Bolivia Eases Visa Requirements for US and Israeli Travelers to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth

Published on December 2, 2025

In a significant move towards opening its doors to more international travelers, Bolivia has recently eliminated visa requirements for citizens from several countries, including the United States and Israel. This shift, enacted on Monday, marks a pivotal moment for the country as it adjusts its approach to both geopolitical relations and economic revitalization. This change is particularly notable as it represents Bolivia’s first conservative government in nearly two decades, led by President Rodrigo Paz. The decision to simplify entry requirements is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the nation’s economy and establish stronger diplomatic ties, particularly with the United States.

A Step Towards Economic Recovery and Global Alliances

Historically, travelers from the United States, Israel, South Korea, South Africa, and various Eastern European nations were required to apply for tourist visas, often incurring additional costs and facing a complicated application process. Now, these travelers can visit Bolivia for stays up to 90 days with nothing more than a valid passport. This change is part of a larger geopolitical and economic overhaul that Paz’s administration is spearheading.

Bolivia’s Rich Cultural and Natural Attractions

Bolivia is known for its incredible diversity, from the towering Andean mountain range with peaks that soar to over 20,000 feet, to the vast Amazon basin and the world’s largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni. These natural wonders, alongside its rich cultural heritage, offer a unique and captivating experience for tourists. Despite the appeal of its landscape and culture, Bolivia has often been overlooked by international travelers, who frequently opt for neighboring countries like Brazil and Peru. With the easing of visa restrictions, Bolivia hopes to position itself as a prime destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The Political Context and Shifting Alliances

The move to remove visa restrictions is largely seen as an effort by President Paz, who took office last month, to bolster Bolivia’s relationships with the United States and improve the nation’s economic situation. Bolivia has been struggling with a severe shortage of U.S. dollars, which has severely impacted its ability to import goods and has paralyzed the broader economy. Paz’s administration views increased tourism as a potential solution to replenish the nation’s dollar reserves and stimulate economic activity.

Under the leadership of former President Evo Morales, Bolivia experienced a tense period of anti-American sentiment. Morales, a former coca-growing union leader who served as president from 2006 to 2019, was known for his outspoken criticism of U.S. influence in the region. Morales’s administration saw the expulsion of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. ambassador, and the imposition of visa restrictions on U.S. citizens. This was framed as a matter of reciprocity, with Bolivia pointing to the difficulties its citizens faced when trying to travel to the U.S.

Morales’s administration also strained relations with Israel, particularly during the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict, when Bolivia severed diplomatic ties with Israel and required Israeli tourists to obtain visas before visiting.

Bolivia’s Changing Political Landscape

In 2019, mass protests erupted in Bolivia against Morales following accusations of electoral fraud. The protests, coupled with military pressure, led to Morales’s resignation and the temporary reinstatement of a more open visa policy under the interim presidency of Jeanine Áñez. However, when Luis Arce, Morales’s political successor from the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, took office in 2020, he reimposed the visa restrictions that had previously been in place.

Now, President Paz is attempting to break with the past by aligning more closely with Western countries, specifically the United States. In doing so, he aims to encourage international tourism, which in turn could generate significant revenue for the country. Government officials estimate that Bolivia has lost nearly $900 million since 2007 due to the decline in visa applications. In addition, Paz’s administration is forecasting that the new visa policy will generate an estimated $80 million in tourism revenue over the next four years.

The Path Forward for Bolivia’s Tourism Sector

As part of this economic overhaul, Paz’s government is also taking steps to restore Bolivia’s image on the global stage. Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo emphasized the need to rebuild confidence in Bolivia as a safe and welcoming destination. This includes not only easing visa requirements but also addressing concerns about civil unrest and the country’s political stability.

The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia, urging visitors to “exercise increased caution” due to the risk of civil unrest. Additionally, the Chapare region, where former President Morales is believed to be hiding from arrest for alleged crimes, remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory.

Despite these challenges, the Bolivian government is optimistic about the future. Paz has taken steps to liberalize the economy, including scrapping some corporate and wealth taxes. His administration is also seeking to increase public and private sector debt in order to bolster national reserves and stabilize the economy.

A New Era for Bolivia’s International Relations

By easing visa restrictions and fostering new alliances, President Paz is ushering in a new era for Bolivia’s international relations. These changes mark a significant departure from the policies of the past two decades and signal Bolivia’s intent to engage more closely with the West.

While the country faces considerable economic and political challenges, this move toward greater openness is seen as a critical step in revitalizing the tourism industry and restoring economic stability. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and newly welcoming visa policies, Bolivia is positioning itself to attract travelers from around the world in the coming years.