Bolivia Announces Visa-Free Entry for Seven Countries to Boost Tourism
Bolivia has announced a significant policy change, allowing visa-free entry for citizens from the United States, Israel, South Korea, South Africa, Latvia, Estonia, and Romania. This decision marks the most substantial opening of Bolivia's borders since 2008, when restrictions were imposed for ideological reasons. Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo, alongside President Rodrigo Paz and Tourism Minister Cinthya Yañez, revealed the change, aiming to revitalize the tourism sector. The visa-free policy is expected to correct past economic losses, as Bolivia missed out on approximately $900 million in potential tourism revenue due to previous restrictions. The government has launched a national tourism strategy to handle the anticipated influx of visitors, focusing on strengthening tourism institutions, easing entry procedures, enhancing safety, promoting internationally, and improving tourism service quality.