Bolivia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport and receive a 30-day tourist stamp. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bolivian airports | South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at El Alto International Airport (La Paz) and Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz). Have $160 USD in cash (exact amount, no torn bills) and a printed copy of your passport photo page ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Bolivia strictly enforces this — I've seen people turned away at check-in for having 5 months left. No blank page requirement, but have at least one free page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A bus ticket to Peru or Chile works just as well as a flight. If you're overlanding, have a printed bus reservation — they won't accept verbal explanations. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it at the visa-on-arrival counter, but the airline check-in agent might. Booking.com confirmation printed in color works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Officially you need to show $1,000 USD or equivalent. A recent bank statement (last 3 months) or a credit card with a visible limit works. I've never been asked, but carry a printout just in case. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD or Bolivianos. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays. ATMs at the airport may have long queues or limited cash.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready. A bus ticket to Chile or Peru also counts.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at El Alto Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask how long you plan to stay.
3
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the amount — typically around $160 USD. Pay in cash (USD or Bolivianos). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your entry stamp
Once paid, the officer stamps your passport with a 30-day tourist visa. Verify the dates before leaving the counter. If you need more time, ask about extensions at the immigration office in Bolivia.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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)
Obtain in advance at Bolivian embassy; same cost as VoA but may reduce rejection risk.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Work Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia para Jubilados
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD + bank fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension, criminal record check, and medical certificate. Allows permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD
For remote workers earning at least $1,500 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Visa de Inversor
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD in a Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (no additional currency) |
| 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 upon departure; overstay may affect future entries. | ~$10 USD (capped at $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Bolivian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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) · 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 FeverRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in La Paz and high-altitude regions; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate 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: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas (e.g., Beni, Pando); 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. Colón, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, VoA stamp, and proof of funds.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for KR 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 Bolivian bolivianos). It must be paid in cash at the immigration counter. Credit cards are not accepted. Have exact change if possible.
You get a 30-day tourist stamp. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Bolivia (Dirección General de Migración). The extension costs around $100 USD.
Yes, you can extend once for another 30 days. Visit the immigration office in La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba. Bring your passport, a copy of your entry stamp, and the extension fee (about $100 USD). The process takes a few hours.
Immigration may deny entry. You must show a confirmed onward ticket. A refundable ticket or a bus ticket to a neighboring country works.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon or jungle areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Carry your yellow fever certificate just in case.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at land borders like Desaguadero (from Peru) and Villazón (from Argentina). The process is the same — pay the fee and get your stamp. However, some land crossings may have limited cash change, so carry small USD bills.
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 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.