About Bolivia and visa requirements

About Bolivia

Visiting Bolivia is a unique, unforgettable and authentic experience. Bolivia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, both in cultural and ethnic terms as well as in bio-diversity. The human richness of its inhabitants is made up of more than thirty native ethnic groups (Guarani, Ayoreo, Moxeño, Aymara, Quechua), mestizos, Europeans, Japanese, Mennonites, Afro-Bolivians and some other minorities. Aymara en Quechua women are called Cholitas. And if additionally, you wish to see the diversity of cultural expressions, dances, costumes or culinary variety, the list is interminable.

If you are interested in nature at its wildest. If you are looking for the most diverse, harsh, solitary and surprising spots, throughout the country you will find fascinating places. More than 16% of Bolivia ‘s territory is classed as protected, whether as national parks, or in other categories of protected areas.

Bolivia ranks sixth as the country with greatest diversity in birds, eighth in reptiles, tenth in mammals and eleventh in higher plants. It is one of the two landlocked countries in South America the other being Paraguay. But even without coastal scenery, Bolivia is a member of a select club of countries which offer a sampling of most of the natural riches of the entire world. In fact, the country is blessed with a great variety of ecosystems such as tropical forests, Andean mountains, valleys, pampas, Chaco , Pantanal etc.

The authenticity of the folklore, the untouched scenery, the many national parks, the tranquillity one feels while travelling, are some of the many advantages of travelling in Bolivia, in the heart of South America, the summary of the continent.

Ethnic groups
The Bolivian population is estimated to be around 11 million inhabitants. Bolivia is a multiethnic country. The majority are Native South American (Amerindians) and mixed Native American and European ancestry (Mestizos), but minorities like Europeans, Asians, and Africans are also found. Read more.

Language
Spanish is the official language of Bolivia , however, being such a diverse country ethnically and culturally, there are various languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. The same diversity applies to the different Spanish accents: People from Santa Cruz (known as cruceños) have an intonation different from those of La Paz or other Bolivian regions.

Geographic regions
Bolivia is a landlocked country situated in the heart of South America. It is much more than Andean highlands (Altiplano), although it has no sea coast Bolivia is a country known as the geographical synthesis of the world because of its great biodiversity and tremendous geographical contrasts that include many diverse ecosystems: Andean mountains and Altiplano, Amazonian, Yungas and other valleys, Chaco savanna, pampas, etc.

Climate
The climate in Bolivia vary as greatly as the country’s many regions and altitudes. From the the humid tropical climate of the tropics in the eastern llanos orientales to polar climate in the western Andes through temperate and subtropical climate in valleys and Yungas and Chaco regions.

Currency
The official currency is the Boliviano. However, most establishments will accept U.S. dollars. The safest way to change foreign currency into Bolivianos is through a bank. We do not recommend changing money on the street corners. Do not accept U.S. currency that is in the least bit torn because it will be rejected if you try to use it. Most of the banking facilities have ATM´s where you can withdraw money (Bolivianos or U.S. dollars) any time of the day.

Time
The official time for the whole Bolivia is -04:00 in relation to the Greenwich Meridian (GMT)

Electricity
Electricity throughout the country is 220V. Most five star hotels offer 110V as well.

Train
Check the train timetables in Bolivia, both for the Inter-Andean and the Oriental railway network.

Do you need a VISA to enter Bolivia?

If you are planning to visit Bolivia, you may have to get a Bolivia visa beforehand. The tourist visa requirements depend on your nationality. The Bolivian government has organized the visa policy for all countries into 3 different groups:

GROUP 1: You do not require a visa or need to pay any kind of fee upon entering Bolivia for visits of up to 30 days. Once in Bolivia, you can extend your stay for up to 90 days. The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.

GROUP 2: You need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Verify the entry requirements and fees with the nearest Bolivian embassy of consulate. Sistema de Solicitud Visas (cancilleria.gob.bo)

GROUP 3: You must apply for a visa IN ADVANCE and can ONLY apply for one directly at a Bolivian embassy. Verify the entry requirements and fees with the nearest Bolivian embassy of consulate. Sistema de Solicitud Visas (cancilleria.gob.bo)

Check what group you’re in using this list: LISTA DE PAÍSES | Dirección General de Migración (migracion.gob.bo) / Visa policy of Bolivia – Wikipedia or check this passport index.

If you are having doubts whether or not you need a visa, we recommend contacting the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your country.

If you need to apply for a visa (countries of group 2 and 3), you will have to fill out a Visa Affidavit form. When taking a trip with us we can provide a letter of invitation.

ALL foreigners visiting Bolivia are required (this is a mandatory requirement) to register for the Bolivia enter registration form (SIGEMIG). This is a traveler location form where foreigners can register their accommodation details. This can be done prior to arrival in Bolivia. If you want to complete it before arrival you can find the online registration form here. Make sure to print out a copy of your registration and bring it with you. (Sigemig form tutorial in Spanish)

For US citizens: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism. This VISA for US citizens is valid up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries. A tourist visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighboring country. In addition, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border. Check the VISA requirements here or the Bolivian embassy info (boliviawdc.org)

Visit or contact the Bolivian Embassy or nearest Consulate for the most current visa information. Check this list with consular offices contact information.

For citizens of Mercosur member countries: Bolivia also allows certain nationals from countries from South America (Mercosur countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Perú, Venezuela, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Suriname) to enter the country without a passport. In this case, you will only need your national ID.

(Ciudadanos de países del Mercosur viajan con carnet o pasaporte sin necesidad de visa. Ver: https://migracion.gob.bo/autorizacionturismovisita)

Important notes:

You need to submit the required documents both in electronic format and paper format.
Do you need a certificate of yellow fever vaccination? Yellow fever vaccine may be required at entry point, if visiting endemic areas.
Do you need a certificate of Covid vaccination? The COVID vaccine is no longer mandatory when entering Bolivia. For more info, please check: Bolivia travel info Covid-19 – Ruta Verde Tours (rutaverdebolivia.com)

Always check the latest visa requirements with the local embassy or consulate as immigration rules can change and without notice.