Bolivia visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Bolivian Visa is not required for South Africans

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • South Africans looking to visit Bolivia for no longer than 90 days will have to obtain a visa on arrival.
  • Intending visitors must have a passport valid from the time of arrival.
  • Passports are expected to carry blank pages for entry and exit visa stamps.
  • Onward/return tickets and other documents necessary for visitor’s next destination must be readily available.
  • Visitors are expected to have enough funds to cover for all expenses during their stay. 
  • There are no restrictions on the import of local and foreign currencies.
  • Visitors are expected to carry proof of yellow fever vaccination.
  • Intending visitors can get to Sucre, Bolivia from any international airport in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
  • South African Airways, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, are some of the carriers that fly from South Africa to Bolivia.
  • The estimated flight time from Johannesburg to Sucre is 1 day, 16 hours it is 1 day, 15 hours, from Cape Town, and 1 day, 23 hours from Bloemfontein.
  • Boliviano is Bolivia’s official currency can be obtained in banks, travel agencies, tourists stores, hotels, etc. US dollars are easier to exchange for the local currency.
  • ATMs are available in most places in Bolivia and credit/debit cards are accepted in restaurants, hotels, resorts, gift shops, and other major business outlets in the country.
  • Bolivia has a humid tropical climate characterized by distinctly wet and dry seasons.
  • Bolivia’s numerous natural and historical beauties put it out as a great place for tourists and visitors looking to experience the richness of nature and to discover new cultures.
  • Bolivia uses the Bolivia Time (GMT-4) which makes South Africa six hours ahead of it. 
  • Power sockets and plugs used in Bolivia are of type A and C. The standard supply voltage is 115 / 230 V, with a standard frequency of 60 Hz.
  • Christianity ranks high in the list of Bolivia’s diverse religions, with many identifying as Roman Catholics.
  • Getting around in Bolivia is possible with public buses, taxis, car rentals, boats, trains etc.
  • Bolivia is home to an interesting, unique and fascinating culture and history. Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences for overstaying a visa?

Visitors who overstay the days allocated on their visa will have to pay  Bs. 20 per day.

How many times am I allowed to visit Bolivia in a year?

Tourists may enter Bolivia up to three times per year.

How safe is Bolivia for tourists?
Bolivia is relatively safe for tourists, although there are occasional petty crimes visitors are advised to be mindful of.
What is Bolivia's cuisine like?
Bolivia’s multi-cultural and richly diverse cuisine is made up of grains, meat, soups, vegetables, peas, etc.
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Bolivia as the weather is mostly pleasant.