Entry Procedures

Bolivia allows many nationalities to enter visa-free for short tourist stays, commonly up to 90 days per year, though for some the free stay is granted in shorter increments. Some nationalities need a visa in advance or a visa on arrival, and certain countries (including US citizens) require a visa obtained beforehand. Rules depend on your nationality and can change, so confirm the latest requirements with an official Bolivian source or embassy before you travel.

A common guideline is that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bolivia, and it should have blank pages for stamps. Some travellers are also asked for onward or return travel. Requirements can vary by nationality, so check your specific case before you travel.

Besides your passport, you may be asked at the border for supporting documents. These can include a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and, for some regions such as the Amazon lowlands, a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Having these ready helps entry go smoothly.

Bolivia requires travellers to declare cash and equivalent instruments above a set threshold when entering or leaving the country. The amount is defined by customs and may change, so check the current limit with Bolivian customs before you travel. Declaring correctly avoids fines and delays.

Travellers may bring personal effects and a limited quantity of goods for personal use duty-free, with allowances for items such as tobacco and alcohol for adults. Goods beyond the allowance or intended for sale must be declared and may be taxed. Allowances can change, so verify the current limits with Bolivian customs.

You may bring prescription medication for personal use, ideally in its original packaging and in quantities that match your trip. Carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter, especially for controlled substances or injectables. If you are unsure whether a medicine is restricted, check with a Bolivian embassy before travelling.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required or recommended when visiting some regions, such as the Amazon lowlands, and may be requested at the border in certain cases. Parts of Bolivia sit at high altitude, so plan for acclimatisation. Check current health advice and required or recommended vaccinations with an official travel-health source before you go.

On arrival, immigration officers check your passport and may ask about the purpose and length of your stay. Main international gateways include El Alto (LPB) serving La Paz and Viru Viru (VVI) serving Santa Cruz. You may receive an entry stamp showing your permitted stay, so check it and keep it until you leave.

Bolivia drives on the right, and mains power is around 230V (220V in some areas) with plug types A and C. The country calling code is +591. Sucre is the constitutional capital while La Paz is the seat of government. Because many places sit at high altitude, take your first days slowly to help acclimatise.