Quick answer: US citizens no longer need a visa for Bolivia. Since December 1, 2025, Bolivia lets Americans enter with just a valid passport for tourist stays of up to 90 days. This replaced the old $160 tourist visa that Americans used to need. Bring a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel and accommodation, and check the health advice for the regions you’ll visit, especially yellow fever if you’re going to the lowlands.
Here’s what changed, what to carry and what to expect at the border. Last reviewed October 2026.
Bolivia entry requirements for US citizens in 2026
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Not required since December 1, 2025 |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days |
| Passport | Valid at least 6 months, with blank pages |
| Onward ticket and accommodation | May be requested on arrival |
| Yellow fever vaccine | Recommended for lowland and Amazon areas; may be asked for if arriving from a risk country |
| Work or study | Needs a separate visa or residence permit |
What changed
- Bolivia used to classify the US in its visa-required group, and Americans paid $160 for a tourist visa, either in advance or on arrival.
- Bolivia’s new government announced the change, and it took effect on December 1, 2025. US citizens now enter visa-free for tourism.
- If you read older guides that mention the $160 visa, a bank statement, a hotel booking and a vaccination card as visa requirements, those apply to the old system.
What to carry at the border
- US passport valid for at least six months
- Return or onward ticket, or a bus ticket out of the country
- Your first hotel booking or your host’s address
- A yellow fever certificate if you’ve been in a risk country or plan to visit the Amazon or lowlands
- Some cash in US dollars or bolivianos for the first days
Staying longer than 90 days
For longer stays, or for work, volunteering with pay or study, you need the right visa or residence permit from Bolivian immigration (DIGEMIG). Overstaying leads to daily fines when you leave.
Practical tips for Bolivia
- Altitude: La Paz is about 3,600 m (11,900 ft) and El Alto airport is higher. Take it easy for the first days and talk to your doctor about altitude medication.
- Getting there: there are no nonstop flights from the US. Most routes connect through Miami, Bogotá, Lima or Panama City.
- Uyuni salt flats: book through a licensed operator and bring warm clothes, as nights are well below freezing.
- Safety: check the State Department’s Bolivia page for road blockades and protests, which can close highways at short notice.
- Money: carry cash. Card acceptance outside big cities is limited.
FAQ
Do Americans need a visa for Bolivia in 2026?
No, not for tourist trips of up to 90 days. The visa requirement was lifted on December 1, 2025.
Is there still a $160 fee?
No. That fee was for the tourist visa that Americans no longer need.
Can I cross into Bolivia by land from Peru?
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders such as Desaguadero and Kasani near Lake Titicaca.
Do US green card holders need a visa?
It depends on your passport’s nationality. Check with the nearest Bolivian consulate.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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