Crossing the Bolivia Peru Border: All the Details
Getting ready to cross the Bolivia Peru border? There is a lot to think about. Be ready with our expert travel advice. Read more here.
Border crossings are exciting. One moment you’re in one country, and the next, you’re stepping into a new world of possibilities. It’s any traveler’s dream.
The Bolivia-Peru border is a popular crossing point for backpackers, vacationers, and locals alike. However, getting from one country to the other without the necessary information and the lowdown on relevant crossing points can be stressful. And at Bookaway, we’re not about stressful travel. At all.
So today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about this crossing. From general requirements and customs info to my real-life experience with crossing, we’ve curated a guide for a no-muss, no-fuss journey.
Ready?
Let’s cross borders!
Peru-Bolivia Border Crossing: What You Need To Know
Navigating the Peru into Bolivia border crossing for the first time? Here’s the information you need to know from a glance.
Leaving Bolivia
When you leave Bolivia, you must have your passport and visa (if required) ready to be checked by immigration officials. You’ll also have to pay a $25 departure tax. Make sure you receive your exit stamp, and then you can go to the Peruvian border.
Entering Peru
On entry to Peru, travelers need their passport (with six months of validity and a free stamp page), visa (if required), and proof of onward travel to another country. Remember to get your passport stamped, or it can cause complications when leaving.
Note that for customs, Peru has a daily limit of $10,000. So if you’re bringing in more money than this into the country, you must declare it.
Leaving Peru
You must present your passport and visa to the relevant customs office when leaving Peru. Ensure you receive an exit stamp before entering the next country.
Entering Bolivia
When you enter Bolivia, you must have a passport with six months of validity and a free stamp page. You should also have proof of onward travel and accommodation/lodging.
Ensure all necessary visa paperwork is in order before arriving at immigration.
Pro Tip: If you’re bringing new consumer goods valued over $1000, you must declare them in Bolivian customs.
Specific Peru Bolivia Border Crossing Points
Where will you be crossing? Check out the routes below to ensure you get the scoop on the right pathway.
Desaguadero
Desaguadero is a land crossing often deemed the most direct route between La Paz and Puno, but it’s not the most aesthetic border crossing. You cross over a bridge in the middle of the town and are greeted by lots of hustle and bustle.
Fun Fact: This border crossing is 3,827m (12,556 feet) above sea level. Be ready for high-altitude!
There aren’t any ATMs here, but you will find plenty of cambios (currency exchange kiosks) for cash exchanges. You’ll also find plenty of shops for snacks and refreshments. Taxis and combis are available for quick travel to your next stop.
My Experience
When traveling from Bolivia to Peru, I chose to cross via the Desaguadero crossing point. Instead of taking a taxi to the point, I traveled via a Cruz Del Sur bus from La Paz to Puno. This pre-booked bus took a whopping 7-hours, but the scenery and ease of crossing made it worth it.
On arrival at Desaguadero, we hopped off the bus and followed other passengers to the Bolivian immigration office. Here we queued for our all-important exit stamps. Next, we headed to the Peruvian entry offices and presented our passport information. There’s a 130m bridge between these two offices (approx a 2-minute walk.) One of the closer crossings I’ve seen.
We were probably at the border for an hour and a half. Compared to peak travel times, my wait time was quite short. I wasn’t personally asked for any proof of onward travel, but it happens. While waiting for the rest of the bus passengers to pass through, we even had time to grab snacks for the remainder of the journey.
Though the crossing was busy, navigating the layout was relatively easy, thanks to signage. Plus, we just followed our fellow passengers when in doubt.
Opening times: The Desaguadero border is open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Peruvian time and 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Bolivian time. Remember that all-important hour difference!
Yunguyo
Crossing the border at Yunguyo involves taking a ferry over the Strait of Tiquina and following the edge of Lake Titicaca. This is a longer border crossing route, but it’s much more scenic.
