a Bolivian visa may involve some paperwork and preparation, but it is generally a straightforward process if you ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the entry requirements.

Visa extensions: US citizens can apply to extend their initial 30-day stay through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service)

US citizens wishing to visit Bolivia for tourism purposes do not need to obtain a visa if they plan to stay for up to 30 days. However, if they wish to extend their stay beyond the initial 30-day period, they can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service).

The National Migration Service has offices in most major Bolivian cities, including Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz. The process typically involves submitting an application and providing relevant documentation, such as proof of accommodation, a valid passport, and a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. There may also be a fee associated with the visa extension, which can vary depending on the applicant's nationality.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for visa extensions may change, so it is advisable to check the Embassy of Bolivia website for the most current and accurate information. Additionally, US citizens should be aware of potential challenges when crossing borders in Latin America, as there have been reports of racism and bribery attempts at land border crossings.

Visa applications: It is recommended to apply online before arrival and have all supporting documents printed out

Visa Applications for Bolivia

It is recommended to apply for your visa online before arriving in Bolivia. This will save you time and hassle at the airport or border. The website can be slow and time-consuming, so it is best to do this in advance.

The following supporting documents are required for a Bolivian visa application:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, including the address. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host is required.
• A 2"x2" passport-sized photograph.
• Bank statement or other proof of economic solvency.
• Visa application form.
• Photocopy of the biographic page of your passport (if purchasing a visa at the airport).

It is highly recommended to have all these documents printed out and ready to present upon arrival. This will expedite the process and ensure a smoother entry into Bolivia.

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed, and there is no option to expedite the application. Therefore, it is crucial to have all the required documents prepared and to double-check that the information provided is accurate and consistent.

Visa alternatives: Citizens of some countries, like Canada, do not need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia

As of 2024, citizens of certain countries, including Canada, do not need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. Bolivia offers visa-free access to 82 countries and territories, ranking the Bolivian passport 64th in the world.

Citizens of the following countries can enter Bolivia without a visa:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of these nine countries can live and work in Bolivia without any requirement other than nationality:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Paraguay
• Uruguay
• Chile
• Peru
• Colombia
• Ecuador

Additionally, citizens of the following countries can enter Bolivia with a visa obtained on arrival:

• Bolivia
• Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Palestinian Territories
• United States of America

Frequently asked questions