Bolivia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This rule has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in. Bolivia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at El Alto and Viru Viru airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers this. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Bolivia does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask to see cash, credit cards, or bank statements. Having the equivalent of $50–$100 USD per day in accessible funds avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bolivian immigration checks passport validity down to the day. If your passport expires in less than 6 months from your arrival, you will be denied entry. No exceptions.
No visa, no fee — just show up
Swiss passport holders pay nothing for entry. No visa application, no appointment, no fee. Just walk up to the immigration counter with your valid passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Bolivian airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjería'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with blank page), and if asked, show your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp your passport.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and writes the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Swiss passport holders)
Swiss citizens do not need a tourist visa for Bolivia; visa-free entry covers this.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostFree (not required for Swiss passport holders)
Multiple entries are allowed under visa-free policy; no separate visa needed.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100–200 USD (estimated)
Requires application at Bolivian consulate abroad; proof of income or investment needed.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal por Jubilación
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee) + proof of pension
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires application at a Bolivian consulate abroad and proof of income.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of $1,500 USD/month. Allows stay and work in Bolivia.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (application fee) + minimum investment of $25,000 USD
For investors in Bolivian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines are assessed upon departure; no official cap but can accumulate. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 15 BOB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if needed for longer stayNot required for visa-free entry, but available for those who need a visa for longer stays. | ~$30 USD (approx. 210 BOB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; not commonly issued for short visits. | ~$60 USD (approx. 420 BOB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB)
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; otherwise recommended for travel to endemic areas in Bolivia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
High-altitude cities like La Paz and Potosí pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in tropical regions; same prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Amazon basin, Beni department); 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. Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa issues and overstay payments; bring passport and forms.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Irala, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the eastern region.
Practical information for CH 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
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face a fine of about 20 Bolivianos ($3) per day and possible issues when leaving. You'd need to leave Bolivia and re-enter to reset the clock.
Not required for Swiss passport holders arriving from Switzerland or most European countries. However, if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, same visa-free rules apply at land borders (e.g., Desaguadero from Peru, or Paso Chungara from Chile). The immigration process is similar — just expect longer queues at busy crossings.
No, there is no online arrival declaration for Bolivia. You just show your passport at immigration. Some airlines may give you a paper form on the plane, but it's not always used.
You'll be fined approximately 20 Bolivianos (about $3) per day over the limit. Pay at the immigration office before leaving. Overstaying can also get you flagged for future visits.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work is a gray area — many digital nomads do it without issues, but officially you'd need a work visa. Keep a low profile and don't mention work at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.