Bolivia entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can enter Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a few supporting documents, and you'll be through immigration in minutes.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bolivia. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Bolivian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers at El Alto and Viru Viru airports routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have your flight or bus booking ready on your phone or as a printout. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask for your first night's hotel reservation or a letter from your host. A simple booking confirmation on your phone usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Bolivian immigration can request evidence of at least $100 USD per day of your stay. A bank statement, credit card, or cash in USD or Bolivianos works fine. | Recommended |
Keep your departure card stub
When you enter Bolivia, immigration gives you a small departure card. Keep it with your passport. You'll need to hand it back when you leave. Lose it and you'll have to fill out a replacement form at the airport — annoying but not a disaster.
Altitude sickness is real in La Paz
La Paz airport sits at 4,061 metres (13,325 ft). Most people feel lightheaded or short of breath for the first 24–48 hours. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. Coca tea helps — it's legal and widely available.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Bolivian airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba), join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–3 minutes.
2
Fill out arrival form (if required)
Some airports still use paper arrival/departure cards. You'll get one on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out before you reach the officer. Keep the departure stub safe — you'll need it when leaving.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red channel if you do. No routine bag checks for most tourists.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 210 BOB)
Apply at Bolivian consulate abroad. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 420 BOB)
Rarely issued; requires strong justification (e.g., frequent travel for business).
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB)
Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Processed through Bolivian immigration (DGME).
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 350 BOB)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Bolivian institution. Proof of funds and health insurance needed.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB) per year
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires contract, employer sponsorship, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. 350 BOB) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal por Rentas)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency after 3 years
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 BOB) initial fee
For retirees with a stable pension or passive income (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversión)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency
~$300 USD (approx. 2,100 BOB) initial fee
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a Bolivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Fast-track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)No visa needed; this row is informational. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No visa needed; this row is informational. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are low but can cause entry bans. Avoid overstaying. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine is typically capped, but overstay may still affect future travel. | ~$100 USD (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) – La Paz · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) – Santa Cruz · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) – Cochabamba
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru). Not required for direct travel from Ireland.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19 (updated booster)Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and Uyuni are at high altitude (3,600+ m). Acclimatize for 2–3 days, avoid alcohol, and consider acetazolamide.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas (Santa Cruz, Beni). Use DEET repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito as dengue; symptoms include fever and joint pain. Prevention is key.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions; not needed in high-altitude areas like La Paz.
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 (DGME) – La Paz
Calle Potosí esq. Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz, Edificio Centro de Comunicaciones, piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, TM.7 form (if applicable), and photos.
Santa Cruz
Dirección General de Migración – Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Monseñor Rivero, Edificio Multicentro, piso 2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early. For overstay fines, pay at Banco Unión first.
Practical information for IE 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 visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Bolivia (e.g., cross into Peru or Chile) and re-enter. You'll get another 90 days on re-entry, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bolivian immigration. Renew your passport before travelling. No exceptions.
Not required for Irish passport holders arriving directly from Ireland. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
Technically, tourist entry is for tourism only. Short-term remote work (answering emails, occasional calls) is generally tolerated, but don't take a local job or stay long-term. Bolivia doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026.
You'll be fined per day overstayed. The fine is around 20–30 BOB per day (roughly €3–€4). Pay at immigration before leaving. Overstaying can also get you flagged and denied future entry.
Most international flights from Bolivia include departure tax in the ticket price. If not, you'll pay at the airport — usually around 20–30 USD in cash. Check with your airline.
Yes. The 90-day visa-free entry applies at all land borders too. Just have your passport and onward ticket ready. Land crossings can be slower — expect 30–60 minutes at busy borders like Desaguadero (Peru) or Paso Jama (Chile).
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.