Crossing this border via public transport/bus is the easiest, which takes you onto the ferry as part of the package. You can exchange your cash at the crossing point with available cambio counters.
Typical long-haul buses that take this route include La Paz to Puno and Copacabana to Puno (and vice versa).
Opening times: Yunguyo border crossing facilities are open from 7:30 am – 6 pm Peruvian time and 8:30 am to 7 pm Bolivian time.
Tilali-Puerto Acosta
The two border crossings above are sometimes deemed the gringo routes. If you want to take an alternative or less touristic land border route, the Tilali-Puerto Acosta crossing might be more your speed.
You must stop in both towns at this border crossing to ensure your paperwork is current. Tilali is the Peruvian side and Puerto Acosta is the Bolivian side. Some travelers recommend stopping by the next large city immigration office to ensure your paperwork is completed professionally.
Located on the eastern shore of the famous Lake Titicaca, this route is recommended on weekends as there’s more public transport due to the village markets. You’ll need to take a bus, a combi, another bus, and walk between the border offices. Alternatively, you can walk the 20km immigration office difference; this takes approximately 4 hours. Safe to say, this route is much more scenic and better for experienced backpackers.
You should also ensure their paperwork is ready and you have enough bolivianos and soles to cover fees before leaving. Cambios are available at the border. But traveling with enough cash is always advised, especially when you’re heading off the beaten path.
Lake Titicaca (Hydrofoil)
Prefer the idea of a complete water border crossing? Skip the old fashion land or sea border crossings. Hydrofoil cruises across Lake Titicaca are another popular way to go from country to country.
Try a complete tour package. It’ll take two days to cross the lake, including an overnight stop on the Isla del Sol. Not for travelers in a rush, but absolutely the most stylish way to cross the border. Book tours in advance to ensure you get a tour spot on your desired date.
Opening times: Your chosen tour guide will take you through the border during the relevant opening hours.
What Do You Need to Cross the Border?
We love a packing list, and a border crossing packing list is the most important one you’ll use while traveling. See our top recommendations below.
Passport
You’re not going anywhere without a passport! Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months to enter both Peru and Bolivia. One free passport page for stamps is also required on entry.
Visa
Depending on your citizenship status, you may need to apply for a visa before arriving at the border.
Double-check whether you require a tourist or long-stay visa if you know you’ll be spending significant time in the country. If you don’t need a visa, you’ll be granted 90 days of stay on arrival.
UK, US, and EU travelers don’t need a visa for Peru or Bolivia. Ninety days of free travel within a 180-day window are granted on entry.
Departure Tax
Bolivia has an international departure tax of $25, to be paid in dollars or bolivianos.
Peru charges departure taxes on airfare only.
Proof of Exit/Proof of Onward Travel
Also known as proof of onward travel, some countries require proof of exit on entry. This simply proves you won’t outstay your visa or allocated tourist days.
Peru does require proof of onward travel within 180 days. This doesn’t need to be a journey back to your home country. It can be anywhere as long as it’s out of Peru. It’s rare for border officials to ask for this, but it’s an official requirement.
Bolivia also requires proof of plans to leave the country or a round ticket. You also technically need proof of accommodation/lodging. However, like in Peru, this is rarely requested by border officials. But you never know!
Proof of Economic Stability
Some countries require proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This information is usually included in your visa requirements. And usually, showing a credit card will suffice.
Entry Fee
Currently, you don’t need to pay border entry fees. If you are asked to pay, know it’s a scam, and you can refuse.
Cash
Carrying cash while crossing the border is always recommended. The Peru and Bolivia borders aren’t very credit card friendly.
From grabbing a quick meal to buying a refreshing drink, ensure you have cash before traveling.
Don’t rely on ATMs at the border, as these are uncommon. Instead, you can change your cash to the new currency at cambios.
