Visiting This Beautiful, Otherworldly Place Just Got Easier For Americans
Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, also known as the Uyuni Salt Flats, is among the most unique and beautiful places in the world. Now, thanks to some recent changes from the Bolivian government, it is easier for Americans to visit the iconic site.
Over the past several years, Bolivia has required travelers from the United States to have a visa. However, this year, that requirement has officially ended, allowing travelers to enter the country much more freely.
Bolivia Eliminates Visa Restrictions
Previously, several nations were subject to what Bolivia describes as "politically motivated immigration restrictions." However, beginning on Dec. 1 of 2025, that has changed as the country announced that it has eliminated visa restrictions for eight countries, including the United States.
Other countries no longer facing these restrictions are South Korea, South Africa, Bulgaria, Malta, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel.
Foreign Minister Aramayo explained that these nations faced these restrictions for "strictly political reasons," without any real "technical, migratory or security grounds."
“Today we are correcting that decision. Bolivia is leaving behind the ideological barriers that do not contribute to the country's development and is committed to openness, integration, and international cooperation,” Aramayo stated in an announcement translated into English from Spanish.
“There are no longer any political criteria that hinder our growth or our relationship with the world,” Aramayo added.
Now, U.S. citizens can visit the South American country without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes.
Salar de Uyuni
With these restrictions now eliminated, Americans can freely visit one of the most iconic and unique natural sites in the world.
Spanning more than 4,000 square miles in southwestern Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, formed from the remnants of ancient lakes that dried up thousands of years ago.
When you're standing in the middle of the gigantic salt flat, the expanse stretches nearly endlessly toward the horizon with no mountains, trees, or buildings in sight. It has been described as looking like another planet, and it transforms with the seasons.
During the rainy months, a thin layer of water covers the salt crust, turning the flat into the world’s largest natural mirror. The sky reflects perfectly on the ground, blurring the line between the ground and the sky, creating stunning visual illusions.
As a result of its unique beauty and otherworldly atmosphere, travelers and photographers flock to the area as Salar de Uyuni welcomes more than 90,000 visitors per year.
So, as you plan your next adventure, keep this in mind, especially considering that the travel restrictions have been lifted.