Bolivia entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports. Pay the fee in USD cash and have your documents ready. This has been the process since 2024.
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 a passport photo ready. The fee is around $30–$100 USD depending on nationality — pay in cash (USD or local currency).Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Bolivia. Airlines enforce this strictly — 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 confirmed onward ticket out of Bolivia. A bus ticket to a neighboring country works if you are leaving overland. Without one, you risk being refused entry at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do and you have nothing, they may deny entry. | 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 to see proof you can cover your stay — credit cards alone are not always accepted. | Recommended |
USD cash only — no exceptions
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No cards, no Bolivianos, no other currency. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be rejected.
Visa on arrival only at airports
This facility is only available at international airports (El Alto, Viru Viru, and Cochabamba). If entering by land, you need a visa from a Bolivian embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Have USD cash for the visa fee.
2
Arrive at Bolivian airport
At El Alto International Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim.
3
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form at the immigration counter. Fill it in with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
4
Pay the visa fee in USD cash
Hand over the fee (exact amount) to the immigration officer. They'll give you a receipt.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
6
Proceed through passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You're in.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 700,000 VND)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$45 USD (approx. 1,050,000 VND)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,350,000 VND)
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 2,350,000 VND)
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
~$50 USD (approx. 1,175,000 VND)
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 4,700,000 VND)
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and legal registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feePayable in cash (USD) upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $30 USD (approx. 700,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as VoA fee; valid for up to 30 days. | $30 USD (approx. 700,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | $45 USD (approx. 1,050,000 VND) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not available for VoA; only for tourist visa holders. | $20 USD (approx. 470,000 VND) per 30-day extension |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | $2 USD (approx. 47,000 VND) per day, max $100 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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas can cause severe altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Also mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain. Prevention same as dengue.
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. Ayacucho, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for VN 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 typically around $160 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Always carry the exact amount in USD cash — no change is available at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. At land borders, you must have a visa issued in advance by a Bolivian embassy or consulate.
It's not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon or lowland areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof.
No. Only USD cash is accepted. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring crisp, undamaged bills.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer if there's a queue. Budget at least 45 minutes after landing to clear immigration.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.