Bolivia entry requirements for Russia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Russian passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in Bolivia. Airlines may ask for 6 months validity, but Bolivian immigration only requires it to cover your stay.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Bolivia
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight reservation ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready to show.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least $100–$200 for your trip.Recommended
Check your passport validity carefully
The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires even a day before the 6-month mark from your arrival, you will be denied entry. Renew early.
No extension possible
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your trip accordingly. If you need more time, you must leave Bolivia and re-enter, but do this sparingly to avoid scrutiny.

What happens at the border

1
Arrival at Bolivian airport
You will land at El Alto International Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz). Follow signs to 'Migración' — the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport (with at least one blank page). The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp says '90 días' before walking away. If it is less, ask politely for the full 90 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No customs declaration form is required for most travellers.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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 in Moscow or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 420 BOB)

Same application process as single entry; allows multiple visits.

Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB)

Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. For work or study.

retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal (Retiro)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB) plus bank fees
For retirees aged 60+ with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income, background check, and local address. Allows multiple entries and work permit after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal (Trabajo Remoto)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 BOB) plus processing
For remote workers with income of at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Visa de Inversor
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 BOB) plus investment
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
1 year, renewable annually
~$80 USD (approx. 560 BOB) plus tuition
For enrolled students at recognized Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable.N/A
Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap unknown.~$2 USD per day (approx. 15 BOB)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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

Russian 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-free entry (up to 90 days) applies.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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). Certificate must be at least 10 days old.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk

La Paz and high-altitude areas (over 3,500m) pose risk of acute mountain sickness. Acclimatize for 2–3 days.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz). Use repellent and mosquito nets.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions. Symptoms include fever and joint pain.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; chloroquine-sensitive.

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. Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.

Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. Irala No. 123, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.

Practical information for RU 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
updated May 22
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
Police110
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Bolivia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not required for Russian passport holders entering from Russia. However, if you have recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with the Bolivian consulate before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Common crossings include Desaguadero (Peru) and Tambo Quemado (Chile). The process is similar — show your passport, get a stamp.
No. Bolivia does not require an arrival declaration for Russian passport holders. Just your passport and possibly a return ticket.
You will be fined approximately $2-3 per day overstayed, payable at the immigration office before departure. In extreme cases, you could be banned from re-entering for a period.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Russian citizens. You must leave and re-enter if you want to reset the 90-day clock, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.