Bolivia Visas 2026:
do you need one?

Bolivia has one of South America's most open visa policies

The great majority of international travellers visiting Bolivia do not need a visa. Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of Latin and South America can enter without a visa and stay up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days through a procedure at the Dirección General de Migración. Bolivia removed the reciprocal visa requirement for US citizens in 2024 and its exempt-country list is one of the longest in the region. The only travellers who generally require a visa are nationals of certain Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries — check the table above for your specific nationality.

The border procedure and entry requirements

Entry into Bolivia takes place at the migration control posts of international airports (El Alto in La Paz, Viru Viru in Santa Cruz, Jorge Wilstermann in Cochabamba) or at authorised land crossings (Desaguadero, Tambo Quemado, Villazón, Yacuiba, and Hito Cajones from Chile). Standard requirements: passport valid for at least six months, return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds (not always checked but advisable to have). Bolivia does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry, but recommends it for travellers visiting the Amazon departments of Beni, Pando, and northern Santa Cruz.

Extensions, exits, and the 90-day annual limit

Visa-exempt travellers may stay in Bolivia for up to 90 days within any 12-month period. If you need more time, there are two options: apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración before completing the first 30 days, or exit the country and re-enter — although migration authorities track multiple entry-exit patterns and may deny re-entry if they determine the stay has an undeclared residency character. For longer stays (volunteering, remote work, studies), there is a specific-purpose visa obtainable at Bolivian consulates. LOVEBOLIVIA does not manage immigration procedures, but can advise on timelines that affect your route planning.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your Bolivia entry date. Airlines verify this at check-in. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your arrival date.

SIGEMIG (sigemig.gob.bo) is the Bolivian digital migration registration, mandatory since 2025 for all foreigners. Free. Takes 8–10 minutes. Generates a QR code you present at immigration. Complete before boarding your plane or crossing the border.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory or highly recommended for entering Bolivia's tropical zones (Beni, Pando, Chapare). Some countries require a vaccination certificate on entry if you've been to Bolivia. Vaccinate 10 days before travel. The certificate is valid for life.

Although not always requested, it is advisable to carry a return ticket or onward travel evidence when entering Bolivia. Some immigration officers may request it, especially for Groups 2 and 3. A travel itinerary or bus confirmation also works.