Bolivia entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and pay the fee at the airport. This policy started in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bolivian airports (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) and land borders. Pay the fee in cash — USD is preferred, around $100 for most nationalities. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and hotel booking ready for the visa officer.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bolivia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bolivia. Officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 USD or have cash in USD. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — showing a credit card or cash works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring $160 USD in good condition (no torn or marked bills) or the equivalent in Bolivianos. ATMs are available at airports but may charge high fees.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a tourist visa at a Bolivian embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any Bolivian international airport — El Alto (La Paz), Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), or Jorge Wilstermann (Cochabamba). Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation if asked. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay the fee in cash (USD or Bolivianos). The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Proceed through immigration
After getting the visa, go to the regular immigration queue. They'll scan your passport and let you through. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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$30 USD (plus processing fee)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in advance; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (plus processing fee)
For multiple visits; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian employer. Requires contract and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Bolivian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those investing a minimum of $25,000 USD in Bolivia. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at land borders or airports. | $160 USD (exact amount, no local currency option) |
| Overstay fineAccumulates daily; pay at immigration office before departure. | $2 USD per day (no maximum 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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Bolivia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (La Paz) · Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz) · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (Cochabamba)
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 FeverRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in La Paz and high-altitude areas; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk 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
Calle Potosí esq. Ayacucho, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, VoA receipt, and cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Roca y Coronado, Edificio Centro Empresarial, Piso 2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for MG 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. You can pay in US dollars or Bolivian bolivianos (BOB) at the current exchange rate. Only cash is accepted — no credit or debit cards.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at most land border crossings into Bolivia, including from Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay. The process is similar to airports — have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're traveling to the Amazon or lowland areas. Carry the yellow card just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Bolivia and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Bolivian embassy before travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $15 USD per day, and you may be banned from re-entering Bolivia for a period. Always leave before your visa expires.
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.