Bolivia
Bolivia travel guide for Americans
US citizens need a visa unless staying ≤ 90 days and holding a valid US passport; apply online or on arrival for short stays. If you plan longer or multiple entries, obtain a visa in advance.
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GuideBolivia
Key facts
- Visa required for stays over 90 days
- yes
- Visa on arrival for tourism ≤ 90 dayscheck
- yes (check)
- Maximum stay without visacheck
- 90 days per 180‑day period
- Currency
- Boliviano (BOB)
- Plug types
- A, C (230 V)
Entry requirements for US citizens
US passport holders may obtain a tourist visa on arrival at major airports (La Paz, Santa Cruz) for stays up to 90 days. The visa costs about US$30 and is valid for a single entry.
For stays longer than 90 days, multiple entries, or work/volunteer purposes, apply for a Bolivian visa at the US embassy in La Paz or the consulate in Santa Cruz before travel.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.
- Visa on arrival: 90 days, US$30, payable in cash (USD or BOB).
- Pre‑travel visa: US$70‑100, 5‑10 business days processing.
US Embassy and consular services
The United States Embassy is in La Paz (Av. Arce No. 1995). It provides passport assistance, notarial services and emergency aid.
A US Consular Agency operates in Santa Cruz (Calle Monseñor Rivero 207).
- Embassy La Paz: +591 2 212 7400
- Consular Agency Santa Cruz: +591 3 338 0400
Estimated travel costs (USD)
A two‑week itinerary (La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni, Sucre) typically costs US$1,500‑1,800 per person, excluding international flights.
Breakdown (average per person):
• Accommodation: US$25‑40 per night (mid‑range hotels/hostels).
• Meals: US$10‑20 per day.
• Internal transport: US$200‑300 (buses, domestic flights).
• Tours (e.g., 3‑day Salar de Uyuni): US$150‑200.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| International flight (NY‑La Paz, round‑trip) | US$900‑1,200 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | US$350‑560 |
| Meals (14 days) | US$140‑280 |
| Internal transport | US$200‑300 |
| Tours & activities | US$300‑500 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season and booking method.
Flights and time difference
Direct flights from major US hubs (Miami, Dallas) to La Paz take about 10‑12 hours with one stop in Panama or Bogotá.
Bolivia is UTC−4 year‑round, same as US Eastern Standard Time during winter and one hour ahead of US Central time.
Power plugs and voltage
Bolivia uses Type A (North American) and Type C (European) plugs. Voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz. Some hotels in La Paz provide 115 V outlets; bring a universal adapter and a voltage converter for sensitive electronics.
Tipping etiquette
Round up bills in restaurants; 10 % is common in tourist venues.
Tip drivers (US$2‑3 per day) and cooks on tours, especially in Uyuni.
Emergency contacts
Police: 110
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 119
US Embassy (La Paz) – 24 h emergency line: +1 202 501‑4444
Questions people ask
Do Americans need a visa for Bolivia?
US citizens can get a visa on arrival for tourism up to 90 days (US$30). For longer stays or other purposes, apply for a visa beforehand.
How much does a trip to Bolivia cost in USD?
A typical two‑week trip costs US$1,500‑1,800 per person, covering accommodation, meals, internal transport and tours; international flights add US$900‑1,200.
Where is the nearest United States embassy in Bolivia?
The US Embassy is in La Paz (Av. Arce No. 1995). A consular agency is in Santa Cruz (Calle Monseñor Rivero 207).
What plug types and voltage does Bolivia use?
Bolivia uses Type A and C plugs, 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and consider a voltage converter for US devices.
Is tipping expected in Bolivia?
Yes. Round up restaurant bills (≈10 %) and tip drivers US$2‑3 per day and tour cooks, especially on Uyuni tours.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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