Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
General visa requirements for travelling to Bolivia (Plurinational State of). These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (United States Tourist Visa (Pending Removal))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Same day at border/embassy
- Fee
- $160 USD
- Validity
- 90 days per year
- Entry
- Single entry
Entry is granted for 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. Note: Bolivia announced intentions to remove visa requirements for US citizens, but as of November 2025, this change is pending implementation and visas are still required.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: SIGEMIG; Form url: https://migracion.gob.bo
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $160 USD
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination required.; Validity months: 1200
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete visa application form online at Bolivian consulate or embassy website.
-
Document submission
Submit required documents including passport, completed application form, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation.
-
Fee payment
Payment required at border or port of entry. Bills must be clean and undamaged.
Student visa (Student Visa (180-day Exchange Student Visa))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 10-15 working days
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 180 days (renewable up to 3 years)
- Entry
- Single entry
Acceptance letter from Bolivian university or educational institution (public or private university, school, college, or approved institute of higher learning) is required.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Sufficient funds to cover stay period for duration of studies.
Minimum funds: $5,000 USD
-
Health
Good health and good conduct requirements.
Required vaccinations: Yellow Fever
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: 180-day Exchange Student Visa Application; Form url: https://visas.cancilleria.gob.bo/
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Immunization proof required due to occasional Yellow Fever outbreaks.; Validity months: 1200
How to apply
-
Appointment booking
Apply at Bolivian embassy with university acceptance letter and supporting documents. Processing takes 10-15 working days.
-
Document submission
Initial 180-day visa can be extended up to 3 years at Bolivian immigration office until completion of studies.
Work / Immigration visa (Work Permit (Specific Purpose Visa))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days for work permit approval; entire process can take 1-5 months
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 1-3 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Single entry
Formal employment offer from Bolivian employer willing to sponsor the work permit is required. Must provide police clearances from home country and any country of residence in past 5 years, plus medical certificate confirming good health.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have confirmed job offer from registered Bolivian company willing to sponsor work permit application.
Required status: Confirmed employment offer from Bolivian employer
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Specific Purpose Visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado) Application; Form url: https://visas.cancilleria.gob.bo/
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete visa application online through official portal.
-
Appointment booking
Submit documents to Bolivian embassy or consulate. Processing takes 30-60 days for work permit approval.
-
Processing wait
Immigration authority must authorize all specific purpose visas. Entire process can take 1-5 months after filing documents.
-
Visa collection
Upon approval, applicant receives Alien Identity Card (Carnet de Extranjero) confirming legal residency status. Valid for 1-3 years, renewable.
Tourist visa (Asia Group Visa (Visa on Arrival or Embassy))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa on arrival
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- Same day (on arrival) or 10-15 days (embassy)
- Fee
- $95 USD (on arrival) or Free (at embassy)
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Fee applies if obtaining visa on arrival. Free if applying at embassy in advance. Note: Visa on arrival service may have ended as of July 25, 2025 according to some sources - verify with embassy.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: SIGEMIG; Form url: https://migracion.gob.bo
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $95 USD
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Required for travelers coming from yellow fever risk countries.; Validity months: 1200
How to apply
-
Appointment booking
Option 1: Apply at Bolivian embassy or consulate in advance (free of charge).
-
Document submission
Option 2: Obtain visa on arrival at border or airport for $95 USD (availability may have ended July 2025 - verify current status).
-
Fee payment
Payment at border if using visa on arrival option.
Tourist visa (European Union Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Mandatory traveler registration system for all international visitors.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: SIGEMIG; Form url: https://migracion.gob.bo
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Required for travelers coming from yellow fever risk countries and for those traveling to endemic areas below 2,300m east of the Andes.; Validity months: 1200
Tourist visa (South America Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Mandatory traveler registration system SIGEMIG for all international visitors. Must be completed prior to arrival or will be registered at port of entry with potential fines up to 250 Bolivianos upon departure.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: SIGEMIG; Form url: https://migracion.gob.bo
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travelers coming from yellow fever risk countries and for those traveling to endemic areas below 2,300m east of the Andes (departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and some areas in Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija). Certificate valid for life per WHO guidelines.; Validity months: 1200
Business visa (Business Visa (Multiple Entry - 1 Year))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- At least 1 month prior to visit
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Requires details about nature of business of company, applicant's title and functions, detailed information concerning activities to be conducted in Bolivia, and names/addresses of Bolivian companies to be dealt with. Certificate of good conduct/police report from home country required.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Bank statement showing economic solvency.
Minimum funds: $3,000 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter of invitation from host company in Bolivia containing applicant's full name, relationship, places to be visited, contact information, nature of business, and duration of stay
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Original certificate of yellow fever vaccination.; Validity months: 1200
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete Specific Purpose Visa application online.
-
Appointment booking
Submit to Bolivian embassy at least one month prior to visit as immigration authority must authorize all specific purpose visas.
-
Visa collection
Multiple Entry Visas issued for one year period, renewable, for foreign citizens engaging in investment or business activities.
Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa (Specific Purpose))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- At least 1 month before travel
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Valid press credentials from recognized media organization or journalist association required.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Bolivian media organization or official invitation for coverage of specific events/stories
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Specific Purpose Visa Application (Journalist/Media Activities); Form url: https://visas.cancilleria.gob.bo/
-
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete visa application through official portal.
-
Appointment booking
Submit press credentials and assignment documentation to Bolivian embassy. Apply at least one month before intended travel.
-
Processing wait
Immigration authority reviews and authorizes media/journalist specific purpose visas.
Tourist visa (Transitioning Countries Visa-Free Entry (2026))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
These countries transitioned to Group 1 (visa-free) in 2026.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: SIGEMIG; Form url: https://migracion.gob.bo
-
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Required for travelers coming from yellow fever risk countries and for those traveling to endemic areas.; Validity months: 1200
Transit visa (Universal Transit Exemption (Except China))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 24 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
Transit within 8 hours or staying in international transit area with no intention to leave airport. Must have confirmed onward ticket for flight to third country within 24 hours and documents required for next destination. Exception: Chinese citizens require transit visa.
Documents you need
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Medical visa (Humanitarian Visa (Medical Treatment))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 15-30 business days
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
For individuals with humanitarian reasons, including accompanying sick person requiring medical treatment. Medical certificate certifying that medical treatment is required for the patient being accompanied or receiving treatment. Letter from Bolivian healthcare facility or hospital confirming appointment for medical treatment is required.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of funds to cover medical expenses and stay. Note: Private healthcare costs in Bolivia are 60-80% lower than US prices.
Minimum funds: $5,000 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Humanitarian Visa Application; Form url: https://visas.cancilleria.gob.bo/
How to apply
-
Appointment booking
Apply at Bolivian embassy with medical certificate and hospital documentation demonstrating need for treatment in Bolivia.
-
Document submission
Submit all medical documentation including treatment plan, hospital confirmation, and proof of ability to pay for medical services.
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Official Passport Exemption (Except China))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports of any country except China may enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Transit visa (China Transit Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days
- Fee
- Varies by embassy
- Validity
- 24 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
Chinese citizens must have a transit visa even for short stopovers, unlike other nationalities who are exempt for transits under 8 hours. Confirmed onward ticket for flight to third country and documents required for next destination are required.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
How to apply
-
Appointment booking
Apply for transit visa at Bolivian embassy or consulate before travel.
Diplomatic visa (China Diplomatic/Official Passport Exemption)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Holders of diplomatic or service passports and passports for public affairs issued by China may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6