Bolivia Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Bolivia welcomes visitors with a straightforward entry process, though requirements vary by nationality. Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or enter visa-free for tourism, while others must secure authorization in advance. Upon arrival, expect a brief immigration interview, presentation of return tickets and proof of funds, and a customs inspection. English is limited at many border posts, so basic Spanish phrases help. Given Bolivia’s diverse climates—from Amazon heat to high-altitude Andes—pack layers and check the best time to visit Bolivia for your chosen regions, whether you plan to explore La Paz restaurants, Uyuni salt flats, or Santa Cruz nightlife. Before departure, confirm that your passport is valid for at least six months and contains blank pages. Bring printed confirmations for Bolivia hotels, a rough Bolivia itinerary, and evidence of Bolivia travel insurance covering elevations above 4,000 m. Carry small U.S. dollars in good condition for visa fees; torn notes are refused. Finally, save electronic copies of all documents in case of loss while you discover things to do in Bolivia.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bolivia distinguishes three groups of visitors: visa-free nationals, those who can obtain a free or paid visa on arrival, and travelers who must apply in advance.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days per calendar year (extendable in-country up to 90 additional days)

Citizens of most South American and many Western countries may enter Bolivia without a visa for tourism or business.

Includes

Argentina Brazil Chile Peru Colombia Ecuador Paraguay Uruguay Venezuela United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Switzerland Sweden Norway Denmark Finland Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Canada Mexico Israel Turkey

Entry is granted for tourism, family visits, or business meetings only; paid work requires a specific visa.

Visa on Arrival / eVisa

30 days single entry, extendable twice for a total of 90 days per year

U.S. citizens and a handful of other nationalities must purchase a tourist visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa before travel.

Includes

United States Angola Bhutan Cambodia Dominican Republic Gambia Indonesia Lao PDR Myanmar Philippines Taiwan Togo Vietnam

How to Apply: Apply online at the official Bolivia eVisa portal at least 7 days before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders by presenting printed forms, photos, and cash. Processing is usually 5–7 business days.
Cost: USD 30 payable online or in cash on arrival; exact subject to change

Ensure U.S. dollar bills are crisp; torn or marked notes are rejected. Keep the tourist card stapled in your passport—you need it to exit.

Visa Required

30 days, extendable in-country

Nationals not on the above lists must secure a tourist visa in advance from a Bolivian consulate.

How to Apply: Contact your nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate; provide itinerary, hotel reservations, proof of economic solvency (bank statements), yellow-fever certificate if arriving from endemic areas, and return ticket.

Processing time is typically 10–15 working days; fees vary by reciprocity.

Arrival Process

Expect orderly but sometimes slow lines at Bolivia’s airports and land crossings. Immigration officers may ask for printed proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

Immigration Queue

Present passport, visa or tourist card, return/onward ticket, and accommodation details. Officers may ask basic questions in Spanish or limited English.

Biometric Registration (some borders)

Fingerprints and a digital photograph are taken; cooperation speeds the process.

Customs Declaration

Choose the green ‘nothing to declare’ or red ‘goods to declare’ lane; submit form if carrying items above duty-free limits.

Baggage Screening

Bags are X-rayed; agricultural products and coca leaves not in original sealed packaging may be confiscated.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry date and have at least one blank page.

Visa / Tourist Card

Obtained on arrival or in advance depending on nationality.

Return or Onward Ticket

Airlines may deny boarding without it; print confirmation.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation or host invitation letter; digital copies accepted.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow-fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru).

Cash / Bank Statements

Demonstrate at least USD 70 available per day of stay; credit cards supplement but cash is preferred proof.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print two photocopies of your passport data page and visa; keep copies separate from originals.

Bring small denomination USD or BOB for visa and airport tax; change facilities inside security offer poor rates.

Complete the customs form accurately; penalties for undeclared electronics or currency can be steep.

If flying into El Alto (La Paz), walk slowly and hydrate—altitude is 4,060 m.

Customs & Duty-Free

Bolivia allows reasonable quantities of personal effects, but strict rules apply to agricultural products, cultural artifacts, and cash.

Alcohol

3 litres total of beer, wine or spirits

Must be over 18 years; higher quantities taxed at 40 %

Tobacco

400 cigarettes or 500 g loose tobacco or 50 cigars

Must be over 18; Cuban cigars subject to verification

Currency

USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared

Declaration form required on arrival/departure; sums over USD 50,000 need Central Bank authorization

Gifts/Goods

USD 1,000 total value per traveler

Electronics for personal use (one phone, one laptop) admitted duty-free; additional units taxed

Prohibited Items

Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds – risk of Andean crop pests
Uncertified coca leaf powder outside original sealed bags
Firearms and ammunition without Ministry of Defense permit
Used tires, hazardous waste – environmental protection

Restricted Items

Cultural artifacts pre-dating 1900 – requires National Patrimony certificate
Endangered flora/fauna – CITES permit mandatory (e.g., vicuña items)
Medications containing pseudoephedrine or narcotics – doctor’s letter and not more than 30-day supply

Health Requirements

Bolivia requires proof of yellow-fever vaccination for travelers arriving from endemic areas and recommends several routine and travel vaccines.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever – if arriving from or transiting (≥12 h) countries with transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru)

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Routine MMR & DPT
Rabies for long-stay or rural visitors
Influenza (seasonal)
COVID-19 up-to-date

Health Insurance

Not mandatory, but strongly advised. Choose a policy that covers emergency evacuation from high-altitude areas (La Paz, Uyuni, Potosí) and adventure sports such as cycling the Death Road or Amazon boating.

Current Health Requirements: There are no longer COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements as of June 2024; nonetheless, check the Bolivia Ministry of Health website within 7 days of departure for sudden changes.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)

Immigration Authority

Dirección General de Migración Bolivia

Website: www.migracion.gob.bo for visas, extensions, and official forms

Emergency

Police / Medical / Fire – dial 110

Tourist Police in La Paz: +591 2 222-5010 (24 h, some English spoken)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors under 18 traveling alone or with one parent need notarized consent from non-traveling parent(s) plus child’s birth certificate. Carry apostilled documents if custody is shared.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs/cats need a current rabies certificate (shot ≥30 days but <12 months before travel), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days, and microchip. Upon arrival, pets are visually inspected; expect a small airport fee.

Extended Stays

Tourists can extend up to 90 additional days per calendar year at Migración offices (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) for a fee of ~BOB 20 per day. For longer stays, apply for a ‘Specific Purpose’ visa or temporary residency before the 90-day limit.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Bolivia Packing List →