Bolivia Visa For Indians and Extension of Tourist Visa
Quick answer: Indian citizens can get a Bolivia visa on arrival, but only at La Paz or Santa Cruz airport, and it costs USD 55. Alternatively, Indians can obtain a 30-day tourist visa for free by applying at a Bolivian consulate, and any tourist visa can be extended for free at Bolivian immigration offices up to a total of 90 days.
When I was planning to cross the border overland from Peru, a little research showed that the free consulate route was the better option. I applied for my tourist visa at the Bolivian consulate in Cusco, Peru, and it took less than five minutes to have the 30-day tourist visa stamped in my passport.
Bolivia Visa for Indians: Your Options
| Option | Where | Cost |
| Visa on arrival | La Paz or Santa Cruz airport only | USD 55 |
| 30-day tourist visa | A Bolivian consulate (e.g. Cusco, Peru) | Free |
Documents Needed to Apply for a Bolivian Tourist Visa
- Hotel reservation (your first place of stay in Bolivia)
- Credit card copy
- An itinerary (a rough copy of your tentative travel plan in the country)
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of the online application, which will have your photo on it
- Copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate
Visit the Bolivian consulate with these documents and it takes barely five minutes to get the visa stamped in your passport.
Extending Your Bolivia Tourist Visa (All Nationalities)
Visitors to Bolivia are normally granted a 30-day stay on their tourist visa. This can be extended for free at immigration offices in Bolivia, up to a total of 90 days.
- Initial entry: 30 days
- First extension: +30 days (60 days in total from your original entry date)
- Second extension: +30 days (90 days in total)
Documents needed to extend your tourist visa
- Original passport and Bolivian tourist card (the form that was stamped and returned to you when you entered the country)
- Copy of the front page of your passport
- Copy of the page showing your Bolivian visa and entry stamp
- Copy of your Bolivian tourist card
Each extension adds 30 days to your existing period of stay, counted from your original entry date.
Overstaying in Bolivia
Tourists who overstay by a few days or weeks are required to pay a fine of 20 Bolivianos (about USD 3) per day at the border when leaving the country. This is usually processed without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Bolivia?
Yes. Indian citizens can get a visa on arrival at La Paz or Santa Cruz airport for USD 55, or a free 30-day tourist visa from a Bolivian consulate.
Can Indians get a Bolivia visa on arrival at a land border?
The visa on arrival is only available at La Paz or Santa Cruz airport, so if you are crossing overland from Peru, apply at a Bolivian consulate such as the one in Cusco.
How long can I stay in Bolivia as a tourist?
You normally get 30 days on entry, which can be extended for free twice by 30 days each, for a total of 90 days.
What happens if I overstay in Bolivia?
You pay a fine of 20 Bolivianos (about USD 3) per day at the border when you leave.
Conclusion
For Indian travellers, the easiest and cheapest way to get a Bolivia visa is a free 30-day tourist visa from a Bolivian consulate, especially if you are crossing overland from Peru. Visa rules can change, so check the latest requirements with the consulate before you travel.
Hi, thanks for this post. Sure is the most clear and precise one I have come across so far! I will be coming in from Lima and would like to apply for my Bolivia visa from there- only thing is I have only the morning to apply as I fly out the same evening. Would this be doable/ advisable considering the short time? In case I have to, can I apply at the border for the added cost?
Hi Shenona, glad to know you found this post helpful. Yes, it is doable. Let me know once you are in Peru. I am in Cusco now and will be here for 4-5 months. I will assist you in getting it processed.