Bolivia entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Bolivian airports and land borders. This policy started in 2024 and is still active in 2025. At the immigration counter, you fill out a form, pay the fee, and get stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival in Bolivia. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and hotel booking ready — the immigration officer may ask for them. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency) at the counter before queuing for passport control.Bolivia Immigration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Bolivia. A bus ticket to a neighboring country works, but it must show a departure date within your visa's validity. Airlines may also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or enough cash to show you can support yourself during your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, $50–$100 USD per day is the informal benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are accepted, but they must be in perfect condition — no tears, stamps, or writing. Bring the exact amount if possible. ATMs at airports often have long queues and may run out of cash.
Keep your receipt
After paying the visa fee, you'll receive a receipt. Keep it with your passport until you leave Bolivia. You may need to show it at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bolivian immigration
At any international airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) or land border crossing, go to the immigration counter. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a short form asking for personal details, passport info, and your address in Bolivia. Fill it out in block capitals. Keep your passport and return ticket handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (USD or Bolivianos). The officer will give you a receipt. Keep this receipt until you leave Bolivia.
4
Receive your visa sticker and entry stamp
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport and stamp it. Check that the dates are correct before walking away. You're now admitted for up to 30 days (standard).
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
Standard option for tourism. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$320 USD
For frequent travellers. Must show justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (plus processing fees)
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. Not for tourism.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and background check. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (plus processing fees)
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (plus processing fees)
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD at border entry points. | $160 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied in advance)Same cost as VoA, but may be processed at embassy. | $160 USD |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day, max $200 USD |
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival 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 48 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Senegal).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
High altitude in La Paz and Potosí can cause severe symptoms; acclimatize gradually.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in lowland areas; use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito vectors as dengue; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni). 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
Calle Potosí esq. Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee payment.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Beni, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for SN 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 approximately $160 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos at the current exchange rate. Bring cash — cards are not accepted at immigration counters.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Bolivia and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
The same visa on arrival process applies at all official land border crossings (e.g., from Peru, Chile, Argentina). Look for the immigration office and follow the same steps. Have cash ready.
Bolivia requires a yellow fever vaccine if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Senegal is not on that list, so it's not required for direct travel. However, if you've recently been in another country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination.
Technically, immigration can ask for proof of onward travel. In practice, it's rarely checked at airports, but land borders may be stricter. Always have a refundable onward ticket or a bus ticket out of the country just in case.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes — all international airports (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) offer visa on arrival for Senegalese passport holders. Smaller airports like Uyuni or Sucre may not have immigration facilities, so fly into a major airport first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.