Bolivia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders get a visa on arrival in Bolivia — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in. Bolivia does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for UAE passport holders. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | UAE passport holders get a visa on arrival at El Alto International Airport (La Paz) and Jorge Wilstermann Airport (Cochabamba). Pay the fee in USD cash — $160 for a 30-day single entry. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready.Bolivia Immigration info | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Bolivia within your visa validity (30 days) satisfies this. Airlines may deny boarding without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation printed or on your phone. Immigration rarely asks, but if you're arriving late or on a budget airline, they may request it. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask for bank statements or cash. Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in a readily accessible account. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but cash is king in rural areas. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival — no advance application needed
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any Bolivian airport or land border. No need to visit an embassy or apply online. Just show up with your documents.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bolivian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines also check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz) or El Alto International Airport (La Paz). Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or simply join the foreign passport queue. There's no separate pre-approval process.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return/onward ticket (printed or on your phone), and optionally your hotel booking. The officer will process your visa.
4
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2026, UAE passport holders do not pay a fee for the visa on arrival. If the officer asks for payment, confirm the amount — it's usually zero.
5
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and allowed stay (typically 30 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Bolivia.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$160 USD
Obtain at Bolivian consulate; allows longer stay than VoA if extended.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; apply at consulate.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100–200 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, up to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$50–100 USD (estimated)
Requires enrollment at a recognized institution.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia por Jubilación
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of income and background check. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of $1,500 USD/month. Allows stay and work.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at land borders or airports. | ~$160 USD (exact amount in Bolivianos or USD at border) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied in advance)May be obtained at Bolivian consulates abroad; same cost as VoA. | ~$160 USD |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited; apply at immigration offices before current stay expires. | ~$20 USD per month (estimated) |
| Overstay fineAccumulates daily; pay at immigration before departure to avoid issues. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bolivia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in La Paz and high-altitude regions; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito as dengue; take precautions in tropical regions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni); prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
La Paz
Dirección General de Migración
Calle Potosí esq. Ayacucho, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early for extensions.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSucre
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBolivian boliviano (BOB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.93 BOB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CTypes A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 30 days. The immigration officer will stamp the exact date in your passport. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bolivia.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba. Extensions are usually granted for an additional 30 days. There's a fee (around 200–300 BOB, roughly $30–$45). Start the process before your initial 30 days expire.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon basin or jungle areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
As of 2026, no. UAE passport holders get the visa on arrival free of charge. If an officer asks for payment, politely confirm — it's usually a mistake.
Yes, the same visa-on-arrival policy applies at land border crossings (e.g., from Peru, Chile, Argentina). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready. Queues can be slower than at airports.
Always carry your passport (or a certified copy) with you — police checks are common. Keep a digital backup in your email or cloud storage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.