Exploring Bolivia: A Journey To Remember

When entering Bolivia, there are a number of things to be aware of. Firstly, you must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining until its expiry date, as well as a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may also need to show proof of accommodation and/or onward travel. It is also important to get an entry stamp when you arrive in Bolivia, as well as an exit stamp when you leave, otherwise, you may be fined. In addition, there are strict rules about goods that can be taken into or out of the country, and all luggage is routinely X-rayed upon arrival. It is also worth noting that Bolivia is currently experiencing political and social tensions, which are resulting in frequent roadblocks and demonstrations that can turn violent. Finally, there are several health risks to be aware of, including altitude sickness, insect-borne diseases, waterborne illnesses, and foodborne diseases.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on the nationality of your passport. Some nationalities do not require a visa to enter Bolivia, while others must apply for a visa in advance or upon arrival at the Bolivian border. It is critical to research your visa requirements before travelling and apply for your Bolivia visa within the necessary timelines.

Visa-Free Entry

Passport holders from certain countries do not require a visa or need to pay any kind of fee upon entering Bolivia. The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, and a valid immigration card at the border.

Visa Upon Arrival

Passport holders from certain countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at any land or air border. A tourist visa can be purchased for $160 USD and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. This visa is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

Visa in Advance

Passport holders from certain countries must apply for a visa in advance directly at a Bolivian embassy or consulate. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is typically free of charge, however, if you opt to get your visa at the border, a fee may apply. The cost for the visa is usually around $30 USD but can be as high as US$95.

General Requirements

Regardless of your visa requirements, there are some general documents and conditions that all travellers must meet to enter Bolivia:

• Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of arrival.
• You may need to show proof of accommodation, such as a hotel or hostel booking.
• You must get an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival in Bolivia.
• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
• You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Passport validity

To enter Bolivia, your passport should have a remaining validity period of at least 6 months from the date of entry. It is important to check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Entry and Exit Stamps

Make sure you get your passport stamped on both sides of the border when entering Bolivia. If you enter overland, you must get an exit stamp from the country you are leaving and an entry stamp on the Bolivian side. However, Bolivia no longer stamps passports on the border with Argentina. Instead, you must register your exit with Argentina's immigration authorities, who will pass the information to Bolivian immigration.

Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. A tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border, and entry is granted for 30 days. U.S. citizens who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities. The Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or a neighbouring country can also provide visa information.

Additional Requirements

Upon arrival in Bolivia, visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of their departure plans. Additionally, visitors must provide proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation. If you are staying with Bolivian friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required by the authorities.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever is primarily found east of the Andes in Bolivia, in regions below 7,500 feet. All travellers over nine months should be vaccinated if travelling to these eastern regions. A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Bolivia if arriving from a country with the virus.

Malaria is widespread in Bolivia in regions below 2,500 feet. Antimalarials are recommended for all travellers to the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are often given to travellers to Bolivia.

The Zika virus is also present in Bolivia, spread by local mosquitoes. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travelling to Bolivia or take extra precautions.

Chagas disease, dengue, leishmaniasis and hantavirus are other diseases to be aware of when travelling to Bolivia.

Travel safety

Civil Unrest and Crime

Civil and political tensions are ongoing in Bolivia, and events can be unpredictable. Large-scale demonstrations, protests, and roadblocks can occur with little warning and may result in travel disruptions and violence. Avoid demonstrations and crowds as they can turn violent.

The Chapare and Yungas regions are particularly dangerous due to violent crime associated with drug trafficking. Criminals may pose as police officers and ask to examine your belongings or request that you accompany them to a fake police station. Under Bolivian law, police need a warrant with your name on it to detain or search you.

Scams and Theft

Petty theft is common in tourist areas, buses, and bus stations. Be alert to attempts to distract you from your luggage. Violent crime against foreigners, including armed robbery and assault, occurs. Criminals may also pose as taxi drivers, so use only well-known radio taxi companies with the phone number displayed on the vehicle's roof.

Travel and Transportation

Road conditions are poor throughout the country, and accidents and fatalities are common. Driving can be dangerous due to narrow, winding, and mountainous roads, insufficient lighting, and aggressive drivers. Public transportation is also unsafe due to poor roads, driving standards, and vehicle maintenance.

Health and Safety

Many parts of Bolivia are at high altitudes, and travellers may experience altitude sickness. Medical care in large cities is adequate but varies in quality. Emergency medical care outside of large cities, in rural areas, and inside national parks is inadequate.

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases such as yellow fever, Zika virus, malaria, and dengue fever. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent, and consider taking anti-malarial medication.

Entry and Exit Requirements

To enter Bolivia, your passport should have an expiry date of at least six months after your arrival. You will need to obtain a visa before travelling to Bolivia, which can be purchased at a Bolivian Embassy, Consulate, or at any land or air border. A tourist visa costs $160 USD and allows you to stay for up to 30 days, which can be extended to 90 days per year.

Local customs

Currency

US dollars are the most easily exchangeable foreign currency in Bolivia. Visitors may bring in up to $2,000 worth of items for personal use. Any new consumer goods with a value of more than $1,000 must be declared at Customs.

Visas

A tourist visa is required for all US citizens visiting Bolivia. This can be purchased at any land or air border for $160 US and is valid for 30 days. It is also possible to apply for a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the US or neighbouring country. Visitors can apply for a 60-day extension to their visa at an Oficina de Migración (Immigration Office).

Vaccinations

A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Bolivia. Vaccinations for Zika, malaria, and dengue are also recommended.

Registration

All foreign travellers to Bolivia must register their trip with the US Department of State and complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) with the Bolivian migration authorities prior to arrival.

Prohibited and Restricted Imports

Prohibited imports include illegal drugs, unauthorised firearms, explosives, and ammunition, knives and deadly weapons, certain pharmaceuticals and chemicals, food products containing noxious substances, plants, fruits, vegetables, and seeds containing parasites, pets and animals containing diseases, used clothing without a sanitary certificate, radioactive scrap and other hazardous materials, counterfeit money and goods, gambling machines, and pornographic material.

Restricted imports include pets, which must be accompanied by an official government certificate; firearms and ammunition, which require an import license; plant and meat products, which require a sanitary or phytosanitary certificate; birds, cats, and dogs, which need a good health certificate; transmission devices for radio and television, which must be authorised by the Telecommunications Office; and pharmaceutical products, which must be approved under World Health Organization guidelines and registered with the Vice Ministry of Health.

Photography

Ask permission before taking photos, particularly of children and in remote areas.

LGBTQIA+

Same-sex relationships are legal in Bolivia but are not widely accepted. The Bolivian constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organisation of LGBTQIA+ events.

Frequently asked questions