Bolivia's new government, led by President Luis Arce, has recently announced the reinstatement of visa requirements for US citizens and nationals of Israel. This decision comes as a response to the lack of reciprocity from both countries, which continue to require Bolivian citizens to apply for visas when visiting. Previously, interim President Jeanine Áñez had granted visa exemptions to Americans and Israelis in 2019 to promote tourism and investment. However, the new ruling has returned Bolivia's visa policy to its pre-2019 state.

New Rules for Americans and Israelis Traveling to Bolivia

• Americans and Israelis were granted visa exemption under the interim administration of 2019-2020.
  
  
• President Luis Arce's democratically elected government has repealed this decree.
  
  
• The list of visa-exempt nationalities in Bolivia has reverted to its pre-December 2019 state.
  
  
• Travelers who had booked trips to Bolivia before the new ruling was announced are exempt until February 8, 2021.
  
  
• Starting from February 8, 2021, all citizens of the United States and Israel must apply for a visa before traveling to Bolivia.

Background on Visa Requirements for US Citizens in Bolivia

• Frosty diplomatic relations between Bolivia and the US.
  
  
• Lack of reciprocity between the countries.
  
  
• In 2007, Bolivia introduced a visa requirement for US passport holders due to their exclusion from the US Visa Waiver Program.
  
  
• Evo Morales, then-President of Bolivia, implemented this requirement to mirror the visa situation for Bolivian nationals traveling to the US.
  
  
• In 2008, the US ambassador to Bolivia was expelled, straining relations further.
  
  
• President Arce's decision to reintroduce visa requirements is due to the US government's failure to reciprocate Bolivia's visa-free policy.

Background on Visa Requirements for Israeli Citizens in Bolivia

• Strained relations between Bolivia and Israel.
  
  
• In 2009, Bolivia severed ties with Israel after condemning its actions in the Gaza bombing campaign.
  
  
• Despite the impact on tourism, Morales introduced a visa requirement for Israeli citizens in 2014.
  
  
• President Áñez temporarily lifted the visa requirement in 2019.
  
  
• Current President Arce has revoked this exemption due to Israel's ongoing visa requirement for Bolivian nationals.

Background and Previous Visa Exemption

• Interim President Jeanine Áñez implemented visa-free entry for US and Israeli citizens in 2019 to promote tourism and investment in Bolivia.
  
  
• Newly elected President Luis Arce has decided to reverse this decree, citing lack of reciprocity from the US and Israel.