Bolivia entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders. You pay the fee and receive your visa stamp on the spot. As of 2026, the visa is valid for up to 30 days and costs about $160 USD (exact amount depends on your nationality).
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 $160 USD fee in cash (US dollars or Bolivianos) — cards are not accepted. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and a passport photo ready.Bolivia Immigration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Bolivia. Airlines check this strictly at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Bolivia. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may check it before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | 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 officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Cash only at most borders
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash — US dollars or Bolivianos. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged US bills (no tears, marks, or old series). ATMs are available at major airports but may have long queues.
Visa on arrival is the standard for US citizens
You do not need to visit a Bolivian consulate before traveling. Just show up at the airport or land border with your documents and cash. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At El Alto Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru Airport (Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in cash (USD or Bolivianos). They'll process your visa and stamp it in your passport.
3
Receive visa sticker and enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Keep the receipt if given. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (same as VoA, but pre-approved)
Apply at Bolivian embassy/consulate before travel; may reduce scrutiny at border.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD
For frequent visitors; requires justification and supporting documents.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal por Jubilación
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD application + ~$100 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension, background check, and health insurance. Allows multiple entries and eventual permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD application + ~$150 USD annual renewal
For remote workers earning at least $1,500 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application + ~$200 USD annual renewal
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Bolivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Path to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at border; exact amount may vary slightly. | $160 USD (no additional currency conversion) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires; max extension 30 days. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in Bolivianos) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines accumulate daily; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$5 USD per day, max cap ~$200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
US passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Bolivian airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or tourist visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose risk; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue, present in tropical regions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in lowland areas (e.g., Beni, Pando); 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. Colón, Edificio de Migración
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, TM-7 form, and fee.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Edificio Corporativo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for US 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 = 6.92 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $160 USD. This can be paid in US dollars (crisp, undamaged bills) or Bolivianos at the current exchange rate. Credit cards are not accepted at most land borders, but some airports may have an ATM nearby.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Bolivia before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Bolivian consulate before traveling.
The visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Desaguadero (from Peru) and Villazón (from Argentina). The process is the same — present your documents and pay the fee in cash. However, smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival, so stick to official border posts.
Not required for US citizens arriving from the US, but if you're coming from a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you'll need proof of vaccination. It's also recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon region in Bolivia.
No, there is no e-visa system for US citizens. You must get the visa on arrival. There's no way to pre-apply or pay online.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $2-3 USD per day, payable when you leave. In serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering. Always check your visa's expiry date and leave on time.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Bolivia and want to return, you'll need to get a new visa on arrival again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.