Bolivia's Open Status: Exploring Travel Opportunities

Bolivia is open to tourists from all countries, but there are a few things to be aware of before you go. The country has a Level 2 travel advisory, meaning that visitors should exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and crime. Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time and often result in violence. As a result, domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled. In addition, visitors should be aware of the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, as well as more serious crimes such as violent robberies and assaults. To enter Bolivia, most visitors will need a visa and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. They will also need to quarantine for at least 10 days and take a second PCR test on day 7.

Civil unrest and crime

The political unrest has been accompanied by an economic crisis, amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. Municipal elections in March 2021 further aggravated tensions, with MAS candidates facing rejection and divisions within the party. The selection process for municipal candidates has been questioned, with concerns over Morales' continued control of the party.

Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks are common occurrences in Bolivia and can lead to violence. These events may disrupt traffic, restrict the flow of goods and services, and cause delays or cancellations of domestic and international flights. Visitors to the country are advised to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and remain vigilant and adaptable in case of unexpected events.

In terms of crime, pickpocketing and petty theft are common in Bolivia, particularly in tourist areas. There have also been reports of express kidnappings in La Paz, where tourists are robbed and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Violent crime is a significant issue in certain regions, such as the Chapare region, where the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens. Criminal groups operate in this region, and authorities have previously used force in confrontations with residents over coca eradication.

It is important for visitors to Bolivia to take precautions, such as using reputable transportation services, avoiding isolated areas, and not leaving personal items unattended. Additionally, visitors should be aware of impostors posing as police or crime victims to rob unsuspecting individuals.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on one's nationality and the type of passport used for travel. Some nationalities require a visa to enter Bolivia, while others do not. Here is a breakdown of the visa requirements:

Group 1

Passport holders from these countries do not require a visa or need to pay any fees upon entering Bolivia. They only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a valid immigration card at the border.

Group 2

Passport holders from these countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free, but if one opts to get their visa at the border, a fee will apply.

Group 3

Passport holders from these countries must apply for a visa in advance and can only apply directly at a Bolivian embassy. The cost for the visa is typically around $30 USD. It is important to prepare all the necessary documents and apply for a visa within the required timelines to avoid issues or potential fines.

General Visa Requirements

Regardless of the visa group, there are some general requirements and documents that everyone must have when travelling to Bolivia:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining upon entry.
• An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination, especially if coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from friends or family indicating the address where one will be staying.
• Round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• Economic solvency test or bank statement.
• Visa application form and passport-size photographs.

It is important to note that visa requirements and fees may change, so it is advisable to contact the local Bolivian consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some countries may have specific agreements with Bolivia regarding entry and visa requirements, so it is essential to check with the appropriate authorities before travelling.

Travel advisories

The US State Department currently advises US citizens to exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have an increased risk, including the Chapare region, which has a high level of violent crime. Criminal groups operate in this region, and authorities have used force in confrontations with residents over coca eradication. Pro-coca groups may target US interests.

Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia and can result in violence. These may disrupt traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services, including the movement of domestic and international flights. If you plan to travel to Bolivia, it is recommended that you monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. It is advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds and to stay alert for any developments regarding blockades.

Forest fires are currently affecting some parts of Southern and Eastern Bolivia, impacting air quality in the most affected areas and other parts of the country, including La Paz. It is recommended to wear a face mask or stay indoors if the air quality is poor.

If you decide to travel to Bolivia, it is important to research your destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance. A tourist visa is required for US citizens visiting Bolivia and can be purchased at any land or air border. Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of departure plans, as well as proof of lodging.

It is recommended to take certain health precautions when visiting Bolivia. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, and measles. The tap water in many areas is not potable, so it is advised to opt for bottled water. Additionally, many cities in Bolivia, such as La Paz, are at high altitudes, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.

Geography and climate

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and west, and Peru to the northwest. Bolivia is traditionally regarded as a highland country, with one-third of its territory in the Andes Mountains, and the country's largest cities located there. However, in recent times, the eastern lowlands have developed rapidly, particularly the department of Santa Cruz.

The geography of Bolivia includes the Eastern Andes Mountain Range (also called the Cordillera Oriental), which bisects the country roughly from north to south. To the east of this mountain chain are the lowland plains of the Amazon Basin, and to the west is the Altiplano, a highland plateau where Lake Titicaca is located. Bolivia's geography shares similarities with that of Peru, which abuts its northwest border. Both countries are split by the Eastern Andes Mountains and share Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on Earth.

The Altiplano, or "High Plateau", extends from southern Peru through Bolivia to northern Argentina. It is a relatively flat depression about 500 miles long and 80 miles wide, with elevations between 12,000 and 12,500 feet. The Altiplano has a climate that varies from cool and humid to semi-arid, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). The rainy season occurs between December and March, and snow is possible between April and September, especially in the north.

The Eastern Andes Mountain Range is dominated by two great parallel ranges. The Cordillera Occidental in the west contains numerous active volcanoes and the Uyuni Salt Flat, and is crowned by Mount Sajama, Bolivia's highest peak at 21,463 feet. The Cordillera Oriental includes the Cordillera Real, a spectacular northern section near La Paz, with an average elevation of more than 18,000 feet for over 200 miles.

The descent from the Cordillera Real to the eastern plains is extremely steep, passing through a rainy and heavily forested belt of rugged terrain known as the Yungas, which means "Warm Lands" or "Warm Valleys". The Yungas has a warm, humid climate with refreshing breezes, and temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes.

In southern Bolivia, the Andes become much wider and are formed by a high, tilted block called the Puna, with west-facing escarpments and gentle eastward slopes. The Puna is broken up by the Valles, a system of fertile valleys and mountain basins with elevations between 6,000 and 9,500 feet.

North and east of the Andes and Yungas is the Oriente region, an extension of the Amazon River basin that covers more than two-thirds of Bolivia. The Oriente is composed of low alluvial plains, great swamps, flooded bottomlands, open savannas, and tropical forests. It includes the departments of Beni and Pando, where the low plains are covered by savanna and, in the far north, tropical rainforest.

Bolivia has several geographical areas and climates, with the three predominant ones being Andean (28% of the territory), sub-Andean (13%), and plains (59%). The climate varies drastically from one ecoregion to another, from tropical climates in the eastern lowlands to polar climates in the western Andes. The summers are generally warm and humid in the east, while the winters are very cold in the west.

History

The history of Bolivia involves thousands of years of human habitation. The Tiwanaku people reached an advanced level of civilization before being conquered by the rapidly expanding Inca Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Inca themselves were soon conquered by the Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, in the early 16th century. The region that now makes up Bolivia fell under the Viceroyalty of Peru and was known as Upper Peru.

Upper Peru joined the Spanish American wars of independence in the early 19th century and the Bolivian Republic was established in 1825, named after Simon Bolivar. In the course of the 19th century, Bolivia fell into wars against its neighbours, culminating in a devastating loss in the War of the Pacific, which resulted in Bolivia losing its access to the sea, along with rich nitrate fields. Bolivia faced further losses in the Chaco War against Paraguay in the 1930s. The Bolivian National Revolution broke out in the 1950s, attempting a program of nationalization of resources and expansion of suffrage. The country fell into military rule and experienced a series of coups until a transition to democratic government in the 1980s, which still struggled with a rapidly deteriorating economy.

21st-century Bolivian politics would be dominated by Evo Morales until he resigned in the wake of the 2019 Bolivian political crisis.

Frequently asked questions