Visa Requirements: Who Needs A Visa To Enter Bolivia?

Bolivia's visa requirements depend on the nationality of the passport you are travelling with. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country included in the first group (USA, EU, Australia, etc), you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the US need to apply for a tourist visa that costs $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year. Citizens of the second and third groups must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, but the requirements and application process vary.

Group 1 countries: No visa needed

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia and do not need to pay any fees upon entry. The only requirement is that they present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, and a valid immigration card at the border.

Europe

• All European Union member states, except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Romania
• United Kingdom
• Ireland

North America

Canada

South America

• Brazil
• Most of South America

Asia

Japan

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

Group 2 countries: Visa before arrival or on arrival for a fee

The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality of the passport under which you will be travelling. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups.

Group 2 countries are those whose citizens must obtain a visa prior to entry for free, or upon arrival for a fee. Nationals of Group 2 countries must obtain a visa before arriving in Bolivia. This can be done at any Bolivian embassy or consulate free of charge, or on arrival for a fee. It is critical to research your visa requirements before travelling and apply for your Bolivia visa within the necessary timelines. Nationals of Iran, China (including Macao and Hong Kong), and Taiwan can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of 30 USD, which is also applicable if the visa is obtained in advance.

As a citizen of a Group 2 country, you have two options when it comes to applying for a Bolivia visa: applying at a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate or getting a Bolivia Visa on Arrival. The process of applying for a Bolivia visa at an Embassy or Consulate involves contacting them to learn about their application requirements, making an appointment (if necessary), and submitting the application with the required documents. The required documents typically include a passport-size picture, proof of accommodation in Bolivia, an invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable), a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, and other necessary documents. It is important to note that some embassies or consulates may allow you to submit the documents by mail. The processing time for a Bolivia visa is usually around 10 to 15 working days.

If you are unable to access a Bolivian Consulate or Embassy, you can also obtain a Bolivia Visa on Arrival at the Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, the Bolivian immigration authorities may not have detailed information about the process for eligible applicants. Although it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, the application process may vary. It is important to have all the required documents, including proof of accommodation, invitation letter, vaccination certificate, and others as needed. Additionally, the necessary cash (in US dollars) must be available to pay the Bolivia visa on arrival fee. It is important to ensure that the bills for the visa fee are in good condition, as visa officers may refuse to accept them otherwise.

Group 3 countries: Visa in advance with special authorisation

The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality of the passport under which you will be travelling. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups.

Group 3 countries are those whose citizens must obtain a visa in advance with special authorisation. Nationals of Group 3 countries must apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of Bolivia abroad. The process is longer than for other groups, as the Bolivian embassy or consulate must request authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

Citizens of the following countries are included in Group 3:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea

To apply for a Bolivian visa as a national of Group 3, you must first find the nearest embassy or consulate of Bolivia, or the one that is most convenient for you to go to. Contact them to learn about their requirements, including whether you need to make an appointment. Ask whether you can send your application and documents by mail, as some may offer this option.

Next, complete an online Bolivian visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application) and print it out. You must attach electronic copies of the following documents:

• A passport-size picture (3cm x 3cm)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia: an invitation letter from a host or proof of hotel reservation
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents

Collect the required documents, including:

• Your valid passport, with at least six months' validity and at least two remaining pages for visa stickers
• A printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application)
• A passport-size picture, with specific requirements regarding dimensions, format, and expression
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia, including the dates you will stay there
• A copy of your flight ticket or travel itinerary
• Proof of financial resources: a copy of your bank or credit card statements
• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination

Go to the Bolivian embassy or consulate to submit your application in person, or send the documents by registered mail if this option is available. The embassy or consulate will forward your application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

Three to five weeks later, you will be notified of the decision. In some cases, the decision can take up to three months. If your application is successful, you will receive your visa.

US citizens: A pricey tourist visa is required

US citizens are required to obtain a pricey tourist visa to enter Bolivia. The visa costs $160 and is valid for up to 90 days per year over a period of 10 years. It can be purchased at any land or air border, or in advance from a Bolivian embassy or consulate in the United States or a neighbouring country.

US citizens must also have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining, and an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. They must also show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia, and proof of lodging in the country. This can be in the form of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host.

It is always advisable to get a visa in advance of travel. Applications can be made online via the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, or in person at the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC, or via local Bolivian embassies or consulates.

It is important to be aware that some airlines will refuse to let passengers board without a visa already in place.

Other nationalities: May need official permission

The visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on the nationality of the passport under which you will be travelling. The Bolivian government has listed all countries into three groups, each with different requirements for entry.

Citizens of countries in Group 1 do not require a visa to enter Bolivia. This group includes the UK, most EU and European Economic Area countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America.

Citizens of countries in Group 2 must obtain a visa prior to entry, either for free at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or upon arrival for a fee. This group includes the Central African Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, and the United Arab Emirates.

Citizens of countries in Group 3 must obtain a visa in advance with special authorization from a Bolivian embassy or consulate. This group includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Nationals of some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries that are not listed in the three groups above need to get "official permission" from Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling. This includes citizens of China, India, and Taiwan, who have to pay for a 30-day visa on arrival in Bolivia (up to US$160).

To determine which group your country belongs to, you can use the Bolivia Visa Requirements tool on the Bolivia Hop website. Alternatively, you can contact your local Bolivian embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice on visa requirements, processing times, and fees.

Frequently asked questions