I was just double checking requirements for an upcoming trip and noticed that Bolivia has changed their requirements for entry for U.S. citizens as of December 1, 2007. They now require a visa, $100, & some other stuff. Check the link.

http://www.bolivia-usa.org/

Note the requirement for yellow fever vaccinations. I live in the northwest United States and we are currently experiencing a shortage of yellow fever vaccine. Get your order in early if you plan to go to Bolivia soon.

I wonder if they're so stringent at border crossings. Last time I went I took a bus from Peru as it was far cheaper than flying into La Paz. Anyway, probably not worth risking it - thanks for the heads-up.

I just crossed the border today. All they really want is the 100 dollars. Besides that, you can sign a waiver form on the vaccine. So long as you stay out of the jungle, there is no problem. The border guards were very friendly, no problems.

What I didn't see was if the visa (for USA citizans) can be purchased once you land in country when flying there. Not wanting to risk my trip by being denied my flight at the airport on departure day I just mailed off the info and $$.

Any other SPer's going to be around LA Paz in late May?

Cheers!

Haliku wrote:What I didn't see was if the visa (for USA citizans) can be purchased once you land in country when flying there. Not wanting to risk my trip by being denied my flight at the airport on departure day I just mailed off the info and $$.

Any other SPer's going to be around LA Paz in late May?

Cheers!

The U.S. travel dept. says the visa can be applied for once you arrive. you do officially need a few more things. here is the link to the Bolivian entry requirements page.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... _1069.html

Prior to my trip to South America, I called the Bolivian embassy in Washington, D.C. Since I live close by, I had planned to drive into town and get the visa. I was encouraged not to do that, but to wait until I got to Bolivia and get the visa there. It's really no big deal. The whole process took about (5) minutes at the border. I gave them my passport, showed them a credit card, filled out a few forms, and gave them (5) $20 bills. When they stamp your passport, they'll put a cool looking sticker in your passport that indicates that you paid. Again, I think that they just want the $100, that's it.

Something else good to know. They don't much care for U.S. bills over $20, and they like brand new bills. Vic Hanson (he lives in Peru) told me about that prior to coming. When I crossed the border from Bolivia into Peru, I tried to change some money and they refused my money. Apparently counterfeit money is a big thing there.

Jerry L wrote:Something else good to know. They don't much care for U.S. bills over $20, and they like brand new bills. Vic Hanson (he lives in Peru) told me about that prior to coming. When I crossed the border from Bolivia into Peru, I tried to change some money and they refused my money. Apparently counterfeit money is a big thing there.

Well too late on the visa as its on the way to DC now. Good info on the $20 bills. I had no problem with $100s in Ecuador. I assume the banks will take larger bills and only the street changers like 20s?

Kenneth - thanks for the link. I missed that one in my research. Cheers!

Not sure about the banks because I only exchanged money with the street vendors. Apparently you get a better rate with these guys.

Visa update: Counting the day I mailed the passport off it took 11 days before it was back in my home mailbox. (Denver-DC-Denver) Priority mail both ways could shorten the time. Cheers!

in many Latin American countries dollars are not accepted if they are ripped ( no matter how tiny), have ink on them, are too wrinkled etc - never could figure out why. Change as little money as possible with street vendors in Bolivia and Peru - they are known to cheat you (counterfeit money and other scams)