Published: August 11, 2026 – Last updated: September 7, 2026
Most travelers — including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia — do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism, and can stay up to 90 days. Every foreign visitor, visa-free or not, must complete a free online pre-registration called SIGEMIG before arriving.
Do You Need a Visa for Bolivia?
Group 1 — Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most South American nations can enter Bolivia for tourism without a visa. You’ll typically receive up to 90 days per calendar year, though some travelers initially receive 30 days that can be extended. The only requirements are a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and completion of SIGEMIG (see below).
Group 2 — Visa Required in Advance or on Arrival
Citizens of some countries must obtain a Bolivian visa before entering, either through a Bolivian embassy or consulate (free) or, in some cases, on arrival at select airports for a fee (around $30 USD). Stays are typically 30 days, extendable through Bolivia’s immigration offices.
Group 3 — Visa Required in Advance Only
Citizens of certain countries must apply for a visa in advance through a Bolivian embassy or consulate — there is no option to obtain a visa on arrival. This process requires additional documentation and authorization, so it should be started well before your trip.
SIGEMIG — The Registration Everyone Needs
Every foreign visitor to Bolivia — whether you need a visa or not — must complete SIGEMIG (Sistema de Gestión Migratoria), a free online pre-registration. The form takes about 10 minutes and asks for your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address for your stay. It’s best completed before you fly, though immigration officials can help you register on arrival if you haven’t. Skipping it can result in a fine when you leave the country.
Passport & Entry Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, regardless of your nationality or visa group. It’s a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport’s main page while exploring, and keep the original secured at your accommodation. Depending on your itinerary, you may also be asked to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination — particularly if you’re arriving from, or planning to visit, lowland or Amazon regions such as Rurrenabaque or Madidi National Park.
How to Apply for a Bolivia Visa (Group 2 & 3)
If your country falls under Group 2 or Group 3, you’ll need to apply for a visa before your trip through a Bolivian embassy or consulate — applying directly at the border isn’t guaranteed to work and can lead to delays or denied entry. Typical documents include a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, proof of onward travel, and — depending on your nationality — proof of accommodation or sufficient funds. Processing times vary by consulate, so it’s worth applying several weeks ahead of your trip.
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity) and one photocopy
- One passport-sized photo
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation in Bolivia
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g. a recent bank statement)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, where applicable
Exact document requirements vary by nationality and consulate — confirm the current list with your nearest Bolivian embassy before applying.
Extending Your Stay in Bolivia
If you’d like to stay in Bolivia longer than your initial entry period, you can request an extension at an immigration office (Dirección General de Migración) before your current stay expires. Requirements and maximum extension periods vary by nationality and visa group, so check with immigration or a Bolivian consulate for your specific situation. Overstaying without an approved extension typically results in a daily fine when you leave the country.
⚠️ Verify this: Visa groupings, fees, extension rules, and SIGEMIG requirements can change. Confirm your country’s current status with the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate, or Bolivia’s official migration portal, before booking your trip.
Where This Matters Most
Visa and entry rules apply everywhere in Bolivia, but they’re especially worth double-checking if you’re flying into La Paz or Santa Cruz — the country’s two main international entry points, where SIGEMIG and passport checks happen first.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Bolivia?
No. As of December 2025, US citizens can enter Bolivia for tourism without a visa and stay up to 90 days, the same as UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian travelers.
How long can I stay in Bolivia without a visa?
Most Group 1 travelers can stay up to 90 days per calendar year, though some nationalities initially receive 30 days that can be extended.
What happens if I don’t complete SIGEMIG before arrival?
Immigration officials can register you on the spot, but skipping it entirely can result in a fine when you leave the country.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Bolivia?
Not for most itineraries — but two separate rules apply. It’s recommended for travel to Beni, Pando, and any part of Bolivia below 2,300m east of the Andes (this doesn’t apply to highland stops like La Paz, Uyuni, or Sucre). It’s separately required for entry if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, regardless of where in Bolivia you’re headed. Check current requirements before you go, and see our Beni guide for the full regional breakdown.
How much does a Bolivia tourist visa cost?
Group 1 travelers pay nothing. Group 2 travelers may pay a fee (around $30 USD) if applying on arrival, though embassy applications are typically free.
