Bolivia entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Lao passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Bolivian airports and land borders. You pay the fee and receive your visa at the entry point. As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter Bolivia.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Application process | Get your visa on arrival at any Bolivian airport or land border. Pay the fee in cash (USD) — $30 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have your passport, a printed copy of your onward ticket, and a passport photo ready at the counter.Check Bolivia Immigration | 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 into Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at La Paz and Santa Cruz airports routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. A bus ticket to a neighboring country works too — just show something that proves you're leaving within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, a printed booking from Booking.com or a signed invitation letter works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask to see it at the border — especially if you're arriving overland from Peru or Chile. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need the cash before you clear. Bring crisp, undamaged bills.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible difficulties when leaving. Plan your trip within the visa validity.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bolivian entry point
Whether you land at El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Jorge Wilstermann in Cochabamba, or cross a land border like Desaguadero from Peru, head to the immigration counter. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, accommodation address. Fill it in clearly using block capitals.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and cash. The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker. This usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim or onward travel.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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)
Apply at Bolivian embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeFee for Laos passport holders; must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival. | $160 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | $2 USD per day |
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (La Paz) · Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz)
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 FeverRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions; same prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni); 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 and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for LA 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
The fee is typically around $100 USD, but it can vary slightly depending on the entry point. Pay in crisp US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you receive your visa.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon or lowland areas. Some land borders may ask for proof — check current health advisories.
Immigration may deny entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. Always have a confirmed onward ticket before you travel.
No, there is no eVisa option for Lao passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only method.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.