Bolivia entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Bolivian airports and land borders. This has been the case since 2024, and the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at land borders or airports in Bolivia. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers often ask for both. The visa costs around $160 USD (cash only, bring crisp bills).Bolivia Immigration | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Bolivia strictly enforces this — I've seen people turned away at El Alto airport for having 5 months left. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or bus ticket out of Bolivia. Without one, they may deny entry or force you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at land borders are particularly strict about this — they want to know exactly where you're staying each night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. The official minimum is around $100 USD per day, but I've never been asked to count it — just show a card and a recent statement. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Bolivianos. No credit cards. Bring crisp, undamaged US bills if using dollars.
30-day stay, extendable once
Your visa on arrival gives you 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at any immigration office. Plan ahead if you want to stay longer.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Bolivian airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) or land border, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's no separate queue — just the standard immigration line.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs about $160 USD (exact amount varies slightly). Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred, but some counters accept Bolivianos. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa and entry stamp
The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp your passport. The process takes 5–10 minutes. You'll get a 30-day stay, extendable once for another 30 days.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (same as VoA, but pre-approved)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in Kampala or nearest consulate.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD
Requires justification for multiple trips; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian employer. Requires contract, police clearance, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Bolivian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (exact fee, no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; pay at immigration office before departure. | $2 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if they remain 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 on arrival is required.
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 (including Uganda). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow Fever (if not required)Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose risk; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
DengueModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito-borne risk as dengue; prevention is key.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland regions (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; use DEET repellent.
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. Ayacucho, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, entry stamp, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Beni, Edificio Centro de Negocios, Piso 2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for UG 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. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred, but some counters accept Bolivianos. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra.
You get 30 days from the date of entry. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the immigration office in La Paz or Santa Cruz. The extension costs around $100 USD.
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Dirección General de Migración office in La Paz (Av. Camacho) or Santa Cruz. Bring your passport, a copy of your entry stamp, and the fee in cash.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including Desaguadero (from Peru) and Villazón (from Argentina). The process is the same as at airports.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're traveling to the Amazon or lowland areas. Some land borders may ask for proof. Carry your yellow fever certificate just in case.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for a tourist visa at a Bolivian embassy (e.g., in Nairobi or Pretoria). But the visa on arrival is simpler and faster — no need to apply beforehand.
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.