Bolivia entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs around $160 USD, paid in cash. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready before you arrive.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bolivian airports (El Alto, Viru Viru, Jorge Wilstermann) and land borders. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact bills, no torn notes) — they don't take cards. Have a passport-sized photo ready, though some counters take your photo on the spot.Bolivia Immigration info | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Bolivian airports ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket out of Bolivia. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone. They rarely check dates, but they do check you have something. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have your first night's hotel booking or a hostel confirmation ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — showing a booking on your phone works. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can support yourself. Immigration rarely checks, but if they do, they want to see you have money for your stay. Credit cards work for most expenses in cities. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa fee must be paid in US dollars, in cash. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and credit cards are not accepted for the visa fee. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Keep documents accessible
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Keep a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. Having everything ready speeds up the process.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At El Alto International Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for non-Bolivians.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, and the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. The officer will stamp it with your entry date and allowed stay. You're free to go.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (same as VoA)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in Colombo or nearest embassy. May be cheaper if applied in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$250 USD
Available from Bolivian embassy. Requires proof of multiple trips.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + legal fees
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in a Bolivian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at airport immigration. Valid for up to 30 days. | $160 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Stay extensionApply at immigration office before current stay expires. Max extension 30 days. | Approx. $20 USD + administrative fee |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstay to prevent future bans. | ~$2 USD per day, max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru). Certificate must be valid.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas can cause severe symptoms; acclimatize gradually.
DengueModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks 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
Av. Camacho esq. Loayza, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, entry stamp, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración
Av. Irala No. 621, entre calles Suárez de Figueroa y La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early. Same documents as La Paz.
Practical information for LK 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
The fee is approximately $160 USD. It must be paid in US dollars, in cash, and the bills should be in good condition (no tears, marks, or folds). The exact amount can vary slightly by entry point, so bring a little extra just in case.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración in La Paz, Cochabamba, or Santa Cruz. The extension costs around $100 USD and can give you up to 30 more days. Apply before your initial visa expires.
The visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, such as Desaguadero (from Peru) or Villazón (from Argentina). The process is the same — have your documents and cash ready. Some smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival, so check ahead.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon or lowland regions. Some border officials may ask for proof if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. It's safer to get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
No. Only cash in US dollars is accepted. ATMs at Bolivian airports may dispense Bolivianos (BOB), not USD. Bring enough USD from home to cover the fee and some extra for emergencies.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling. If you're already in transit, you may be refused boarding by the airline.
Yes, it's available for regular Sri Lankan passports. No prior application or e-visa is needed. Just show up with the required documents and cash.
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.