Bolivia entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bolivia, and the good news is you can apply online through the official government portal. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready. Here's exactly what you need to know for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bolivia eVisa (Visa de Turismo)Without an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding and entry. Apply online before travel | Chinese passport holders must obtain a Bolivia Tourist eVisa before arrival. Apply through the official Bolivia immigration portal, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityBolivian immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bolivia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a clean page; otherwise you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting the endorsement page) for the entry stamp. Ensure no visas or markings occupy the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBolivian authorities require evidence that you will leave the country. Proof of exit from Bolivia | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Bolivia within the allowed stay (usually 30 days, but verify your eVisa conditions). Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids delays or denial. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Bolivia, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The exact amount is not fixed, but it should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateProtects your health and may be required if traveling from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Recommended for certain areas | Though not required for entry from China, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is recommended if you plan to visit lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Rurrenabaque, or the Amazon basin). Carry the certificate with you. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceGives peace of mind and financial protection. Medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Bolivia's healthcare system may require upfront payment for services. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork beyond the immigration card. Not required | Bolivia does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Chinese passport holders at this time. You will complete the standard immigration form upon arrival. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
eVisa processing can be unpredictable. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your departure. If you arrive without an approved eVisa, you'll be sent back on the next flight.
Keep a digital backup
Save a PDF of your eVisa on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copy, you can show the digital version at immigration, though a printout is preferred.
Yellow fever — better safe than sorry
Even if not mandatory, get the yellow fever vaccine before traveling to Bolivia, especially if you're heading to the Amazon or other tropical areas. It's a one-time shot and protects you from a serious disease.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Scan your passport bio page, passport photo, flight itinerary, and hotel bookings. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page. Have a digital copy of your yellow fever certificate if you have one.
2
Complete the online application
Go to the official Bolivian immigration eVisa portal (visas.bolivia.gob.bo). Create an account, fill in your personal details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee (around $30 USD, payable by credit card). Double-check all information before submitting — mistakes cause delays.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but can take longer. Monitor your email for the approval notification. Once approved, you'll receive a PDF eVisa — print it out and keep a copy on your phone.
4
Arrive at the airport in Bolivia
When you land at El Alto International Airport in La Paz or Viru Viru in Santa Cruz, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and note your allowed stay (usually 30 days).
5
Keep your documents during your stay
Carry your passport and a copy of your eVisa with you at all times. Police can ask for identification, and you'll need your passport for hotel check-ins and any domestic flights.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$50
Apply at Bolivian consulate; requires proof of funds, itinerary, and passport validity of 6 months.
Business visa
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$60
Requires invitation letter from Bolivian company and proof of business purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those investing a minimum of $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bolivia eVisa (single entry, tourist)Paid online via official Bolivia visa portal; valid for 30 days from issue, max stay 30 days. | $30 |
| Visa on arrival (if eVisa not obtained in advance)Available at land borders and some airports for Chinese citizens; must have passport photo and proof of onward travel. | $30 |
| Visa extension (prórroga de permanencia)Apply at Migración in Bolivia; allows up to 30 additional days, total stay not exceeding 90 days per year. | Approx. $20 (200 BOB) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Overstay fines are charged per day; pay at Migración before departure. | Varies |
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
Transit visa required
Chinese citizens transiting through Bolivia (e.g., at El Alto International Airport) must obtain a visa in advance unless they qualify for visa-free transit (not applicable). Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for Schengen, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Japan may enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism (not transit).
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose risk; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Chagas diseaseLow risk
Rare in tourists; transmitted by triatomine bugs in rural areas.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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. Colón, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early. For extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for CN 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 = 6.93 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
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if your application has issues. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $30 USD, payable by credit card on the application portal. There are no additional fees at the airport if you have the approved eVisa.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry problems.
If rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply, but you'll need to correct the issue. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, which may take longer.
It's not required if you arrive directly from China, but it is required if you've visited a yellow fever risk country within 90 days before arriving. It's also strongly recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon basin or other lowland areas in Bolivia.
No, Chinese passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
Present your passport and the printed eVisa. The immigration officer may also ask to see your return flight ticket and proof of accommodation, so keep those handy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.