With its sensational nationwide parks, beguiling cities, wealthy Indigenous tradition and dramatic landscapes – starting from towering Andean mountains and high-altitude lakes to shimmering salt flats and dense Amazonian rainforests – Bolivia is a magnet for vacationers from throughout the globe.
Deciding to visit is straightforward, however the logistics of stepping into the nation might be a little trickier. Right here’s our useful information to the entry necessities for Bolivia, together with data on vacationer visas, how to lengthen your keep, and the way to apply to work or research within the nation.
Which nationalities need a visa for Bolivia?
Right here’s the excellent news – Bolivia’s entry necessities are easy and pain-free for many guests. Many nationalities don’t require a vacationer visa; as a substitute, you will get a free entry stamp legitimate for a 30-day keep on arrival at any of Bolivia’s worldwide airports or land border crossings. US residents are required to apply for a visa.
The listing of nations granted visa-free entry consists of the UK, most EU and European Financial Space international locations, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and far of South America. Contact your native embassy or consulate for extra data.
Residents of the US (and another international locations) need to apply for a visa
Residents of the US need a dear vacationer visa to visit Bolivia. Visas price US$160, however they permit holders to keep for up to 90 days per 12 months, and so they’re legitimate for 10 years.
In idea, these visas can be found on arrival, and might be paid for in both US {dollars} or bolivianos (the Bolivian foreign money), however some airways will refuse to allow you to board your flight except you have already got a vacationer visa.
It’s at all times advisable to get a visa prematurely. You’ll be able to apply on-line through the Bolivian Ministry of International Affairs’ web site or on the Bolivian embassy in Washington DC (or through your native Bolivian embassy or consulate).
Vacationers from China, India and Taiwan have to pay for a 30-day visa on arrival in Bolivia (up to US$160), whereas residents of some Asian, African and Center Japanese international locations need to get “official permission” from Bolivia’s Ministry of International Affairs earlier than touring. Contact your native Bolivian embassy or consulate for extra data.
Extra rules for getting into Bolivia
Whether or not you require a vacationer visa or not, your passport have to be legitimate for six months past the date of entry into Bolivia. Guests below the age of 18 touring with out their dad and mom will need written parental consent approved by their native Bolivian embassy or consulate.
You might also be requested to show you will have adequate funds to assist your self throughout your keep in Bolivia – exhibiting a credit score or debit card will usually suffice. Keep away from displaying any money, as this might immediate a request for a bribe.
Carry your identification paperwork whereas in Bolivia
Formally, vacationers ought to carry their passport and vacationer visa with them always whereas touring in Bolivia. The most secure coverage is to carry photocopies, somewhat than the originals – petty theft is frequent, and dropping your passport will open up a complete world of problem.
The exception to this rule is whenever you’re passing shut to any of Bolivia’s land borders. The authorities are skittish about unlawful border crossings and you must preserve your actual passport and visa in your particular person always, even when you’re not truly crossing over into a neighboring nation.
Well being restrictions for Bolivia
Should you’re touring into Bolivia from a nation with endemic yellow fever – similar to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru – you might need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificates on arrival. You might also be requested for a yellow fever vaccination certificates when touring to areas of Bolivia under 2500m (8200ft) in altitude, together with the Amazon Basin.
Be careful for “administration charges” at land borders
Officers at distant border crossings could ask you for an unofficial “administration price” – basically a small bribe – to course of your entry into the nation. There is not any authorized foundation for this, however it’s exhausting to keep away from. Usually, the best coverage is solely to pay the “price” and go.
How to lengthen your keep in Bolivia
If you need to keep in Bolivia for longer than the usual 30 days, simply head to the immigration workplace within the nearest giant metropolis at the very least a week earlier than it expires.
You’ll be able to lengthen your entry stamp for a further 30-60 days without cost by visiting the workplace in particular person, however the most time vacationers are permitted to keep in Bolivia in any given 12 months is 90 days.
Don’t overstay – when you do, you’ll face a advantageous on the airport, border crossing or immigration workplace, and there shall be a mountain of forms to take care of. You might also be barred from re-entry in future.
Working and learning in Bolivia
If you need to work or research in Bolivia, you could apply for a particular class of visa and meet a advanced vary of standards. Making use of often entails assist from an employer or academic institution in Bolivia. Contact your native Bolivian embassy or consulate to discover out extra about how to make an software.