Sucre Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, welcomes visitors through its Alcantarí International Airport (SRE). Entry to Bolivia is governed by national immigration laws, and all travelers must pass through immigration upon arrival. The process is generally straightforward for tourists from visa-exempt countries, who receive a tourist card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) typically valid for 30 days, which can be extended. It's important to have all required documents ready, including a passport with sufficient validity, proof of onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds. Travelers should be prepared for officials to ask about the purpose of their visit and accommodation details. Note that entry requirements can be strictly enforced, and failure to comply can result in denial of entry.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bolivia's visa policy allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for tourism. Some nationalities require a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival at major airports (including Sucre's Alcantarí) or at land borders, but it is highly recommended to obtain it in advance from a Bolivian embassy to avoid potential complications. A Tourist Visa is the standard for short visits.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30 or 90 days, granted upon entry. The standard is 30 days for most nationalities, extendable.

Nationalities that do not require a visa for tourist stays.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union countries New Zealand Japan South Korea Brazil Argentina Chile Paraguay Peru

The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. US citizens receive a 30-day visa on arrival for a fee (see below).

Visa on Arrival / Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days for US citizens (extendable).

For US citizens, a Tourist Visa is obtained upon arrival. Other nationalities must apply in advance.

Includes

United States

How to Apply: US citizens apply at the port of entry (airport or land border). You must present the required documents. Processing is immediate but can involve a wait.
Cost: USD $160 (must be paid in cash, exact amount recommended). This is a reciprocity fee.

US citizens must provide: 1) Passport valid 6 months, 2) Completed application form, 3) One passport-sized photo, 4) Proof of lodging/hotel reservation, 5) Proof of economic solvency (cash, credit card), 6) Proof of onward travel (flight ticket), 7) Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a high-risk country). It is strongly advised to have all documents printed and organized.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type; tourist visas are typically 30 days.

Nationalities that must obtain a visa prior to travel from a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a Bolivian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Requirements are similar to the US visa-on-arrival list (application form, photo, passport, itinerary, proof of funds, fees). Processing times vary.

This category includes citizens of many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. Always check the specific requirements with the nearest Bolivian diplomatic mission well in advance of travel.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Alcantarí International Airport (SRE), follow signs to immigration (Migración). The process is typically efficient but can be slow during peak arrival times.

1. Primary Immigration Check

Present your passport, completed tourist card (often distributed on the plane), and any required visa documents to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport and indicate the number of days granted. For US citizens, this is where the visa fee is paid and documents are verified.

2. Baggage Claim and Customs

Proceed to collect your luggage. Then, you will walk through the customs (Aduana) area. You may need to press a button that randomly selects passengers for baggage inspection (green light = pass, red light = inspection).

3. Final Exit

After clearing customs, you exit into the arrivals hall. Keep your stamped passport and tourist card safe, as you must surrender the tourist card upon departure from Bolivia.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Proof of Onward Travel

A flight ticket or itinerary showing your planned departure from Bolivia. This is often checked, for visa-on-arrival applicants.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be asked to show cash, credit cards, or bank statements to prove you can support yourself during your stay.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation if staying with friends/family.

Tourist Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración)

A small form filled out upon arrival or on the plane. Do not lose it, as you must return it when you leave the country.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, copies, hotel info, flight info) organized and easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.

Carry USD cash in good condition (new, un-torn bills) for the visa fee if applicable, and for general expenses upon arrival.

Answer immigration questions politely and confidently. Keep answers simple and consistent with your documents.

If granted fewer days than you need, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office (Migración) in Sucre city center before your initial permit expires.

Always keep the stamped tourist card with your passport. You will be fined if you lose it.

Customs & Duty-Free

Bolivian customs regulations are designed to control the importation of restricted goods and collect duties where applicable. Declare all items that exceed allowances or are restricted.

Alcohol

3 liters per person over 18 years old.

Must be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars.

For personal use.

Currency

USD $10,000 or equivalent in other currencies.

Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

New goods up to a value of USD $1,000.

Intended for personal use or as gifts. Commercial quantities require different procedures.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without special permit - prohibited
Pornographic material - prohibited
Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil - to protect local agriculture

Restricted Items

Medications: Only reasonable quantities for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription. Some common medications (e.g., ADHD meds) are controlled substances in Bolivia.
Animal products and by-products: Require sanitary certificates and permits from SENASAG (Bolivian agricultural health service).
Cultural artifacts and antiques: Export requires authorization from the Vice Ministry of Culture.

Health Requirements

While no specific vaccinations are universally required for entry, some are highly recommended, and proof may be requested depending on your travel history.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru, parts of Colombia, Africa). It may be requested upon entry, if coming from these regions.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP), Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers visiting areas below 2,300m in Bolivia, which includes parts of the departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, and Cochabamba.

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. Medical care in private clinics in Sucre is good but can be expensive for serious issues. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry to Bolivia. This is subject to change, so check official sources close to your departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate. Note: Many countries have their main embassy in La Paz, with honorary consulates in Sucre.

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most accurate and up-to-date contact information.

Immigration Authority

Servicio General de Identificación Personal (SEGIP) / Dirección General de Migración.

For visa extensions and official immigration information. The Migración office in Sucre is at Calle Junín esq. Calvo.

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire: 119. For general tourist assistance, you can also contact the Tourist Police (POLITUR).

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling with only one parent or without parents require a notarized letter of authorization from the absent parent(s). The letter should be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation. It's recommended to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate. Requirements can be strict to prevent child trafficking.

Traveling with Pets

Requires an import permit from SENASAG. Pets need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days prior to travel but within the vaccine's validity period) and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Specific regulations apply to dogs and cats. Advance planning is essential.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (or the 30/90 day entry stamp) can usually be extended once for an equal period (e.g., another 30 days) by applying at the immigration office (Migración) in Sucre before the initial permit expires. For longer stays (work, study, residency), you must apply for the appropriate visa (Temporary or Permanent Residency) at a Bolivian consulate abroad before traveling.

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