Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health Declarations
Travelers to Bolivia may need to complete an online health declaration form prior to arrival, especially for those entering from yellow fever risk areas. This quick process helps ensure smooth entry and is valid for the duration of your stay. Always check for updates on vaccination requirements, as policies can evolve based on global health situations.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Bolivia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a strict requirement enforced at all borders to prevent issues during your travels.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, and consider carrying a photocopy as a backup in case of loss or theft.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and many South American nations can enter Bolivia visa-free for tourism stays up to 90 days. This policy promotes regional travel and simplifies planning for short visits.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a tourist card that must be kept safe, as it's required for exit; replacement fees apply if lost.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, such as some Asian and African countries, apply in advance at a Bolivian consulate with documents including a passport photo, proof of onward travel, and financial means (around $50/day). The fee is typically $30-160 depending on your country, and processing takes 5-15 days.
Some visas are available on arrival at airports like La Paz for $160, but pre-approval is recommended to avoid queues and potential denials.
Border Crossings
Land borders with Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay require exit/entry stamps; expect inspections for yellow fever certificates at certain points like Copacabana. Crossings are generally straightforward but can involve waits of 1-3 hours during peak times.
Airports in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Sucre offer efficient immigration, but always declare any valuables to avoid customs issues on departure.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering high-altitude activities in the Andes, medical evacuations from remote areas like the Uyuni Salt Flats, and trip delays due to weather. Policies should include coverage for adventure sports if planning hikes or biking Death Road.
Affordable options start at $2-5/day; ensure it covers altitudes over 3,000m, as altitude sickness is common in La Paz.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 additional days by applying at the National Migration Service in La Paz or other major cities before your initial period expires. Provide reasons like extended travel or work, along with a fee of about 200 BOB ($29).
Overstaying incurs fines of 30 BOB/day ($4.30), so plan extensions early to avoid complications at borders.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Bolivia uses the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to La Paz or Santa Cruz by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for international routes via Lima or São Paulo.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at mercado stalls for affordable meals under $5, skipping touristy spots to save up to 50% on food costs in places like La Paz's witches' market.
Local markets offer fresh produce, empanadas, and api drinks at great prices, providing authentic flavors without breaking the bank.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (micros) or trufis for daily travel at $1-3 per ride, cutting intercity costs significantly compared to taxis.
Multi-day bus passes for routes like La Paz to Potosí can be as low as $20, including scenic Andean views.
Free Attractions
Visit public squares like Plaza Murillo, hike free trails in the Yungas, and explore street art in Sucre, which are cost-free and offer authentic experiences.
Many indigenous markets and colonial churches have no entry fees, allowing budget travelers to immerse in culture without expense.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major cities but carry cash (BOB) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates than exchange bureaus, and notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Tour Packages
Join group tours to Uyuni Salt Flats for $100-150 for 3 days, sharing costs on transport and guides, which is far cheaper than private options.
National park passes at $5-10 grant access to multiple sites like Tiwanaku ruins, paying off after just one or two visits.
Smart Packing for Bolivia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack layers for Bolivia's diverse climates, including thermal base layers for high-altitude cold in La Paz (below 0°C at night) and lightweight, quick-dry clothes for humid lowlands like Santa Cruz.
Include modest attire for visiting indigenous communities and breathable fabrics for summer heat in the Amazon basin, ensuring versatility across elevations.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A plugs), solar charger or power bank for remote areas like Uyuni where electricity is unreliable, offline maps for spotty internet, and a durable camera for landscapes.
Download translation apps for Spanish and Quechua, and a GPS app for navigating rugged terrains without cell service.
Health & Safety
Carry travel insurance documents, altitude sickness medication like acetazolamide, a basic first-aid kit with pain relievers and diarrhea meds, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense UV at elevation.
Include hand sanitizer, DEET insect repellent for jungle areas, and water purification tablets, as tap water is unsafe outside cities.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for day hikes, reusable water bottle with filter, quick-dry towel for salt flat tours, and small-denomination BOB/USD cash in a money belt.
Bring photocopies of passport, visa, and insurance, plus a dry bag for rainy season gear to protect documents and electronics.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for Andean trails and Death Road biking, plus comfortable sandals for city exploration in Cochabamba.
Waterproof shoes or gaiters are crucial for muddy paths during the wet season, and extra socks help with blisters from long walks on uneven terrain.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable toiletries to respect Bolivia's fragile ecosystems, lip balm with SPF for dry highland air, a compact poncho for sudden rains, and wet wipes for limited facilities in rural spots.
Travel-sized items like moisturizer combat altitude-induced dryness, helping you pack light for multi-region itineraries from altiplano to Amazon.
When to Visit Bolivia
Spring (September-November)
Shoulder season with warming temperatures of 10-20°C in the highlands, ideal for hiking in the Cordillera Real and fewer crowds at Lake Titicaca.
Wildflowers bloom in the Yungas, making it perfect for birdwatching and gentle transitions from dry to wet without heavy rains.
Summer (December-February)
Wet season peak with lush greenery and temperatures of 15-25°C, great for the Oruro Carnival in February featuring vibrant dances and cultural immersion.
Expect afternoon showers but lower prices; ideal for Amazon rainforest tours where wildlife is more active, though roads can be muddy.
Autumn (March-May)
Transition to dry with mild 10-18°C weather, excellent for exploring colonial Potosí mines and Sucre's whitewashed streets without summer humidity.
Fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodations, and the landscapes turn golden, enhancing photography opportunities in the altiplano.
Winter (June-August)
Dry season with clear skies and cooler 5-15°C days, prime time for Uyuni Salt Flats tours when the mirror effect is stunning under blue skies.
Budget-friendly for La Paz cable car rides and Andean festivals; nights can drop to freezing, so layer up for high-altitude adventures.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). ATMs available in cities; USD widely accepted in tourist areas. Exchange rates fluctuate mildly.
- Language: Spanish is official, with Quechua and Aymara widely spoken. English is limited outside La Paz and Santa Cruz tourist spots.
- Time Zone: Bolivia Time (BOT), UTC-4 year-round
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type A plugs (two flat pins, like US)
- Emergency Number: 110 for police, 118 for medical or fire assistance
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants or $1-2 for guides/porters in remote areas
- Water: Tap water is not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Readily available in cities (farmacias). Look for red cross signs; basic meds are affordable