Bolivia Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Yes | Yes | No/1 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay in Bolivia is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
Ensure you have at least one blank page available for stamps before travelling.
Visas
Visas are not required by Australian, British, Canadian and most EU nationals when travelling for touristic purposes. You will be granted an initial 30-day stay which you can extend two times for further 30 days free of charge.
US citizens require a visa and can obtain this in advance or on entry, where it must be paid for in cash; ensure your US Dollar bills are in good condition. The US Department of State advises travellers to obtain visas in advance from the embassy, as it may not always be possible to buy one on arrival.
1. Nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania do require a visa to enter Bolivia.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types and Cost
The cost of tourist and transit visas for Bolivia depends on the nationality of the traveller; enquire at the embassy (or consular section at the embassy). For US travellers, a tourist visa costs US$160 and a specific purpose visa (eg for business) costs US$85. For nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania, the visa is free of charge.
Validity
Tourist visas for Bolivia are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. For US citizens only, this visa can be used for up to three trips per year within a 10-year period, up to a maximum of 90 days per year.
Specific purpose visas for all nationalities are valid for 30 days and can be renewed at the immigration office in Bolivia.
Transit
Bolivia transit visas are only required by those who need a visa to enter the country in the first place.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
Temporary residence
For temporary stays you will need the following: a valid passport with a specific purpose visa; a notarised document addressed to the Undersecretary of Migration requesting temporary stay; a work contract specifying duration of the stay; criminal record certificate; proof of permanent address; application for temporary residency and a completed application form. The government reserves the right to grant or reject foreigners. Enquire at your embassy or consulate for further details.
Working days
Allow seven working days for visa processing.
Sufficient Funds
Showing a credit card will suffice.
Entry Documents
Other than a passport you may need a return flight ticket or onward journey proof and a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Extension of stay
You can extend your initial 30-day for a further 60 days. Visa-exempt travellers may only stay for up to 90 days per year. If you wish to stay longer, you should contact your local Bolivian embassy or the Department of Immigration in La Paz.
If travelling on a visa, you have to be able to show the Department of Immigration justifiable cause for an extension.
Entry with pets
To enter Bolivia with pets you need a certificate from a licensed vet, ideally issued no more than 10 days prior to travel, and an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. It's advisable to take Spanish translations.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of Bolivia in the USA
Telephone: (202) 483 4410 or 232 4827 (consular section).
Website: http://www.bolivia-usa.org
Address: NW, 3014 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
Embassy of Bolivia in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7235 4248.
Website: http://bolivianembassy.co.uk
Address: , 106 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AD,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0935-245.
British Embassy in Bolivia
Telephone: (2) 243 3424.
Website: http://ukinbolivia.fco.gov.uk/en
Address: , Avenida Arce No.2732, Casilla (PO Box) 694, La Paz, ,
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1330-1700; Fri 0830-1330; Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 (visa section).
