Bolivia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and you'll be processed at immigration. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars preferred. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the cash before you clear. Bring at least $160 USD in crisp bills.
Keep your documents handy
Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking easily accessible — either printed or on your phone. Fumbling through bags slows down the queue and can annoy immigration officers.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at El Alto International Airport (LPB) or Viru Viru (VVI)
Most international flights land at La Paz (LPB) or Santa Cruz (VVI). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Turismo'. There may be a separate line from those with pre-arranged visas. Wait your turn.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will review and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay).
4
Pay the visa fee
As of 2026, the visa on arrival fee for Kenyan passport holders is approximately $160 USD (cash only, preferably crisp US dollars). Have exact change if possible.
5
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check that the validity dates and number of entries are correct before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're now legally in Bolivia.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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$30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in Nairobi or neighboring country. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 7,800 KES)
Same application process as single entry; allows multiple visits.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
For enrollment in a recognized Bolivian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (approx. 21,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; pay at immigration before departure. | $2 USD per day (approx. 260 KES) |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB), La Paz · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), Santa Cruz
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
High altitude in La Paz and Potosí can cause severe symptoms; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Chagas DiseaseLow risk
Rare in tourists; avoid sleeping in poorly constructed rural huts.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; not needed in high-altitude cities.
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 Ballivián esq. Av. 16 de Julio, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, entry stamp, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo Interno, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for KE 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $160 USD. You must pay in cash — preferably crisp US dollars. Have exact change if possible, as change may not be available.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You are granted a specific stay period (usually up to 30 days) at entry. If you need longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Desaguadero (from Peru) and Villazón (from Argentina). The process is similar — present your documents, pay the fee, and get stamped. However, not all small crossings offer this, so stick to official ones.
Bolivia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Kenya is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. However, if you've recently traveled to an endemic country, you may be asked. Check current requirements before travel.
Bolivia does not offer an eVisa for Kenyan passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival at the airport or land border. There is no online application.
Immigration may deny your visa on arrival. A return or onward ticket is a mandatory requirement. If you don't have one, you could be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Typically 15–30 minutes at the airport, depending on queue length. At busy times (e.g., multiple flights arriving together), it can take up to an hour. Plan accordingly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.