Information Sheet Last Updated: June 2004
Visas
Most citizens of Western Europe (except Ireland, check with the Bolivian embassy to check your requirements), North American countries, South American countries, Australia ,and New Zealand only need a passport to enter. When you enter the country, you will be given a 30-day stamp, but you should ask (even though you may not get it) for a 90-day stamp.
The following countries require a visa and must gain authorization from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which can take three to five weeks): Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jo4rdan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen.
The following countries require a visa but not authorization: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Hungary, South Korea, Malta, México, Panama, Romania, Slovenia, and Venezuela. This takes one to two business days.
Citizens of African countries, the countries of Asia not listed anywhere above, countries of former Yugoslavia, and former Soviet Union countries should make special enquires as the Bolivian government has yet to decide if they need visas.
Visas can be renewed at any Migración office for up to 90 days. You should not pay any money to extend your visa. If an immigration office refuses to stamp your passport without payment, you may be better off waiting until you arrive at the next town with an immigration office. You will have to pay a fine for overstaying your visa, but it may be cheaper than paying the immigration official. Further renewal after three months is at the discretion of the immigration officer. If you are denied, leave the country and return.
Whenever your passport or visa is stamped, be sure that the proper date is stamped on there or else it may lead to fines later. Business visitors, unless they are passing through as tourists, are required to obtain a visa from a Bolivian consulate.
You should be vaccinated against typhoid and yellow-fever (when visiting Santa Cruz or the Eastern Lowlands). A yellow fever certificate, at least 10 days old, is officially required for leaving and entering the country from Brazil. Hepatitis A is not required but highly recommended.