Bolivian Covid-19 Status: A Comprehensive Overview

On March 10, 2020, Bolivia confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19 in the departments of Oruro and Santa Cruz. By March 12, the country had suspended all public school sessions, commercial flights to and from Europe, and large-scale public gatherings. The government also announced measures to slow the spread of the disease, including the suspension of educational activities and flights to and from Europe. As of March 2023, Bolivia has reported over 1,194,000 cases, with a case fatality ratio lower than that of the 2003 SARS outbreak, but a significantly higher transmission rate.

Bolivia's COVID-19 entry requirements

As of July 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against travel to Bolivia due to the current high level of COVID-19 in the country. However, if you must travel to Bolivia, the CDC and the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia recommend taking the following precautions:

• Ensure that you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travelling.
• Wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces if you are two years or older.
• Follow all requirements and recommendations provided by Bolivian authorities.
• Plan ahead and follow all airline requirements as well as any requirements at your destination, including mask-wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine.
• If you are not vaccinated, get tested with a viral test as close to the time of your departure as possible (no more than three days).
• Do not travel if you are sick, have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, follow the CDC's guidelines for travelling during days 6 through 10 after your last exposure.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, all U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa, which can be purchased at any land or air border, or from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate. A tourist visa costs $160 US and allows visitors to stay for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. Visitors must also:

• Show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Show proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to arriving in Bolivia.

It is important to note that the Bolivian government has implemented specific visa policies for different groups of countries. Some nationalities may enter Bolivia without a visa, while others can acquire a visa upon arrival or need to obtain a visa before arriving in Bolivia. Therefore, it is recommended to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality before planning your trip.

COVID-19 vaccines and travel to Bolivia

The CDC has determined that Bolivia currently has a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. As a result, the CDC advises that you should avoid travelling to Bolivia unless it is essential. If you must travel to Bolivia, the CDC recommends that you ensure that you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and that you continue to wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces.

Before travelling to Bolivia, you should ensure that you are aware of and able to comply with all of Bolivia's entry requirements. As of February 2022, passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and may be required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

Upon your return from Bolivia, you should follow the CDC's guidelines for after arrival in the United States. This includes getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival and self-quarantining for a full 5 days after travel if you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 cases and deaths in Bolivia

Bolivia has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with hospitals and funeral homes overwhelmed by the influx of patients and deaths. As of October 2022, the country had reported over half a million confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 20,000 deaths, although these numbers are likely undercounts. The real death toll is believed to be higher, with government data not capturing the full extent of the pandemic's impact.

The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of Bolivia's healthcare system, particularly in the hardest-hit region of La Paz. Hospitals were inundated with COVID-19 patients, facing shortages of oxygen and essential medicines. The situation was further exacerbated by staff shortages, with healthcare workers stretched beyond their limits. As a result, hospitals were forced to turn away patients, and many Bolivians struggled to access the care they needed.

The pandemic's impact extended beyond the healthcare system, with funeral homes and cemeteries also overwhelmed. The bodies of the deceased were found in garages, porches, and hallways of funeral homes, with some homes unable to keep up with the influx of corpses. The high number of COVID-19 deaths also led to allegations of falsified death certificates, as some relatives were willing to pay doctors to list a different cause of death to avoid the strict safety protocols and higher prices associated with COVID-19 funerals.

The second wave of the pandemic, which hit Bolivia in early 2021, further exacerbated the situation. The country's already ailing healthcare system was pushed to the brink of collapse, and the number of infections and deaths surged once again. As of February 2021, Bolivia had reported over 225,000 infections and more than 10,000 deaths.

The Bolivian government has faced challenges in managing the pandemic, particularly in the context of political turmoil and a flawed election. The pandemic has also had social and economic impacts, with restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus affecting the population's livelihood. The Andean nation has also faced challenges in its inoculation program, with a slow start to vaccine lock down and distribution.

COVID-19 lockdown measures in Bolivia

Bolivia has implemented various lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying levels of success and public compliance.

On March 10, 2020, eight days after the first cases were detected in the country, the Bolivian government closed its borders and imposed a nightly curfew from 5 pm to 6 am. However, this measure was reported to have increased the number of people on the streets during certain times of the day, worsening the risk of contagion. On March 22, the government shifted to a complete lockdown, with the threat of large fines (up to $450) and jail time (up to 10 years) for those who did not comply. Police and military personnel were granted special powers to enforce the lockdown.

During the lockdown, Bolivians were confined to their homes and could only leave once a week, depending on the last digit of their personal ID. The use of cars was prohibited, except for transporting food or with special authorization. The wearing of face masks outdoors was made mandatory in certain areas, such as La Paz. These strict measures caused significant economic and welfare impacts, particularly on the poor, vulnerable, and self-employed workers in the informal economy.

To mitigate the economic fallout of the lockdown, the World Bank supported the implementation of two temporary cash transfer programs in Bolivia during the peak of the pandemic in April and September 2020. These programs provided cash transfers to over 3.5 million direct beneficiaries, with a focus on women, the poor, and vulnerable households. The programs aimed to curb the anticipated 2020 poverty rate and provide economic support to those affected by the pandemic.

Despite these measures, there has been resistance and non-compliance with lockdown rules. By April 11, 2020, almost 10,000 people had been arrested for violating lockdown restrictions, and healthcare workers in Santa Cruz, the worst-hit region, went on strike in February 2024 to demand a lockdown to battle the rise in infections. There are concerns that the public is becoming lax in adhering to basic preventive measures such as wearing face masks, washing hands, and social distancing.

COVID-19 testing requirements for Bolivia

As of September 2022, Bolivia's air borders are open for travel, and domestic restrictions have been lifted. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against travelling to Bolivia due to the country's high level of COVID-19.

If you are planning to travel to Bolivia, you must be aware of the following COVID-19 testing requirements:

• All arrivals are required to complete a travel form.
• Travellers entering Bolivia must present a negative PCR test result, no older than 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test no older than 48 hours before departure.
• Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt from the above testing requirements.
• Quarantine is not required when arriving in Bolivia.
• Some businesses, restaurants, and bars in Bolivia require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for entry.

Please note that requirements may change, so it is essential to check the latest information before travelling.

Frequently asked questions