Travel Requirements: Bolivia Entry Essentials

If you're thinking of travelling to Bolivia, it's important to know the entry requirements. The documents you need to enter Bolivia will depend on your nationality. The Bolivian government divides 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 for stays of up to 90 days. However, citizens of the US need a pricey tourist visa that costs $160 but is valid for 10 years. If you are from a country in group 2 or 3, you must get a visa before entering Bolivia, and the requirements and application process vary. Regardless of your nationality, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Bolivia, and you may need to show proof of a round-trip ticket and lodging in Bolivia. Additionally, if you are travelling from a country with endemic yellow fever, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.

Visa requirements

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

Group 1

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa or need to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia:

• USA
• European Union member states
• Australia
• Russia
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South America (most countries)

The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border. Once in Bolivia, you can extend your stay for up to 90 days.

Group 2

Passport holders from the following countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border:

• Central African Republic
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• United Arab Emirates

Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge, but if you opt to get your visa at the border, a fee will apply.

Group 3

Passport holders from the following countries must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply for one directly at a Bolivian embassy:

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

The cost of a Bolivian visa depends on your nationality. If you are from one of the countries on Group 2, then you may be able to receive a visa free of charge if you apply before your trip at an embassy or consulate. If you apply on arrival, you will have to pay a fee, which is around USD 160.

General Requirements

When applying for a Bolivian visa, you have to submit documents that support your application. The required documents are:

• Your valid passport. It must have a validity of at least another six months and with at least two remaining pages for visa stickers.
• Printed Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application).
• Passport-size picture, with the following requirements:
• Dimensions: 3cm x 3cm or 2inch x 2inch
• For electronic pictures: JPG format and a maximum of 150Kb
• You must be staring ahead, and your entire face has to be visible
• You must have a neutral facial expression
• You are not allowed to wear headgear (except for religious reasons) or eyeglasses that obstruct your eyes or your face
• If you wear headgear for religious reasons, make sure it does not cover your face.
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia:
• Hotel reservation or
• A letter of invitation from your host. In either case, the document must include 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.
• Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccine.

Additional Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Bolivia as of 20 December 2019. If you are a US citizen travelling to Bolivia for tourism purposes, you can enter with just your passport, which must have at least six months of remaining validity. You can only stay for up to 30, 60, or 90 days, as the Immigration officer at the port of entry decides.

Passport validity

To enter Bolivia, your passport must have a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry. This is a standard requirement for many countries, and it is important to renew your passport if it does not meet this criterion. In addition, your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stickers.

If you are entering Bolivia from Peru, you must use the same passport that you used to enter Peru. Dual citizens cannot switch passports at the Bolivian border. It is also important to note that if you lose your passport while in Bolivia, you will need to get a new visa and pay the visa fee again to exit the country.

For US citizens, the passport must have at least six months of validity remaining to enter Bolivia. This requirement is in addition to the need for US citizens to obtain a visa for travel to Bolivia.

For travellers entering Bolivia, it is essential to have their passports stamped upon arrival. An entry stamp is typically valid for 30 days, but it can be extended to 90 days, which is the maximum stay allowed per year. Failure to obtain an entry stamp will result in a fine when leaving the country.

Proof of accommodation

When travelling to Bolivia, you may need to show proof of your accommodation. This could be in the form of a hotel or hostel booking, including the address, at least for your first night in Bolivia. If you are staying with friends or family, you may need to provide a letter of invitation from your host.

It is important to note that the requirements for proof of accommodation may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Some travellers may be required to submit an online form before their arrival in Bolivia. It is recommended to check with the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific requirements.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight details and accommodation reservations. This can be helpful if you are questioned by immigration authorities.

To ensure a smooth entry into Bolivia, it is essential to be well-prepared and organized with your documentation. Make sure to check the latest travel documentation requirements before your trip.

Health restrictions

To enter Bolivia, you must adhere to the following health restrictions:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Bolivia.
• You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
• You may also need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate when travelling to areas of Bolivia below 2500m (8200ft) in altitude, including the Amazon Basin.
• Zika, malaria, and dengue fever are prevalent in Bolivia. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent, and consider taking anti-malarial medication.
• There is a risk of altitude sickness in many parts of Bolivia, so consult your doctor before travelling to these areas and get travel insurance to cover emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.
• If you are pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you leave, as Zika is widespread in Bolivia.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common in Bolivia. Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid raw and undercooked food, and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals.
• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical attention.
• Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, or severe headache.

Border measures

The requirements to enter Bolivia vary depending on the nationality stated on your passport. The Bolivian government has divided visa applicants into three groups. If you are from a country included in Group 1 (USA, EU, Australia, etc.), you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays of up to 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a valid immigration card or entry stamp. It is important to get your passport stamped on both sides of the border when entering Bolivia overland.

If you are from a country in Group 2 or 3, you must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate or on arrival at the border. The cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality and can be paid in US dollars or Bolivian currency. Group 2 countries include the Central African Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United Arab Emirates, while Group 3 countries include the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

All visitors to Bolivia must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Some nationalities may also need a visa or an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. It is recommended to research the specific requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Additionally, visitors may need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Bolivia. Proof of onward travel, such as a plane or bus ticket, may also be required. It is important to register your accommodation address online with the Bolivian migration authorities before arriving in the country to avoid fines when exiting.

When crossing land borders, it is advisable to carry your original passport and visa at all times, as the authorities are strict about illegal border crossings. Remote border officials may also request an unofficial "administration fee" to process your entry, which is essentially a small bribe that is hard to avoid.

Frequently asked questions