Bolivia's Visa Restrictions: Why The Sudden Change?

Bolivia has a three-group visa system, with citizens of some countries not requiring a visa, others needing to obtain a visa prior to entry for free, and others needing to obtain a visa in advance with special authorization. The visa requirements for each individual depend on the nationality on the passport under which they will be travelling. Some visas are free, others require payment. Some can be obtained upon arrival at the Bolivian border, while others must be obtained in advance. It is critical to research your visa requirements before travelling and apply for your Bolivia visa within the necessary timelines.

Visa-free entry for some nationalities

The Bolivian government has classified countries into three groups, each with different entry requirements.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia and only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, and a valid immigration card at the border:

• European Union member states (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania)
• Brazil
• Finland
• Russia
• Dominican Republic
• Israel
• Philippines
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Spain

Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports of any country except China may enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. Additionally, holders of diplomatic or service passports and passports for public affairs issued by China may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.

Nationals of the following countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival, which can be obtained free of charge at any Bolivian embassy or consulate, or on arrival:

• United States
• China (including Macao and Hong Kong)
• Taiwan

Nationals of Iran can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days only at Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz airports. The fee of 30 USD is also applicable even if the visa is obtained in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements for Group 2 countries

The visa requirements for Group 2 countries are as follows:

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 at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, the visa fee of $30 USD is also applicable if the visa is obtained in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. This fee must be paid in US dollars, and the bills must be in good condition.

As a citizen of a Group 2 country, you have two options when applying for a Bolivian visa: applying at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or obtaining a visa on arrival.

If you choose to apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, you must first locate the nearest one or the one that is most convenient for you. Not every country has a Bolivian consulate, so this may involve travel to another country. Contact the embassy or consulate to learn about their application requirements, whether you need to make an appointment, and how to submit your application. You will need to complete the Bolivia visa application form (Sworn Statement for Visa Application), which can be accessed online, and attach electronic copies of the following documents:

• A passport-size picture (3 cm x 3 cm)
• Proof of accommodation in Bolivia
• An invitation letter from a host in Bolivia (if applicable)
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
• Any other required documents

Print and sign the confirmation page, then collect the required documents and pay the visa fee if applicable. Submit your application and wait 10-15 working days for processing. You will be notified once a decision has been made.

If you are unable to access a Bolivian embassy or consulate, you can obtain a visa on arrival at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. However, the process for obtaining a visa on arrival is not always clear, and it is recommended that you have all the required documents for a visa, including proof of accommodation and a vaccination certificate for yellow fever. You must also have the necessary cash in US dollars to pay the visa fee.

Visa requirements for Group 3 countries

The visa requirements for Group 3 countries are the most stringent of the three groups. Nationals of Group 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. The process is longer than for Group 2 countries, as the Bolivian authorities must request authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia.

Nationals 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. Next, contact them to learn about their requirements and whether you need to make an appointment. Some may allow you to send your application and documents by mail, but not all.

You will need to 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 and submit your application at the Bolivian embassy or consulate. They will forward your application to the National Migration Service in Bolivia. You will be notified of their decision within three to five weeks, but this can sometimes take up to three months.

Visa extensions

For visitors to Bolivia, the standard length of stay is 30 days. However, it is possible to extend this by an additional 30-60 days for free. To do this, simply visit the immigration office in the nearest large city at least a week before your initial 30-day stay expires. It is important to note that the maximum time travellers are permitted to stay in Bolivia in any given year is 90 days. Overstaying can result in a fine at the airport, border crossing, or immigration office, and there will be a lot of bureaucracy to deal with. You may also be barred from re-entering the country in the future.

For U.S. citizens, the process of extending a visa in Bolivia is straightforward. They can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities. The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia also provides information on the most current visa requirements.

Citizens of China, India, and Taiwan must pay for a 30-day visa upon arrival in Bolivia, which can cost up to $160. Meanwhile, citizens of some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries need to obtain "official permission" from Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements for your nationality before travelling to Bolivia.

Registration requirements

The registration requirements for visiting Bolivia depend on the nationality of the passport holder. The Bolivian government divides visa applicants into three groups, each with different registration requirements.

Group One Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for visits of up to 90 days:

• European Union member states (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania)
• United States (until 2 September 2024)
• Russia
• Brazil
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Spain
• Philippines
• Finland
• Israel (until 8 February 2021)
• Dominican Republic

Additionally, holders of diplomatic or official/service passports of any country except China may enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days.

Group Two Countries

Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before arrival, either at a Bolivian embassy or consulate for free, or on arrival for a fee:

• 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
• China (including Macao and Hong Kong)
• Taiwan

Nationals of Iran can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days only at Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz airports. The fee of 30 USD is also applicable even if the visa is obtained in advance at a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

Group Three Countries

Citizens of the following countries must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy:

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

General Registration Requirements

All visitors to Bolivia must have:

• A valid passport with at least six 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. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• Completed the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions