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If you are reading this article, then congratulations! You are likely preparing to visit a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse culture. You probably can’t wait to explore the Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca, and you can practically see the amazement on your friends’ faces when you send them photos you took at the Salar de Uyuni.
But you may have some questions about visiting Bolivia due to its not-so-great relationship with the United States. This article will provide guidance on what to expect when visiting Bolivia as an American.
Table of Contents
Entry into Bolivia
When I visited Bolivia earlier this year, I flew into Santa Cruz de la Sierra from Asunción, Paraguay. I was the only American on the flight, and the immigration officials at the airport did not know what the procedures were for Americans entering the country. It made me realize that not many Americans were visiting Bolivia anymore.
I had to wait for about 30 minutes – long after the other passengers had passed through immigration and left the airport – until an official who knew the proper procedures could allow me to enter.
Requirements for Visiting Bolivia as an American
If you are visiting Bolivia as an American, you will need:
- Valid U.S. passport with 6 months remaining
- Yellow Fever vaccine
- Visitor visa
- Proof of roundtrip flight or onward travel
- Proof of lodging in Bolivia
Visa Requirements
All U.S. visitors are required to get a visa to travel to Bolivia. The good news is that you can purchase a visa on arrival at any airport or land border.
The bad news is that it costs $160.
You will need to bring at least $160 in cash for the visa on arrival. I recommend bringing extra because they may reject certain bills if they are too worn or torn.
If you decide to get a visa on arrival, make sure to have an extra passport photo available. I did not need one, but I have heard that other travelers needed it.
Why the Cost of the Visa Shouldn't Be a Deal-breaker
The $160 visa a turn off for a lot of travelers and enough reason for some to give up on ever visiting this amazing country. Instead of viewing this as a deal-breaker, you should consider how little you will spend in Bolivia due to the low cost of living.
I spent $3 per night at a nice hostel with free breakfast in Sucre, and $10 per night for a 2-bedroom apartment in La Paz. So while the $160 for a visa to enter the country is hard to swallow, you can rest assured that everything from food to transportation in Bolivia will be extremely cheap.
Documenting Your Lodging in Bolivia
You must have your hotel booked for at least the first night that you arrive in Bolivia.
Upon entering the country, the immigration official will provide you with an official government website that you will need to document all of your accommodations throughout your time in Bolivia.
Once you exit Bolivia, you will need to have each day spent in the country documented with the specific lodging that you stayed at. If you fail to do so, you will be fined upon exiting Bolivia.
Travel Insurance
When I visited Bolivia in 2022, travel insurance was required to enter the country.
I have heard that this is not required anymore, but it is still a good idea to have it. I recommend getting travel insurance before you go. One option is World Nomads. However, it is important to see which company works best for you.
The Importance of Language in Bolivia
It is a very good idea to learn at least conversational Spanish prior to traveling to Bolivia. In the areas with more tourism, such as Sucre and the area around Salar de Uyuni, you can probably find some locals who can speak English. But, in general, English speakers in Bolivia are few and far between. Learning even just a little bit of Spanish can go a long way.
If you are feeling up to it, learning some words in Guaraní (if you are visiting Santa Cruz de la Sierra), Quechua (for Uyuni and Lake Titicaca), or Aymara (for La Paz) will help you out too. Knowing even how to just say thank you or hello in one of these languages may impress somebody so much that they give you a discount on a good or service they provide.
Tips for Learning Spanish
If you need to brush up on Spanish prior to traveling, consider downloading Duolingo on your phone or watching one of the many videos on YouTube that go over basic Spanish words and phrases.
You Will Be Stared At
Another consideration is that everybody will stare at you. This is especially so if you have light hair, light skin or are taller than 5’10.
If you have a beard, drivers will stop their cars in the middle of the street to take a good look at you. This may be uncomfortable, and even a little intimidating, at first, but don’t take it personally.
Stay Vigilant
Because you will constantly be the center of attention, it is a good idea to stay vigilant and to not walk around with a lot of jewelry or your smart phone in your hand. Bolivians are generally friendly people, so there is no need to constantly feel on edge, but it is good to be aware of your surroundings.
Must-Visit Destinations in Bolivia
Most people who visit Bolivia travel to Salar de Uyuni. While this is an amazing experience and I highly recommend it, there are other places worth visiting as well.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in Bolivia’s lowlands, and has a distinctive climate and culture from the rest of Bolivia. It has unique colonial architecture and interesting Jesuit missions nearby.
Sucre
Known as the White City, Sucre has amazing colonial architecture and a lively nightlife. It has a cooler climate and is a popular destination for tourists.
Copacabana
Copacabana is the largest town along the shores of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. It has a very traditional atmosphere and is the gateway of the historically and spiritually signficant Isla del Sol. It is also located near the border of Peru, so it is a great stop before traveling on through more of South America.
Potosí
Potosí was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world! Today, it is often overlooked by travelers. I recommend stopping by for a truly authentic experience.
La Paz
La Paz was a very interesting city. Its high altitude makes a lot of visitors sick, but I did not feel any ill effects. There is a Teleférico, or cable car, that serves as public transportation around the city. You can also check out the popular Witch Market!
