Bolivia has scrapped visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Israel, South Korea, South Africa, and several Eastern European nations, allowing them to enter the country with just a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. The move, announced on Monday, is part of a broader economic and geopolitical overhaul by the country's first conservative government in nearly two decades.
President Rodrigo Paz, who took office last month, aims to attract more tourists and build a strategic alliance with the US. Bolivia is facing a severe shortage of US dollars, hampering imports and paralysing the economy. Officials estimate the country lost around $900 million in potential revenue from visa restrictions since 2007 and project $80 million in new tourism income over the next four years.
The visa restrictions had been imposed by former left-wing President Evo Morales (2006–2019), who expelled the US Drug Enforcement Agency and ambassador, citing reciprocity after Bolivians faced high fees and cumbersome procedures for US visas. Morales also severed ties with Israel during the 2014 Gaza war, requiring visas for Israeli travellers. The restrictions were briefly lifted by interim President Jeanine Áñez but reinstated by Morales’ successor, Luis Arce, in 2020.
Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo said the new measures aim to restore global confidence in Bolivia as a safe destination. The US State Department maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia, urging caution due to civil unrest, and a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warning for the Chapare region, where Morales is evading arrest.
Paz has also scrapped some corporate and wealth taxes and outlined plans to take on more debt to replenish dollar reserves and liberalise the economy amid its worst crisis in 40 years.
