Country guide

Bolivia

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Required

Currency

Boliviano (BOB). USD is accepted in tourist areas.

Time zones

UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 591

Best time to go

May – October is the winter / dry season but also the high season.

Drinking water

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. If drinking bottled water, check the seals on the bottle.

Travel tips

Try to break big notes of currency where possible, as smaller shops, stalls and buses will only accept small notes.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

SA passport holders require a visa to enter Bolivia.

All South African and African passport holders to apply at the Honorary Consulate of Bolivia in Johannesburg

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Visa Application Form: completed in black ink, duly signed and dated. No corrections or overwriting is allowed. If a question does not apply it must be left blank (do not write NA, N/A or Not Applicable). NOTE: this must be obtained from the Consular Offices (not from Travel Agents or Unauthorised Websites).
Colour photocopy of the bio page of the Passport. Passport must have 6 months validity from the departure date from Bolivia with 4 blank pages. Only the copy of the passport is to be submitted with the application (not the original passport).
Return / onward travel arrangements (airline ticked or bus ticket)
Travel/touring itinerary for the entire duration of stay in Bolivia (one page).
Proof of hotel/accommodation booking/reservation.
Copy of the Yellow Fever Certificate.
Copy of the Medical Travel Insurance for the duration of the stay in Bolivia.
Proof of funds: Original latest bank statement (one month), or declaration from bank of sufficient funds available (one page)
One recent 3cm x 3cm passport photograph in white background (printed, to be delivered with supporting documents).
One recent 3cm x 3cm digital photo sent by email to seabeco@tiscali.co.za in jpg format of 147kb.

Issuing authorities

Honorary Consulate of Bolivia

1 Erslwold Way, Saxonworld, Johannesburg
PO Box 783104, Sandton City, Sandton, 2146, Johannesburg
Cell: +27 (0) 833779081. For emergencies only

NOTE: All visits are strictly by appointment only
Please send sms (not Whatsapp) requesting an appointment for the delivery of applications and collections.

All other communications must be directed by email to seabeco@tiscali.co.za

Visa processing time

20-25 working days

Visa validity

The period of duration of the tourist visa will be determined from the applicant’s date of admission into Bolivia in accordance with any conditions that may appear on the actual visa stamped on the passport. On admission, the visa will be deemed to be a visitor’s permit for 30 days.

Visa cost

Visa cost varies depending on the nationality of the passenger as well as the urgency. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Please contact the Consulate directly.

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A &B , Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio

Malaria Risk

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1, 22; Feb 16-17; Apr 3; May 1; Jun 4, 21-22; Aug 6; Nov 2; Dec 25