Bolivia's Banned Medications: What Not To Pack

Bolivia has a history of issues with narcotics, particularly the coca crop, which is used to produce cocaine. While the country has made efforts to eradicate coca cultivation, it remains the third-largest coca bush grower in the world. As a result, the country has strict laws prohibiting the possession, traffic, and consumption of controlled substances, including drugs that contain or consist of controlled substances without authorisation. Travellers to Bolivia are advised to contact the country's embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on regulations regarding the import of medications containing controlled substances.

Controlled drugs

Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of cocaine and has harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession. The minimum sentence is 8 years, and prison conditions are very basic.

• Addiction medication (e.g. methadone)
• Central nervous system drugs (e.g. diazepam, ritalin)
• Anticonvulsants (e.g. levetiracetam, brivaracetam)
• Pain medication (e.g. gabapentin, codeine, acetaminophen)
• Decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine)
• Sleep medications (e.g. temazepam)

If you are planning to travel to Bolivia with any medication, it is important to contact the Bolivian embassy, which can advise on the legality of specific medications and any necessary documentation or precautions.

Additionally, it is recommended that you:

• Consult your doctor or a travel clinic to obtain advice and ensure you have enough medication for your trip.
• Ask your doctor for a letter stating that the medication is for personal use, detailing the drug's generic name, its purpose, and the dosage you are taking. This letter should be translated into the local language, and you should also carry the English version.
• Ensure your medications are in their original packaging, with prescription labels showing your name, and are within their expiry date.
• Keep your medication, doctor's letter, and other documents in your carry-on luggage.
• Declare any syringes for medical reasons to customs.
• Keep your medication cool and dry during transport.

Narcotics

Bolivia is the third-largest grower of coca bushes in the world. Coca leaves are processed into cocaine, and Bolivia supplied approximately 15% of the US cocaine market in the 1980s. The country has been working to reduce coca production and eradicate coca fields, with some success. However, narcotics trafficking and corruption remain significant issues.

Bolivia's most lucrative crop in the 1980s was coca, which was processed clandestinely into cocaine. The country was the second-largest grower of coca in the world at the time. The coca plant is a tea-like shrub cultivated by small farmers, mainly in the Chapare and Yungas regions. The leaves have been grown in Bolivia for centuries.

The Bolivian government has made efforts to eradicate coca cultivation, starting with a five-year program in 1983 to reduce coca production. In 1987, Bolivia and the United States signed an agreement to eradicate 70% of Bolivia's coca fields. However, these efforts have had limited success, and coca cultivation remains a significant issue.

Drug-related corruption has also been a problem in Bolivia, with law enforcement and government officials implicated in the narcotics trade. In the late 1980s, there were reports of judges being implicated in drug-related corruption, with narcotics traffickers bribing officials to release suspects, return captured drugs, and purge incriminating files.

The United States has provided counternarcotics aid and support to Bolivia, including funding and equipping Bolivia's special antinarcotics police. However, there have been concerns about human rights abuses by Bolivian law enforcement during counternarcotics operations.

Overall, narcotics, particularly the coca crop and cocaine production, remain a significant issue in Bolivia, despite government efforts to eradicate them. The trade has led to trafficking, corruption, and human rights abuses, and the country continues to work to address these issues.

Hallucinogenic drugs

Ayahuasca is a traditional plant used in spiritual cleansing ceremonies by indigenous communities in Bolivia, primarily in the Amazon region, but also near La Paz. The ceremony involves the consumption of a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug. While Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated, the consumption of DMT is illegal in many countries.

It is important to note that consuming this brew comes with significant risks. The interaction of DMT with existing medical conditions is not well understood, and people have suffered serious illnesses and even death after participating in these ceremonies. Some Ayahuasca retreats are located far from populated areas, making it difficult to access medical attention in case of an emergency. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and thoroughly understand the potential risks before considering participating in any Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Bolivia is a major producer of coca leaves, which are used in the production of cocaine. As a result, the country has strict laws and penalties for drug-related offenses, including trafficking and possession. The minimum sentence for such crimes is 8 years, and prison conditions are basic. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and avoid any involvement with illegal drugs while in Bolivia.

When travelling with prescription medication, it is important to research the legal requirements of your destination country and obtain the necessary paperwork. This may include a letter from your doctor stating the purpose of the medication, the generic name of the drug, the dosage, and that it is for personal use. It is also recommended to carry your medication in its original packaging and to keep it in your carry-on luggage.

Medical devices

Bolivia permits the importation of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. However, there is no significant local production of medical devices and products, so importation remains necessary.

Manufacturers of medical devices and products must obtain authorisations from the Unidad de Medicamentos y Tecnologia en Salud (the Unit of Drugs and Health Technology or UNIMED), a division of the Ministry of Health, for registrations and market approvals.

The Bolivian Medicines Law and the Bolivian Heath Registration Manual outline the requirements for medical device registration in Bolivia. Required documents must be submitted according to the Device class. The decision may be Approved, Observed, or Rejected. If approved, the Sanitary Registration certificate will be delivered within 60 working days. If Observed, corrections or additional documents should be provided within 60 working days.

Bolivia's health budget increased from $3.21 billion in 2022 to $3.54 billion in 2023, with a focus on construction projects, equipment, and improvement of facilities, including hospitals. The government has also designated $333 million to the Ministry of Health and the Health Infrastructure and Medical Equipment Agency (AISEM) for national investment projects, including the construction and improvement of hospitals. Tenders for medical equipment and devices can be found on the AISEM and State Contracts System (SICOES) websites.

Prescriptions

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to be aware of the country's laws and customs, especially regarding medications and drugs. Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of cocaine, and the penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession are harsh. The minimum sentence for drug-related offences is 8 years, and prison conditions are very basic. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious with your luggage, belongings, and any medications you need to bring into the country.

If you are travelling with prescription medications, it is essential to plan ahead and do your research. Here are some important considerations and guidelines to follow:

• Contact the Bolivian embassy: Reach out to the Bolivian embassy in your country to seek advice on whether your medication is considered illegal in Bolivia. They can provide you with specific information and requirements for bringing medications into the country.
• Obtain a doctor's letter: Ask your doctor to write a letter stating that the medication is for your personal use. The letter should include the generic name of the drug, its intended use, and the dosage you are taking. If needed, have the letter translated into the local language, but also carry the English version with you. Ensure the letter includes the doctor's name, signature, and professional registration details.
• Original packaging: Keep your medications in their original packaging with prescription labels that clearly display your name. Ensure that the medications are within their expiry date.
• Amount and duration: Bring only the amount of medication you need for the duration of your trip. Your itinerary and return ticket can help justify the quantity of medication you are carrying.
• Carry-on luggage: Always carry your medication, doctor's letter, and other relevant documents with you in your carry-on luggage. This is important in case your checked-in baggage is lost, delayed, or stolen.
• Declare syringes: If you are travelling with syringes for medical reasons, be sure to declare them to customs.
• Local laws and cultural considerations: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and cultural norms related to your medication or medical condition.
• Airline restrictions: Check with your airline to see if they have any specific restrictions or requirements for carrying medications or medical devices.
• Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers any emergencies related to your medical condition.

It is worth noting that prescriptions are only valid in the country of origin, so ensure you have the necessary documentation and follow the guidelines provided by the Bolivian embassy. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing medications within Bolivia, as they may be of poor quality, counterfeit, or expired. Always check the dosage and packaging before taking any medication.

Frequently asked questions