Bolivia entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
U.S. citizens can travel to Bolivia visa-free for tourism, staying up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and have one blank page for the entry stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entryYou don't need to apply for a visa in advance for short visits. No visa required for US citizens | US citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Entry is visa-free, but you must present a valid US passport at the border. | Not required |
| Passport validityBolivian immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bolivia. If it expires sooner, renew it before travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a clean page to be applied. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or markings occupy the page where the stamp will be placed. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketKeep a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight itinerary. Proof of departure from Bolivia | You must show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Bolivia within 90 days. This is checked at the border and sometimes by airlines. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving a bank statement or credit card helps show you can support yourself. Sufficient funds for your stay | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay. A credit card, bank statement, or cash (approx. $100–$200 per day) is generally accepted. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo online pre-registration is needed before flying to Bolivia. Not required | Bolivia does not require a separate arrival declaration form for US citizens. You will complete a standard immigration card upon arrival. | Not required |
| Yellow fever vaccinationProtects you in jungle regions and may be asked for if you travel from a yellow-fever country. Recommended for certain areas | While not required for entry, a yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you plan to visit areas below 2,300 meters (e.g., the Amazon basin). Carry your vaccination certificate if you have one. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Bolivian immigration enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
No visa, but have documents ready
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep these handy to speed up the process.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport validity (6+ months) and blank pages. Print or save your return ticket and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at a Bolivian airport or border crossing
Most U.S. travelers fly into El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz or Viru Viru (VVI) in Santa Cruz. Land borders (e.g., from Peru or Chile) also process entry.
3
Go through immigration control
Join the 'Foreigners' or 'Pasaportes' queue. Hand over your passport (and any requested documents). The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and the number of days allowed (usually 90).
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and customs. There's no arrival declaration form required, so you can head straight out.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
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:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Bolivian company and proof of business purpose.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires job offer and sponsorship from Bolivian employer.
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 extension (prórroga de estancia)Apply at Migración in Bolivia; allows up to 30 additional days. | Approx. $100 (300 BOB) |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Paid at airport or Migración; overstay fines apply. | Varies (approx. $25 per month) |
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 citizens transiting through Bolivia do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area, a tourist entry is required (visa-free for US citizens).
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)
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 = 6.93 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
No. U.S. passport holders can enter Bolivia visa-free for tourism and stay up to 90 days. This applies to both air and land entries.
You can stay up to 90 days per entry. The exact number of days is stamped in your passport on arrival. It's not extendable, so plan accordingly.
No, the 90-day tourist stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Bolivia and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration officers and not guaranteed.
Bolivian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure. If it's shorter, you may be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's not a formal requirement, but airlines and immigration officers may ask for it. Always have a return or onward ticket ready to avoid delays.
No, there's no separate tourist card or arrival declaration form for U.S. citizens. You just get your passport stamped at immigration.
Overstaying can result in fines (around $25 per month) and potential difficulties when leaving. It's best to leave before your stamped date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.