Planning a trip to Bolivia? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Bolivia's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Bolivia need visa on arrival (group 2) / consular (group 3), with an official government fee of Approx USD 30-160 (varies by nationality group; ~USD 60 commonly reported for Indians).
Bolivia visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3) |
| Government fee | Approx USD 30-160 (varies by nationality group; ~USD 60 commonly reported for Indians) |
| Processing time | Issued at the border |
| Validity | Multiple entry within validity |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.cancilleria.gob.bo/ |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Bolivia?
Visa-free: Group 1 (90 days): Japan, South Korea, UK, all EU, Australia, NZ, Israel, Türkiye, Russia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina & most Latin America etc. Group 2 (visa on arrival or consular): USA (VOA US$160, 10 yrs), Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong etc. Group 3 (prior authorisation): India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria etc.
Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3): Indian ordinary passport holders (Group 2 nationality)
Online / Consular Tourist Visa: Indian passport holders preferring to arrange the visa before travel
Bolivia visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry (Group 1) | Free (Group 1) | 90 days per year | On arrival | No application |
| Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3) | Approx USD 30-160 (varies by nationality group; ~USD 60 commonly reported for Indians) | 90 days | Issued at the border | https://www.cancilleria.gob.bo/ |
| Online / Consular Tourist Visa | Approx USD 30-160 depending on nationality group | 90 days | Approx 5-10 working days | https://www.cancilleria.gob.bo/ |
Documents required
For the Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3):
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Recent passport photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3): https://www.cancilleria.gob.bo/ — allow Issued at the border.
- Online / Consular Tourist Visa: https://www.cancilleria.gob.bo/ — allow Approx 5-10 working days.
- Arrival formalities: Andean Migration Card
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Bolivia visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Bolivia visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Bolivia.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Andean Migration Card — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Bolivia application.
- Processing: allow Issued at the border. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Bolivia
- Arrival card / declaration: Andean Migration Card
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Singaporeans are Group 2 — visa on arrival (see below).
- Bring exact USD cash for VOA.
Bolivia visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Bolivia visa?
Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3): Approx USD 30-160 (varies by nationality group; ~USD 60 commonly reported for Indians). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Visa on arrival (Group 2) / consular (Group 3): Issued at the border.
Official sources
- Dirección General de Migración Bolivia — verified 16 August 2026
- Dirección General de Migración Bolivia — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.