LA PAZ, Bolivia — In a significant reversal of longstanding foreign policy, Bolivia’s new conservative government has eliminated visa requirements for travelers from the United States, Israel, and several other nations effective Monday. This strategic move marks a dramatic departure from the previous administration’s approach and represents the first conservative leadership in nearly two decades.
Under the new regulations, citizens from the United States, Israel, South Korea, South Africa, and multiple Eastern European countries may now enter Bolivia with only a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. The policy shift eliminates the previously mandatory visa application process and associated fees that had been in place for these nationalities.
The decision forms part of President Rodrigo Paz’s comprehensive geopolitical and economic overhaul following his assumption of power last month. Paz’s administration succeeded the long-ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, ending two decades of single-party governance. The visa liberalization initiative aims to forge stronger strategic alliances with the United States while stimulating economic growth through increased tourism revenue.
This policy reversal contrasts sharply with the anti-American stance of former left-wing President Evo Morales (2006-2019), whose administration expelled the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, dismissed the American ambassador, and implemented reciprocal visa restrictions against U.S. citizens. Morales had justified these measures under the principle of reciprocity, noting that Bolivians faced substantial fees and complex procedures for U.S. visas.
During the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict, Morales additionally severed diplomatic relations with Israel and imposed visa requirements for Israeli travelers. His presidency saw Bolivia strengthening ties with Russia, China, and Venezuela instead.
The current administration estimates that Bolivia has lost approximately $900 million in potential tourism revenue since visa restrictions were implemented in 2007. Officials project the new policy will generate $80 million in tourism income over the next four years, providing crucial economic stimulus as Bolivia experiences its most severe crisis in forty years, including a critical shortage of U.S. dollars that has paralyzed imports and hampered economic activity.
Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring international confidence in Bolivia as a desirable and secure destination. Despite these efforts, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia, recommending visitors ‘exercise increased caution’ due to civil unrest risks, and a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for the coca-growing Chapare region where former President Morales currently resides while evading arrest allegations.