Bolivia entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bolivia. You'll pay the fee and show your documents at the airport immigration counter. This policy started in 2024.
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) or land borders. Pay the fee in USD cash — $160 for US citizens, $100 for most others. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and a passport photo ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Bolivia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A bus ticket to Peru or Chile works if you are leaving overland. Without one, you may be refused entry or sent to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you cannot show where you are staying, they can deny entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Officers may ask how you plan to pay for your trip — credit cards are accepted but cash is preferred. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Bolivianos). Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Keep your passport handy
You'll need to show your passport multiple times: at immigration, at the visa counter, and possibly at security. Keep it in an easily accessible pocket, not buried in your bag.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bolivian airport
You'll land at El Alto International Airport (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz). Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the line for foreign visitors. When it's your turn, hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
3
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the fee. Pay in cash (USD or Bolivianos). Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, you're free to collect your luggage and exit the airport.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD
Standard VoA; can extend once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (apply at Bolivian embassy)
Requires embassy application; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (processing fee)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Jubilados (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (initial fee) + annual renewal ~$150 USD
For retirees aged 60+ with a stable pension (min. $1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of income, health insurance, and background check. Allows multiple entries and eventual permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos (Digital Nomad Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (processing fee)
For remote workers earning at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires proof of employment/income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Inversionistas (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee) + minimum investment $50,000 USD
For investors in Bolivian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with authorization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for Malta passport holders) |
| Stay Extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration offices for up to 60 additional days. | ~$20 USD (approx. 140 BOB) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of ~$100 USD (approx. 700 BOB). | ~$2 USD (approx. 14 BOB) |
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
Malta 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-on-arrival is required.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
High-altitude cities like La Paz (3,650m) and Potosí (4,090m) pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in lowland areas (e.g., Santa Cruz); use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in lowland areas (e.g., Beni, Pando, parts of Santa Cruz). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; use DEET repellent.
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 Ballivián esq. Av. Arce, Edificio Palacio de Comunicaciones, Piso 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, VoA stamp, and fee in cash.
Santa Cruz
Oficina Regional de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Beni, Edificio Centro de Negocios, Piso 2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for MT 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 roughly $100 USD, but it can change. Always carry at least $120 USD in cash (small bills) to be safe. They may accept Bolivianos at the official exchange rate.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Bolivia before the visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon or lowland areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Check with your doctor.
No, only cash. Bring USD or Bolivianos. ATMs are available at the airport but may charge high fees. Better to have cash ready.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but it can be longer during peak hours (evening arrivals). The queue moves slowly because each person is processed individually.
Immigration may deny your visa on arrival. You must show proof of onward travel. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also works if it's a confirmed booking.
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.