Bolivia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Bolivia's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. While many countries enjoy visa-free access, some nationalities must pay a visa fee on arrival, and others must obtain a visa in advance from a Bolivian consulate.
Citizens of these countries can enter Bolivia without a visa and without paying entry fees
Most visa-free nationalities receive 90 days, but some receive 30 days. Ensure to confirm the specific duration granted at entry. Extensions may be available through immigration offices in Bolivia.
Citizens of these countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Bolivian airports or land borders but must pay a fee
Cost: United States: $160 USD, Australia: $95 USD, Canada: $85 USD (fees subject to change)
Required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, proof of accommodation, proof of onward travel, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card), and yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic areas. Fees must typically be paid in cash (US dollars). It's highly recommended to apply for a visa at a Bolivian consulate before travel to avoid potential issues at the border.
Citizens of countries not listed above must obtain a visa from a Bolivian embassy or consulate before travel
This includes most African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. Some nationalities may be subject to additional requirements or restrictions. Always check with your nearest Bolivian diplomatic mission well in advance of travel.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Bolivia, all international travelers must clear immigration and customs. The process is generally efficient at major airports, though delays can occur during peak travel times. Be prepared to present all required documentation and answer questions about your visit.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Bolivia's customs regulations allow travelers to bring in personal items and reasonable quantities of goods for personal use without paying duty. However, certain items are prohibited or restricted, and high-value items or large quantities may be subject to duties and taxes.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Bolivia has strict drug laws with severe penalties
- Firearms and ammunition - unless proper permits obtained in advance
- Certain food products - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products from most countries
- Archaeological artifacts and fossils - export and import strictly controlled
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items and pirated media
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations apply)
- Obscene or subversive materials - as determined by Bolivian authorities
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only what's needed for your trip with original packaging and prescription. Large quantities may require documentation from a doctor.
- Professional camera and video equipment - may require temporary import permits and declaration to avoid duties on exit.
- Drones - require special permits from aviation authorities (DGAC). Recreational use is heavily restricted.
- Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificates and may be prohibited depending on origin.
- Pets - require health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits (see special situations section).
- Radio communication equipment - may require permits from telecommunications authorities.
Health Requirements
Bolivia has specific health requirements for entry, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination. Given the country's varied geography, from high-altitude cities to lowland tropical regions, health preparations are essential for a safe visit.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccination certificate must be presented at immigration. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Even if not required for entry, strongly recommended for travelers visiting lowland areas below 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), including the Amazon basin, national parks, and rural areas
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
- Typhoid - Recommended, especially for travelers visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who might have contact with blood or bodily fluids, or for extended stays
- Rabies - Recommended for travelers spending extended time outdoors, handling animals, or traveling to remote areas
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Health Insurance
While not officially required for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Bolivia's healthcare facilities vary in quality, with better facilities in major cities but limited services in rural areas. Medical evacuation to neighboring countries may be necessary for serious conditions. Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude related illnesses, as many policies exclude this. Keep insurance documentation and emergency contact numbers easily accessible.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents may need additional documentation. If traveling with only one parent, bring a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) in Spanish, along with the child's birth certificate. If the child is traveling alone or with someone other than their parents, a notarized authorization letter from both parents is required. These documents should be authenticated by a Bolivian consulate before travel. Bolivian authorities are strict about these requirements to prevent child abduction. Divorced or separated parents should bring custody documents. In case of deceased parents, bring death certificates.
Pets entering Bolivia require: (1) Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, (2) Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), (3) Import permit from SENASAG (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria), which should be obtained before travel, (4) Pets must be examined by SENASAG officials upon arrival. Some airlines have additional requirements or restrictions. Certain dog breeds may be restricted. Plan well in advance as obtaining permits can take several weeks. Contact SENASAG or a Bolivian consulate for current requirements and application procedures.
Tourist visas typically allow 30-90 days depending on nationality. To extend your stay: visit a Dirección General de Migración office before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are possible for up to 90 days total per calendar year for most nationalities. You'll need to provide: passport, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and pay an extension fee (approximately 200-250 Bolivianos). For stays beyond 90 days, you may need to apply for a different visa type (student, work, business, or residency). Overstaying can result in fines (approximately 15 Bolivianos per day), detention, or deportation. Some travelers exit to a neighboring country and re-enter, though this practice is discouraged and not guaranteed to work.
Bolivia shares land borders with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. Many travelers enter or exit by land. Ensure the border crossing is an official immigration post (some remote crossings are not). Land border procedures are similar to airports but may be slower and less organized. Ensure you receive proper entry and exit stamps in your passport. Missing stamps can cause serious problems when trying to leave the country. Some borders may have limited hours of operation. Visa on arrival may not be available at all land borders for certain nationalities - verify in advance.
Business visitors typically enter on tourist visas for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations). For longer business activities or employment, a specific business or work visa is required, which must be obtained from a Bolivian consulate before travel. Requirements include invitation letter from Bolivian company, proof of business registration, and additional documentation. Work permits are separate from visas and require extensive documentation. Consult with a Bolivian consulate well in advance for business or work visa requirements.
Students planning to study in Bolivia need a student visa, which must be obtained from a Bolivian consulate before arrival. Requirements typically include: acceptance letter from a recognized Bolivian educational institution, proof of financial means to support yourself during studies, police clearance certificate, health certificate, and academic transcripts. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the academic program. Contact the Bolivian consulate in your country for specific requirements and processing times.