Bolivia entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at El Alto and Viru Viru airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they do not accept verbal promises. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Bolivia rarely asks for this at the border, but some airlines request it before issuing a boarding pass. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Immigration can ask how you plan to fund your trip. Carry a bank statement or enough cash (around $50 USD per day) to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bolivian immigration checks passport validity down to the day. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival, you will be denied entry — no exceptions. Renew before you go.
Keep your immigration card stub
When you enter Bolivia, you'll receive a small paper stub (the other half of your immigration card). Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave. Hotels may also ask for a copy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bolivian airport or land border
You'll enter Bolivia through major airports like El Alto (La Paz), Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), or Jorge Wilstermann (Cochabamba), or via land borders from Peru, Chile, Argentina, or Brazil. At the airport, follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjería'.
2
Queue at immigration control
Join the line for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and length of stay.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp for the exact date — it's your responsibility to leave before it expires. Keep the stamp visible in your passport.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to enter Bolivia.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 210 BOB)
Apply at Bolivian embassy/consulate before travel. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 420 BOB)
Requires application at embassy/consulate. Good for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and documentation.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Jubilados
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB) application fee + proof of pension
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires application at Bolivian consulate abroad, then in-country registration. Allows long-term stay and work permit after 1 year.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 BOB) application fee
For remote workers with foreign income (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 BOB) application fee + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer to register with immigration. Allows work and residence.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
1 year, renewable
~$80 USD (approx. 560 BOB) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines are assessed at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiable. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 14 BOB) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
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
Portugal passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, provided they stay 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-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) – La Paz · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) – Santa Cruz · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) – Cochabamba
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru). Otherwise recommended but not mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude regions (over 3,600m) pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in lowland areas (Santa Cruz, Beni); use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Also mosquito-borne, with outbreaks in tropical regions; prevention same as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando) and Amazon basin. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; not needed in high-altitude cities like La Paz.
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 extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle Sucre No. 100, entre Av. Irala y Av. Cañoto
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for PT 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 = 6.93 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 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines of about 20–50 Bolivianos ($3–$7) per day and possible deportation. To stay longer, you'd need to leave Bolivia and re-enter (e.g., a quick trip to Peru or Chile).
Not required for Portuguese passport holders entering from Europe. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline or the Bolivian consulate before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Portuguese citizens.
No, there is no online arrival declaration for Portuguese citizens. You simply fill out a paper immigration card on the plane or at the border (usually provided by the airline or immigration). Keep the stub — you'll need it when you leave.
Yes, Portuguese passport holders can enter Bolivia by land from any neighboring country. The same visa-free rules apply. At land borders, immigration offices may have limited hours — check ahead, especially at remote crossings like Desaguadero (Peru) or Paso Jama (Chile).
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Portuguese citizens. However, having a credit card or some cash (US dollars or Bolivianos) is practical for your stay.
You'll be fined approximately 20–50 Bolivianos (about $3–$7) per day of overstay, payable at immigration when you leave. Overstays over 90 days can lead to a ban or deportation. Avoid it by tracking your entry date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.