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Bolivia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

British citizens require a Bolivian visa before travel; apply through the Bolivian embassy/consulate or the official online portal at rree.gob.bo, with tourist visa fees from USD 60 and typical processing 5–10 business days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Bolivia, and have at least 2 blank pages for visas and stamps.
  • Specific forms: Submit the Formulario de Solicitud de Visa (visa application form) which is available from rree.gob.bo or the Bolivian embassy/consulate in the UK; the standard US-style DS-160 and VAF1A are not used for Bolivian visas.
  • Financial proof: Show proof of funds for your stay, typically at least USD 50 per day of stay, demonstrated by recent bank statements for the last 3–6 months or an official sponsor letter.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide confirmed hotel bookings or a letter of invitation/address in Bolivia, and a return or onward travel ticket.
  • Photo specification: Two recent color passport photos with white background, size approximately 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm (1.77 x 1.38 inches).
  • Biometrics: Yes. Biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) are collected at the visa processing center or Bolivian embassy/consulate during the appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended for any international trip to Bolivia; not always mandatory for visa issuance but advisable.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visa de Turismo): Validity up to 90 days per entry; stay up to 90 days; single entry (most cases); approximate fee USD 60 (roughly 420 BOB).
  • Business visa (Visa de Negocios): Validity up to 90 days per entry; stay up to 90 days; single entry; approximate fee USD 90 (roughly 630 BOB).
  • Student visa (Visa de Estudio): Validity up to 1 year; extendable; single entry; approximate fee USD 70 (roughly 490 BOB).
  • Work visa (Visa de Trabajo): Validity up to 1 year; single entry; approximate fee USD 110 (roughly 770 BOB).
  • Transit visa (Visa de Tránsito): Short duration, typically for layovers; approximate fee USD 50 (roughly 350 BOB).
  • Note: Most UK applicants receive single-entry visas; multiple-entry issuance requires explicit embassy approval and may be restricted by visa category.

How to apply online (e-Visa) / How to apply (Sticker visa) / Visa on arrival

  • How to apply online (e-Visa): If Bolivia offers an online visa facility, use the official portal on rree.gob.bo to apply. Steps: 1) Create an account and log in; 2) Select your visa type and complete the online form; 3) Upload required documents (passport bio page, photo, travel itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, proof of funds); 4) Pay the fee online using a card; 5) Receive a confirmation email and the e-visa document; print and carry when you travel. Fee: tourist USD 60; processing time 5–10 business days; approval arrives by email as a PDF visa or e-visa attachment.
  • Visa on arrival: Available at major entry points such as El Alto International Airport (La Paz) and Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz). Steps: present passport, completed visa form at border counters, provide hotel/address proof and return ticket, pay the visa fee (USD or BO B at counter), receive visa stamp and enter Bolivia; expected processing time at the border is same-day up to 1–2 days. Accepted currencies: USD or Bolivianos; carry exact amount if possible.
  • Sticker visa (through embassy/consulate): How to apply: submit at the Bolivian Embassy in London or a Bolivian consulate with the documents below; documents checklist: completed Formulario de Solicitud de Visa, passport valid at least 6 months, passport photos, bio page copy, proof of funds, travel itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, return ticket; fees paid by bank transfer or at the embassy; standard processing 5–10 business days; express options may be available at additional cost; interview may be requested in some cases.

Entry conditions

  • United Kingdom citizens are not visa-exempt for Bolivia; a visa is required prior to travel (or on-arrival where available).
  • Typical allowed stay: up to 90 days per entry for tourist visa; extensions may be possible within Bolivia via immigration offices, usually up to a further 90 days with approval.
  • Work restrictions: Entering Bolivia on a tourist visa does not permit work; a work visa must be obtained before employment.
  • What to show on arrival: valid passport, visa approval (for online visa) or visa sticker, return/onward ticket, sufficient funds, accommodation details.
  • Extension options: Extensions can sometimes be requested at Bolivian immigration offices in major cities; approval is not guaranteed and depends on local authorities.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (USD) by category: Tourist 60; Business 90; Student 70; Work 110; Transit 50.
  • Local currency equivalent: approximately 420 BOB (60 USD); 630 BOB (90 USD); 490 BOB (70 USD); 770 BOB (110 USD); 350 BOB (50 USD).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for UK-based Bolivian submissions (most cases go through the Bolivian embassy/consulate); check with the relevant embassy for any service charges.
  • Total cost estimate: visa fee plus any embassy/courier charges if applicable; typically around 60–110 USD plus local processing fees.
  • Standard processing time: online e-visa 5–10 business days; sticker visa via embassy typically 5–15 business days; visa on arrival immediate to 2 days depending on queue; express options may be available at additional cost.
  • Express/priority option: Some consulates offer expedited processing for an extra fee; confirm with the issuing authority.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start 2–3 weeks before travel; for peak periods or if seeking a visa sticker, consider 4–6 weeks.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: incomplete document set, insufficient funds, mismatched itinerary, lack of hotel bookings or invitation letter, invalid passport validity, or applying for an incorrect visa type.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: If the embassy offers direct submissions, use that path for clearer tracking; VFS/BLS arrangements may add processing time and additional service fees; verify current process with the Bolivian embassy in London.
  • Travel advisories: Check the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Bolivia and ensure compliance with health, safety, and entry requirements; stay updated on local regulations.
  • Extension options: If you need longer stays, apply for an extension at Bolivian immigration offices in major cities before your current visa expires; approval may depend on local authorities and documented funds.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.