Bolivia entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Bolivia. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at El Alto International Airport (LPB) and Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB). Pay the fee in USD cash — $30 for single entry, $45 for multiple entry. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and hotel booking ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Bolivia. Airlines at Jeddah and Riyadh check this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at La Paz and Santa Cruz routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're overlanding to Peru or Chile, a bus ticket out of Bolivia works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready — printed or on your phone. If staying with friends, a simple letter of invitation with their address and phone number is enough. Officers rarely ask, but it's smart to have it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you'll pay for your stay. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is king in rural areas. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports with no fee. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready. No arrival declaration form needed.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any international airport in Bolivia — most likely Viru Viru in Santa Cruz or El Alto in La Paz. Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Immigration' after baggage claim.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' counter. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (if any — currently free for Saudi passport holders).
3
Receive your entry stamp
Once approved, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Check the number of days granted — usually 30 days. Keep the stamp legible.
4
Proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. No arrival declaration form is needed for Saudi passport holders.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (approx. 600 BOB)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at Bolivian embassy. Same as VoA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$250 USD (approx. 1,750 BOB)
Requires application at Bolivian embassy. Good for frequent travellers.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 BOB) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable based on course length
~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 BOB) plus processing fees
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Visa de Inversionista (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 BOB) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and legal documentation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Payable in USD cash or local currency at entry. Single entry, up to 30 days. | $160 USD (approx. 600 BOB) |
| Stay Extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. Max extension up to 60 additional days. | $50 USD (approx. 350 BOB) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged daily after visa expiry. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $2 USD (approx. 14 BOB) |
| Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $100 USD (approx. 700 BOB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 24 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).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
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 like Santa Cruz. Use repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in tropical regions. Same prevention as dengue.
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, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, entry stamp, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. Irala No. 621, entre calles Sucre y Bolívar
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early. Cash payments only.
Practical information for SA 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
You'll typically get 30 days on arrival. It's not extendable, so plan your trip within that window. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Yes, as of 2026, there is no fee for Saudi citizens getting a visa on arrival in Bolivia. This could change, so check with the nearest Bolivian consulate before you travel.
This policy applies specifically to air arrivals. If you're entering by land from Peru, Chile, or Argentina, you may need to get a visa in advance. Check with the Bolivian consulate in your departure country.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash for a visa on arrival. But having a credit card or some cash (US dollars or Bolivianos) is practical for your stay.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you overstay, you may face fines or future entry bans. Plan your exit accordingly.
Keep your passport, return ticket (printed or screenshot), and accommodation booking in your hand luggage. You'll need them at immigration before you collect checked bags.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.