Bolivia entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia. Pay the fee and receive your visa at the airport immigration desk. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders | You get a visa on arrival at El Alto Airport (La Paz), Jorge Wilstermann Airport (Cochabamba), and Viru Viru Airport (Santa Cruz). The fee is $160 USD for Hong Kong passport holders — bring cash in crisp US dollars. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and onward ticket ready at the visa counter.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bolivia. Airlines at Hong Kong International Airport will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at Bolivian airports routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Bolivia within your visa validity. Have a return flight or a bus ticket to a neighboring country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Bolivian immigration may ask for your first night's hotel confirmation at the visa-on-arrival counter. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or a letter from your host works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers occasionally ask to see bank statements or credit cards showing you have at least $500 USD available. A recent bank statement on your phone is usually accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos. No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa validity starts on issue date
Your 30-day visa begins the day it's stamped, not the day you enter. If you arrive late at night, the clock starts ticking immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at airport immigration
At El Alto International Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if any), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and enter
The visa is stamped into your passport. Check the validity period (usually 30 days). You're then free to proceed to baggage claim.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (same as VoA)
Obtainable at Bolivian consulates abroad; may allow longer initial stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Available at Bolivian consulates; requires proof of multiple trips.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + fees
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD + fees
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Visa de Residente Permanente (Permanent Residency)
Indefinite
~$500 USD + fees
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum $1,000 USD/month). Requires background check and medical exam. Allows work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (no additional fee) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Bolivianos) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration before departure; overstay may affect future entries. | ~$5 USD per day, max ~$100 USD |
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
Hong Kong passport holders do not need a transit visa for Bolivia if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB)
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose risk; acclimatize and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito-borne risk as dengue.
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 Camacho esq. Loayza, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, entry stamp, and fee in Bolivianos.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo Interno, Edificio Corporativo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for HK 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 = 6.91 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 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Bolivia (Migración) for a fee.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 more days. Go to a Migración office (e.g., in La Paz or Santa Cruz) before your current visa expires. The fee is around 200–300 BOB (about $30–45 USD).
Immigration may deny your visa on arrival. It's safest to have a confirmed onward ticket. A refundable ticket or a bus ticket to a neighboring country also works.
Cash only — US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos. No credit cards, no debit cards. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Not required for entry from Hong Kong, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon or lowland areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Check with your doctor.
Yes, but not all land borders offer visa on arrival. The most reliable ones are Desaguadero (from Peru) and Villazón (from Argentina). Always confirm with the nearest Bolivian consulate before traveling overland.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.