Bolivia entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia. Show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard process for Bulgarian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders. Pay $160 USD in cash (exact bills) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and hotel booking ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Bolivia ready — they may deny entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. A printed copy or a screenshot on your phone works — officers rarely check but ask for it occasionally. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards. Bring crisp US dollars or Bolivianos. Damaged or old bills may be refused.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Have them saved on your phone or printed out to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Land at the airport
You'll arrive at El Alto International Airport in La Paz or Viru Viru in Santa Cruz. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the immigration counter, you'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and where you're staying.
3
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or Bolivianos).
4
Get your visa sticker and enter
The officer will stamp your passport and attach a visa sticker. You're now free to enter Bolivia. Keep the receipt in case you need to extend later.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$160 USD (same as VoA)
Apply at Bolivian consulate; may allow longer initial stay if requested.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$160 USD (same as single entry)
Not commonly issued; request at consulate with justification.
Long-stay visa (work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 BOB)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship; apply at Bolivian consulate.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 BOB)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Bolivian employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 BOB)
For enrolled students at recognized Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visa de Inversionista (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 BOB)
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (no additional currency specified) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained at Bolivian consulates abroad; same fee as VoA. | $160 USD (same as VoA) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry not standard; single entry is typical for tourists. | $160 USD (same as single entry) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires; max extension up to 90 days total. | ~$20 USD (approx. 140 BOB) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; fines accumulate daily until departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 14 BOB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bolivia
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB), La Paz · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), Santa Cruz · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB), Cochabamba
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow Fever (if not required)RecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in La Paz (3,650m) and Uyuni (3,700m); acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Present in lowland areas (Santa Cruz, Beni); use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same regions as dengue; prevention through mosquito avoidance.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando) below 2,500m; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
La Paz
Dirección General de Migración
Calle Potosí esq. Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz, Edificio de la Policía Nacional
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, application form, and fee.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Av. San Martín esq. Calle 3, Edificio de la Gobernación
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalSucre
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBolivian boliviano (BOB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.92 BOB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CTypes A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is approximately $160 USD (or equivalent in Bolivianos). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra.
No. Only cash is accepted — US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos. Make sure your bills are in good condition (no tears or marks).
The standard stay is 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days by visiting immigration offices in major cities like La Paz or Santa Cruz.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ready.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Bolivia.
Yes, you can apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate before you travel. But the visa on arrival is simpler and faster for Bulgarian citizens.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bolivia can be high, and insurance gives you peace of mind.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.