By the time you finish this article, you’ll know exactly who needs a visa, what documents to prepare, how to pay fees, and the little-known steps that keep you on the right side of Bolivian immigration.

Who Needs a Bolivia Tourist Visa?

Bolivia sorts travelers into three groups, each with different entry rules according to the UK Foreign Travel Advice on Bolivian entry requirements [5]:

• Group 1: Citizens of most EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.
  You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Group 2: Includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and others.
  You must obtain a visa on arrival at major land borders or airports, or apply in advance at a consulate.
• Group 3: Nations such as Afghanistan, Syria, and a few others.
  You need to secure a visa at a Bolivian consulate before traveling; no visa on arrival.

Essential Visa Requirements

Bolivia’s entry rules go beyond a simple stamp. Gather these items before you depart:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an infected area or visiting the Amazon region (CDC’s yellow fever vaccination recommendations)
• Proof of onward travel (round-trip ticket or onward journey)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
• Sufficient funds – banks or immigration may ask you to show a recent bank statement

“All foreign visitors must complete the SIGEMIG online registration before arrival,” warns Bolivia’s immigration authority. “Failure to do so results in a UFV 100 fine (≈ 250 BOB).”[1]

SIGEMIG Electronic Registration

Before you set foot in Bolivia, fill out the web-based Migration Information System (SIGEMIG) form at the Ministry of Government’s site as detailed in the iVisa guide to Bolivia tourist visa requirements[1]. If you skip it, immigration officers will register you on arrival—and charge you a fine of UFV 100 (about 250 BOB)[1].

Yellow Fever Vaccination

An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for yellow fever is mandatory if you’re coming from a high-risk country or visiting regions like the Amazon. The requirement is clearly outlined in the CDC’s yellow fever vaccination recommendations[6].

Proof of Onward Travel and Accommodation

Bolivia insists you’re not stranded. Bring a confirmed round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel, plus your hotel booking or an official invitation letter if you’ll stay with friends or family.[1]

Visa Fees, Payment Methods & Validity

Navigating fees can feel like a second visa application. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Group 2 travelers (e.g., US citizens) pay US $160 at the border or consulate, according to the Bolivia.com visa requirements and fees[2].
2. Group 3 nationals pay varying rates—check your nearest consulate.
3. Payment can be made in US dollars or local currency (Bolivianos).
4. Consulate vs. Border
5. Applying at a consulate often saves you money and reduces the risk of denied entry.
6. Border fees are non-refundable and cannot be prepaid—you must pay on arrival.[5]

A tourist visa is valid for 30 days per trip, with a maximum of 90 days in any 12-month period, as noted in the ProjectVisa guide to Bolivia visa validity and extension[3][5].

Group 2 & US Citizens

If you’re a US passport holder, expect to pay US $160, provide your vaccination certificate, and show bank statements proving at least US $50 per day of your intended stay[2].

Payment at Border vs. Consulate

At the border, you must present the exact fee in cash and all supporting documents. At a consulate, you can often pay by card or bank transfer—plus you’ll receive a visa sticker before traveling, avoiding any last-minute surprises.

Entry Process and Penalties

Whether you land in La Paz or cross at Desaguadero, the procedure is similar:

1. Present your passport, visa fee, SIGEMIG confirmation, vaccination card and onward ticket.
2. Immigration will stamp your passport for a 30-day stay.
3. If you didn’t register via SIGEMIG, you’ll pay the UFV 100 fine on the spot.[1]

Missing documents can mean being turned away at the border—so double-check your checklist before departure.

Length of Stay and Extensions

A 30-day tourist visa can be extended up to 90 days per calendar year. To extend:

• Visit a local immigration office in Bolivia
• Submit your original passport, current immigration card, and proof of sufficient funds
• Pay the extension fee (around US $20–$30, depending on your nationality)

Extensions are granted at the discretion of Bolivian immigration officials and may require proof of departure plans.

Ready for Takeoff

Now you’re equipped with every detail that major travel sites overlook. From SIGEMIG registration and yellow fever shots to precise fee-payment tips, you can breeze through Bolivian immigration and focus on the real adventure—exploring Salt Flats, trekking to Huayna Potosí or discovering the Amazon basin.

Safe travels!

Sources
[1] SIGEMIG registration & fines: https://www.ivisa.com/bolivia/tourist-visa
[2] US visa fee & requirements: https://www.bolivia.com/en/how-to-travel/how-to-get-bolivian-visa-requirements-and-types
[3] Stay limits & extensions: https://www.projectvisa.com/visas/Bolivia
[5] Three-group visa policy & border payments: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bolivia/entry-requirements
[6] Yellow fever certificate requirement: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/travelers/index.html