Bolivia entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. No prior application needed — just show up at immigration with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Bolivia. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at El Alto and Viru Viru airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your intended stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip — a daily budget of around $50 USD per person is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bolivian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. Airlines also check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you fly.
Keep your entry card
At some border crossings, you'll receive a small paper entry card. Don't lose it — you'll need to return it when you leave Bolivia. If you lose it, you may face delays or a small fine at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Bolivian airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) or land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and a 90-day stay. Check the stamp before walking away — confirm the dates are correct.
4
Keep your entry card (if issued)
Some border crossings give a small paper entry card. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to hand it back when you leave.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for NZ passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for NZ passport holders)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits; no visa needed.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (application fee)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Apply at Bolivian consulate.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (application fee)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Bolivian institution. Proof of funds needed.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Permanente para Jubilados
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum $1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with foreign income (minimum $2,000 USD/month). Requires proof of employment and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia para Inversionistas
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourist visits; no visa fee required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple visits within the 90-day limit per entry. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 15 BOB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
High-altitude cities like La Paz (3,650m) and Potosí (4,090m) pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando). 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
Av. Camacho esq. Calle Loayza, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport and forms.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo Interno, Edificio Centro Empresarial, Piso 2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration procedures for the eastern region.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Bolivia before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter (but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits).
No, as long as you're a New Zealand passport holder and your final destination is Bolivia. Transit through other countries (e.g., Chile, Peru) may have their own visa rules — check each country separately.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term activities. Any paid work requires a proper work visa. If you're caught working without one, you risk deportation and a ban.
Not required for entry from New Zealand, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon basin or lowland areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof if you've recently been in a yellow fever endemic country. Check with your doctor.
You'll be fined per day overstay (around 20-30 BOB per day, paid at immigration when you leave). Overstays longer than 30 days can lead to a ban. Avoid it — set a reminder on your phone.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders (e.g., Desaguadero from Peru, or the crossing near Arica, Chile). Have your passport and onward ticket ready. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.