Bolivia has officially dropped its long-standing tourist visa requirement for U.S. citizens, a major policy shift that took effect December 1, 2025. After nearly two decades of mandatory visas — including a $185 fee and advance paperwork — American travelers can now enter Bolivia visa-free for stays up to 90 days. The change is part of a broader effort by the new Bolivian administration to revive tourism, rebuild international ties, and reverse years of economic losses tied to restrictive entry policies.
For American fly anglers, this update removes one of the biggest logistical hurdles to fishing in Bolivia. No more consulate appointments, applications, or fees means trip planning becomes far easier. With simplified entry, travelers can focus their time and budget on flights, gear, and time on the water rather than paperwork.
The move also signals a renewed push by Bolivia to welcome more international adventure travelers. Tourism officials estimate the country lost significant revenue since the original visa rules were implemented in 2007, and easing entry requirements is a direct effort to recover that market. For anglers, this means a friendlier, more accessible destination at a time when South America’s fisheries — especially Bolivia’s wild jungle systems — are drawing increased interest.
Visa-free entry doesn’t remove all standard requirements, so travelers should still carry a valid passport. But overall, the door is now wide open: reaching Bolivia’s remote rivers, lodges, and jungle fisheries is simpler, cheaper, and more appealing than it has been in years.
