Can I extend my Bolivia tourist visa?

Yes, you can extend your 90-day tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit any immigration office in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba with your passport and $20 USD. The extension must be done before your original visa expires.

What if I don't have exact change for the visa fee?

You must have exactly $160 USD in cash. Border crossings and airports do not provide change and rarely have ATMs nearby. Some travelers have been turned away for not having exact change. Plan ahead and get the exact amount before traveling to the border.

Is the yellow fever vaccine really mandatory?

Yes, absolutely. Bolivia checks yellow fever certificates at every entry point and will deny entry without one. The vaccination must be given at least 10 days before travel to be valid. Fake certificates are easily detected and result in immediate deportation.

Can I work on a tourist visa in Bolivia?

No, tourist visas strictly prohibit any paid work. If you plan to work, volunteer long-term, or study, you need a different visa type. Working on a tourist visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

How to Get a Tourist Visa for Bolivia

Most travelers need a visa for Bolivia, which you can get on arrival at the border for $160 USD (cash only) or apply in advance at a consulate. US citizens must apply in advance. Bring your passport, yellow fever certificate, proof of accommodation, and onward travel plans.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of most countries need a visa for Bolivia. EU citizens, Canadians, and Australians can get visas on arrival. US citizens must apply in advance at a Bolivian consulate - you cannot get a visa on arrival as an American.
Get yellow fever vaccination. Bolivia requires a yellow fever certificate for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow vaccination card with you. This is non-negotiable - you will be denied entry without it.
Gather required documents. You need: valid passport with 6+ months validity, yellow fever certificate, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), proof of onward travel (return flight or bus ticket to next country), and recent passport photo if applying in advance.
Apply for visa on arrival OR at consulate. If eligible for visa on arrival: go to immigration at any border crossing or airport with $160 USD cash (exact amount, no change given). If you're American or prefer advance application: visit a Bolivian consulate 2-4 weeks before travel with all documents plus $160 fee.
Complete the visa form. Fill out the tourist visa application form completely. Common mistakes: leaving employment section blank (write 'tourist' if unemployed), not having exact cash amount, missing accommodation details. The form is available at borders or consulates.
Receive your visa. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at immigration offices in major cities for $20. Keep your entry stamp and visa together - you'll need both to exit the country.

Can I extend my Bolivia tourist visa?: Yes, you can extend your 90-day tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit any immigration office in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba with your passport and $20 USD. The extension must be done before your original visa expires.
What if I don't have exact change for the visa fee?: You must have exactly $160 USD in cash. Border crossings and airports do not provide change and rarely have ATMs nearby. Some travelers have been turned away for not having exact change. Plan ahead and get the exact amount before traveling to the border.
Is the yellow fever vaccine really mandatory?: Yes, absolutely. Bolivia checks yellow fever certificates at every entry point and will deny entry without one. The vaccination must be given at least 10 days before travel to be valid. Fake certificates are easily detected and result in immediate deportation.
Can I work on a tourist visa in Bolivia?: No, tourist visas strictly prohibit any paid work. If you plan to work, volunteer long-term, or study, you need a different visa type. Working on a tourist visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.