Flag of Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked South American country known for the Uyuni Salt Flats, high-altitude La Paz (world's highest administrative capital), Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures. The country features dramatic landscapes ranging from the Andes mountains to tropical lowlands. Visitors are drawn to Salar de Uyuni (world's largest salt flat), Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, colonial architecture in Sucre and Potosí, Death Road mountain biking, wildlife in Madidi National Park, and vibrant markets showcasing indigenous traditions. Bolivia offers authentic cultural experiences at affordable prices.

Hotels in Sucre (constitutional), La Paz (administrative)

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  • CapitalSucre (constitutional), La Paz (administrative)
  • CurrencyBOB Bs.
  • TimezoneBOT (UTC-4)
  • LanguagesSpanish · Aymara · Quechua · Guarani
  • Population12.2M (2023)
  • Area1,098,581 km²
  • RegionAmericas · South America
  • Phone code+591
  • Electricity115 V
  • Plug typesNEMA 1-15 · Europlug
  • Driving sideright
  • Internet domain.bo

Visa Requirements for Bolivia

Bolivia has simplified its visa policy significantly. EU citizens, UK nationals, US citizens, Canadians, Australians, and most South American countries can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days per calendar year. Citizens of neighbouring countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela) can enter with a national identity document alone. For nationalities that still require a visa, applications are processed through Bolivian embassies and consulates. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay is required. Visa policies can change — verify current requirements before travel.

Visa types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days per calendar year; passport must be valid 6 months beyond stay; no fee required. Citizens of neighbouring countries may enter with national ID.

For tourism, business, or visiting for citizens of EU countries, UK, US, Canada, Australia, South American countries and other eligible nationalities.

Consular Visa (Advance Application)

30 to 90 days; requires application form, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, travel itinerary.

For nationalities requiring advance visa processing, applied for through Bolivian embassies or consulates before travel.

Extension of Stay

Extensions possible up to 90 days total stay per year; apply at immigration offices in major cities; fee required; proof of financial means needed.

For tourists wishing to extend their visa-free stay beyond the initial granted period.

Guides

Bolivia is South America at its most raw, affordable and culturally intact. The Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat at over 10,000 square kilometres — transforms into an endless mirror during the rainy season, creating one of the planet's most surreal natural spectacles. La Paz, wedged into a dramatic Andean canyon at 3,640 metres, is a vertical city of cable cars, indigenous markets and colonial churches watched over by the snow-capped Illimani. Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, holds the Isla del Sol — legendary birthplace of the sun in Inca cosmology. Sucre, the constitutional capital, charms with white colonial architecture and a mild climate. Potosí tells the story of Spanish silver extraction at the Cerro Rico, once the richest mountain on earth. The Death Road (North Yungas Road) offers the world's most famous mountain-bike descent. And the Madidi National Park in the Amazon basin ranks among the most biodiverse places on the planet. Bolivia's indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures are not museum exhibits but living daily realities — from the Cholita wrestlers of El Alto to the Witches' Market offerings to Pachamama.

Bolivia travel guide →

The full guide — salteñas and chuño, cable-car transit and the first-48-hours altitude plan.

Money in Bolivia →

Bolivianos, cash strategy and where cards actually work — the practical money guide.

Eating in Bolivia →

Salteñas and the rhythm of the day, chuño and the astonishing potato diversity, coca leaf and chicha.

Getting around Bolivia →

Mi Teleférico as actual transport, the high-altitude airport and the honest reality of Bolivian distances.

Health & safety in Bolivia →

Altitude sickness as it actually arrives, yellow fever in the lowlands, blockades and the rainy season.

Cities & planning

La PazLa Paz

Regions

Embassies & missions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?

Most visitors don't — EU citizens, UK nationals, US citizens, Canadians, Australians and most South American countries can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days per calendar year. Nationalities not covered need to apply through a Bolivian embassy or consulate in advance.

I'm from a neighbouring country — can I enter with just my ID card?

Yes — citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela can enter Bolivia with a national identity document alone, without needing a passport.

Can I extend my stay beyond the initial visa-free period?

Yes, extensions are possible up to a total of 90 days per year. Apply at an immigration office in a major city, with a fee and proof of financial means required.

How do I deal with the altitude in La Paz and the Altiplano?

La Paz sits at 3,640 metres, and altitude sickness is common, so acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, try coca tea, and avoid alcohol during your first days. This matters even more on the Salar de Uyuni tours, which climb above 4,800 metres at the Sol de Mañana geysers.

What currency does Bolivia use, and can I use US dollars?

The Boliviano (BOB) is the local currency, though US dollars are accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's worth carrying cash for rural areas and small towns.

Is Bolivia safe to travel in?

Generally yes, but exercise caution during strikes and demonstrations, since road blockades are common and can disrupt travel plans. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas, so avoid displaying valuables and use registered taxis.

What language is spoken in Bolivia?

Spanish is the primary language, with Quechua and Aymara also widely spoken, especially among indigenous communities. English is limited outside major tourist zones, so basic Spanish is very helpful.

When is the best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni?

Rainy season (November to March) creates the famous mirror effect on the salt flat, though some roads become impassable. Dry season (May to October) offers the best conditions for trekking and climbing elsewhere in the country.

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Hotels in Sucre (constitutional), La Paz (administrative)

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.