Bolivia Entry Requirements 2025: Visas & What to Pack for Smooth Entry
Not sure what you actually need for Bolivia entry requirements in 2025? Whether you’re visa-free or dealing with embassy forms, here’s what you really need to sort before stepping off the plane or rocking up at the border. We’re talking about entry documents, health stuff, yellow fever quirks and that one time a border guard asked for a random itinerary printout.
Let’s get stuck in.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Bolivia?
The short version? It depends on your passport. Most travellers from Europe, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand don’t need a visa to enter Bolivia as a tourist. You’ll get 30 days on arrival (extendable to 90), no fees, no paperwork drama.
If you’re from the US or a handful of other countries, you will need a visa – but you’ve got options. You can get it in advance from a Bolivian consulate or just sort it at the border. Either way, it’s doable.
Bolivia splits countries into three visa groups. If you want to see what group you fall into, I’ve covered that properly in my visa lowdown post.
Once you’re clear on what you need to get in, check out the traveller’s guide to exploring Bolivia – it’s packed with the best places, surreal landscapes and random adventures that’ll help you build the perfect trip.
Entry Documents (Even if You Don’t Need a Visa)
You might not need a visa but you’re not totally off the hook. Here’s what they might ask for at the airport or land border:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- An onward or return ticket (they don’t always check but it happens)
- Proof of accommodation – even a hotel booking screenshot usually does the trick
- A basic travel itinerary if they’re feeling nosey
- Travel insurance – not mandatory but sometimes mentioned. Just carry a PDF
I’ve crossed into Bolivia five different times. Most were chill. Once I got grilled about where I was staying that night while standing in a dusty shack near Lake Titicaca. Moral of the story: have something printed or saved on your phone. You probably won’t need it – until you do.
For those UK readers (and beyond), the Gov.uk Bolvia requirements page is always good for up to date info.
Still feeling a bit on edge about Bolivia’s entry rules? You might find this piece on how safe Bolivia really is reassuring – or at least honest.
Health Requirements for Entering Bolivia
Do you need vaccines to enter Bolivia?
Only in some cases. Bolivia doesn’t require proof of vaccination just to enter the country – unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever risk area (like Brazil). In that case, you’ll need to show a yellow fever certificate.
Also, if you’re planning to head into the Amazon or jungle zones (Beni, Pando, northern La Paz), some border officials might ask for proof even if you’re not coming from a risk country. It’s a bit inconsistent but best to carry it.
No COVID-19 test or vaccination is required to enter Bolivia as of 2025. Still, I always keep my vaccine pass on my phone just in case someone gets nostalgic.
Fun Fact: Bolivia was one of the first South American countries to lift all COVID entry restrictions after the initial waves. While others dragged on with PCR tests and vax passes, Bolivia quietly reopened in 2022 and never looked back.
If you want to be fully jabbed and jungle-proof, check out Bolivia’s vaccination requirements – it breaks down what’s actually worth getting before you go.
Airports vs Land Borders: What Changes?
The vibe is wildly different depending on where you arrive.
Flying into La Paz or Santa Cruz? It’s more structured. You’re dealing with proper airport staff who’ve seen thousands of tourists. Border checks are usually straightforward, especially if your documents are in order.
Fun Fact: The La Paz airport sits at over 4,000 metres above sea level – it’s the highest international airport in the world. So if your entry stamp looks blurry or your handwriting’s wonky, it might be the altitude messing with you more than the border stress.
Crossing overland from Peru, Chile or Argentina? Slightly more chaotic. Sometimes quicker, sometimes hilariously slow. I once took a boat across Lake Titicaca that felt like it had been borrowed from a school trip, then crossed the border into Bolivia with no signage, just vibes. But it worked.
Land borders are usually fine – just make sure you’re crossing at one of the recognised points if you need a visa on arrival. And yeah – carry printed documents. It’s still very much a paper game in some places.
If you’re planning something more adventurous, like cycling down from La Paz, you might want to read up on the Death Road bike tour first – it’s a wild one.
Bolivia Entry Requirements Checklist (No-Faff Edition)
Here’s a quick checklist you can screenshot or print before your trip.
Required for Everyone:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months left)
Usually Needed:
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel or Airbnb)
- Travel itinerary (basic is fine)
If Applicable:
- Visa (for Group 2 or 3 countries – check your passport group)
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from risk countries or heading into jungle regions)
- Travel insurance (not enforced but handy to show)
Fun Fact: Some travellers report being denied entry because their US dollars were too wrinkled. Not joking – Bolivia’s immigration can be fussy about crisp, clean notes. If you’re paying visa-on-arrival fees, bring fresh bills straight from the bank. This also reminds me of Nicaragua where if USD notes have a rip in them, they simply cannot be used. This makes tourists a prime target for receiving these in change!
Bolivia Entry Requirements FAQs
Do I need proof of onward travel to enter Bolivia?
Not always, but it’s smart to have something ready. A fake bus booking works in a pinch.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate to enter Bolivia?
Only if you’re coming from a yellow fever risk country or heading into Amazon regions. Still, I carry mine just to dodge any stress.
Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Bolivia?
Not technically. But some immigration forms list it and I’ve had drivers ask. Best to carry a PDF.
What happens if I arrive without hotel bookings or plans?
You’ll probably be fine. But if asked, showing a dummy itinerary or one booking screenshot usually keeps things smooth.
Can I enter Bolivia from Peru or Chile without a visa?
If your passport doesn’t need one, yes. If you do need a visa, only some crossings offer visa-on-arrival. Plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It
Bolivia entry requirements aren’t complicated but the process can be a bit… improvisational. Some days, it’s a 60-second stamp and go. Other times, you’re explaining your trip to someone with no computer and a lot of questions.
Have your basics printed or saved, carry your yellow fever certificate just in case and remember – border chaos is half the fun of overland travel.
Timing your arrival? The best time of year to visit Bolivia can make all the difference with weather, festivals and high season quirks.
And once you’re in, the fun begins – whether that’s browsing Bolivia tours worth booking, getting stuck into local food (don’t miss the salteñas) or figuring out how cheap Bolivia really is for a long-term trip.
Happy Travels!