Safety Tips
Crossing the Peru Bolivia border is generally safe, but tourists should always take general precautions. These include keeping valuables secure and hidden, arriving with paperwork in order, and carrying cash for any border payments.
If you’re getting the bus across, the ground floor seats are generally safer from theft but more expensive. The upper floor is still safe—you just need to keep an eye on your hand luggage while in any overhead racks. Keep valuables in a money belt if you want to sleep. Large bags and suitcases are usually stored in a compartment below the bus.
When crossing at the two gringo crossings, you’ll be able to get through easily. The Tilali-Puerto Acosta crossing is also safe but is usually recommended for confident or experienced travelers.
Typically, you can trust border officials and locals. But the best way to ensure you’re not in a compromising situation is to arrive with all documentation and to research your country’s entry requirements beforehand.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Bolivia’s Covid-19 entry requirements state travelers must have a Covid 19 vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test (taken up to 72 hours before entry), or a negative antigen test (taken 48 hours before entry). Quarantine is not required.
Peru has no Covid-related entry requirements, and no quarantines are requested.
Map of the Peru Bolivia Border
Want a clearer picture of where you need to go? See the map above for the Peru to Bolivia border crossing locations. Save it to help you get your bearings!
How to Cross the Bolivia-Peru Border
Bolivia and Peru are filled with adventure, culture, and thousands of unforgettable places to visit. Make sure you know which border crossing fits your route best before you travel! See the top three routes below.
La Paz to Cusco
One of the most popular journeys is from La Paz to Cusco; buses are the most popular way to complete this route. Also, you’ll want to pass through Cusco to see Machu Picchu.
Buses from La Paz to Cusco come in different variations, including VIP, standard, and sleeper buses. This journey takes approximately 11 hours, so opting for an overnight bus can help you pass the time! Transzela is a popular provider for these long-haul journeys.
La Paz to Puno
If you’re keen on skipping through Peru and going straight to Cusco, the journey from La Paz to Puno might be for you. This way, you disembark closer to the border and can make ongoing stops at Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or Juliaca. Puno is also a vibrant town where you can stop for the evening and enjoy some Peruvian food.
This is the journey I chose to take, as I stopped in Puno overnight and then spent a day exploring Lake Titicaca. This journey lasts 6.5 hours, so choose a comfortable seat and settle in for the ride! Transzela also provides buses for this route and allows you to choose VIP, standard, or sleeper seats.
La Paz to Lima
If you’re traveling on a time limit, you might want to hop from capital city to capital city to ensure you see many sites. Traveling from La Paz to Lima is a great choice, and you have two options to take you from A to B.
Buses are available for budget travelers, but be ready for a long ride. This journey takes 23 hours. I have taken a coach journey of this length before, and it’s super doable. Also, buses are available with Trans Litoral, a popular provider throughout Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. However, it’s not for everyone!
Luckily, you can hop on a LATAM Airlines flight that only takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. Crossing via air is easier and quicker here.
Bolivia Peru Border – The Verdict
No matter where you’re off to, explore all your travel options! Crossing the Bolivia-Peru border can be done with ease, and with this information, you can continue your adventures without any hold-ups.
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FAQ
Traveling from Bolivia to Peru costs $43. This includes Bolivia’s $25 departure tax, and the cheapest standard bus costs $18 from La Paz to Puno. If you’re traveling from Peru to Bolivia, it will be cheaper as you don’t have to pay any departure tax when leaving Peru. There aren’t any visa costs in these calculations.
No minimum stay is required for either country. However, tourist visas are usually a maximum of 30 days. These can be extended to 90 days after consulting with an immigration office.
Peru technically requires proof of exit within 180 days of your arrival. Bolivia also requires proof of exit and proof of accommodation. It’s rare for border officials to ask for this information, but you should have it to avoid issues.
Crossing from Bolivia to Peru is relatively easy, especially if you book a bus that takes you across the border. As long as you have your documents in order, you should get through without any issues.