Bolivia entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2025. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Bolivia. Airlines at check-in may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at La Paz and Santa Cruz airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to around $500 USD or equivalent. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bolivian immigration will not let you in if your passport has less than 6 months remaining from your entry date. Airlines also check this at check-in. Renew early if needed.
No visa, no fee, no forms
British passport holders get 90 days visa-free with zero paperwork. No online application, no payment, no arrival card. Just show your passport and you're stamped in.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Bolivian airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba), join the 'Extranjeros' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents and receive stamp
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, ask your purpose of visit (tourism is fine), and stamp you in. No forms to fill. The whole thing takes 2-3 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim. No customs declaration unless you're carrying over $10,000 or restricted goods.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 UK passport holders)
UK passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for UK passport holders)
Not necessary for visa-free entry; available for those who wish to have multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $50–100 USD
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Processed through Bolivian consulate.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $50–100 USD
Requires enrollment in a recognized Bolivian institution. Proof of funds required.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Permanente para Jubilados
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately $100–200 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with a stable pension. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Allows permanent residence after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
Approximately $150–300 USD (processing fees)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,500 USD. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Visa de Inversor
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200–500 USD (processing fees)
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
Up to 1 year, renewable
Approximately $50–100 USD (processing fees)
For students enrolled in a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 14 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
UK passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, you must enter visa-free (up to 90 days).
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 (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverRecommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in tropical regions; same prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
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
Av. 6 de Agosto No. 2440, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa and immigration matters. Bring all original documents and copies.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 21 de Mayo No. 100, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for the eastern region.
Practical information for GB 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 is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined and could face problems leaving. You'd need to leave the country and re-enter to reset the clock.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. Bolivia does not require an online arrival declaration or paper form for British tourists. Just show your passport at the counter.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders (e.g., Desaguadero from Peru, Tambo Quemado from Chile). The process is the same — passport check, stamp, and you're in.
You'll be fined approximately 20-30 BOB per day overstayed (around £2-3 per day). Pay at the immigration office before leaving. Overstays can also lead to a ban if prolonged.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon basin or lowland areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Check with a travel clinic before you go.
Technically no — the tourist stamp is for tourism only. In practice, many digital nomads do it quietly. But if you're caught working for a Bolivian employer, you could be fined or deported.
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.