Bolivia entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders. You pay the fee in cash (USD or Bolivian bolivianos) and fill out a form on the spot. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bolivian airports and land borders. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary and a passport photo ready. The fee is around $30–$50 USD depending on your nationality — pay in cash (USD or local currency).Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Bolivia. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in Bolivia routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Bolivian immigration may ask for proof of where you'll stay. Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host ready. A simple booking confirmation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely check, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash – USD or Bolivian bolivianos. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount in small bills to avoid issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is quick – usually 10–15 minutes at the counter. Just have your documents ready and fill the form neatly. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bolivian airport or land border
Head to the immigration counter. At major airports like El Alto (La Paz) or Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), there's a dedicated visa-on-arrival window. For land borders, the same process applies at the immigration office.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form – name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Fill it out in capital letters. Keep a pen handy.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the fee in USD or Bolivian bolivianos. The officer will give you a receipt. No card payments.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the visa is issued, you can collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy for spot checks.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Bolivian embassy in Nigeria or nearest consulate. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple visits.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Bolivian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Bolivian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For those investing a minimum of $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 cash (USD) at the airport upon arrival. | $160 USD (approx. $160 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $2 USD per day (approx. $2 USD) |
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
Nigeria 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
- 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 (including Nigeria). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverEssential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
La Paz and high-altitude areas pose significant risk; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Same mosquito-borne risk as dengue; prevention is key.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists 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
Calle Potosí esquina Ayacucho, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. Av. Beni, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early. Same requirements as La Paz.
Practical information for NG 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 varies by nationality. For Nigerians, expect around $30–$100 USD. Pay in cash (USD or Bolivian bolivianos) at the immigration counter. No card payments.
Yes, all international airports in Bolivia offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, including El Alto (La Paz), Viru Viru (Santa Cruz), and Jorge Wilstermann (Cochabamba). Land borders also process visas on arrival.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Bolivia (Dirección General de Migración).
Immigration may deny entry. You need a confirmed onward or return flight. A bus ticket out of Bolivia might also work, but a flight is safest.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 more days. Visit the immigration office in La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba. Bring your passport, a copy of your entry stamp, and the extension fee (around $20–$30 USD).
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're traveling to the Amazon region (e.g., Rurrenabaque, Madidi National Park). Carry your yellow card just in case.
Rejection is rare if you have all documents. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight. Common reasons: expired passport, no return ticket, or insufficient funds. Double-check everything before you travel.
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.