Bolivia's Border Opening: What's The Timeline?

Bolivia's land borders remain closed as of September 2024, but air borders are open to commercial flights. However, some of the countries neighbouring Bolivia have maintained the closure of their land borders, so entering and exiting the country by land may not be possible at this time.

Bolivia's air borders are open, but land borders remain closed

As of September 2024, Bolivia's air borders are open to international commercial flights, but land borders remain closed.

Bolivia first closed its borders on March 17, 2020, to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the country has seen many lockdowns and curfews imposed on its citizens.

While air borders are open, Bolivia is not officially open for tourism due to strict quarantine and curfew regulations in place. However, some categories of foreigners (like foreigners with dual citizenship, diplomats, and spouses of nationals) can enter Bolivia by air.

All approved foreigners and Bolivian citizens returning home are required to bring a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival in Bolivia. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving.

Approved passengers entering Bolivia will also have to fill out a health affidavit form and agree to a screening upon arrival, which includes temperature checks. Any temperature over 38°C will result in a medical exam, which may include testing.

Most of the nation is still under movement restrictions, curfews, and quarantines. Social distancing and the use of masks in public are required by law and can be fined for non-compliance.

Monday to Friday, vehicle and foot traffic is not permitted between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am. On Saturdays and Sundays, the banned hours are 4:00 pm to 5:00 am. Shops and markets are only allowed to open on weekends until 4:00 pm.

Travellers to Bolivia must provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure

As of September 2020, Bolivia has reopened its air borders to international commercial flights. However, the country is not officially open for tourism due to strict quarantine and curfew regulations.

All approved foreigners and Bolivian citizens returning home must provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving. This means that any approved foreigner will need to get the test performed, receive the results, and then send them to a Bolivian consulate to get a response/approval, all within a 7-day period.

Upon arrival in Bolivia, passengers will have to undergo a health screening, including a temperature check. Any temperature over 38°C will result in a medical exam, which may include further testing.

Travellers who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 must take another PCR test 72 hours after arrival and quarantine until they receive a negative result

As of January 2022, unvaccinated travellers to Bolivia are required to take another PCR test 72 hours after arrival and quarantine until they receive a negative result. The cost of the test must be covered by the traveller. Diplomats are exempt from this measure.

Unvaccinated travellers must show a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of the requested service. PCR and antigen tests are widely available in Bolivia, with results issued by email, text message, or physical copy.

Bolivia's land borders remain closed, but air borders are open, and commercial flights are permitted to operate. However, travellers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions affecting international travel to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

Bolivia's borders with some neighbouring countries remain closed

Bolivia's land borders with some neighbouring countries remain closed. The country's air borders, however, were reopened on September 1, 2020, allowing international commercial flights to operate.

While Bolivia's land borders remain closed, its air borders are open to some categories of foreigners, including those with dual citizenship, diplomats, and spouses of nationals. These approved foreigners, as well as Bolivian citizens returning home, are required to present a negative PCR test taken no longer than seven days before their arrival in Bolivia. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving.

Additionally, approved passengers entering Bolivia must fill out a health affidavit form and agree to a screening upon arrival, including temperature checks. Any temperature above 38°C will result in a medical examination, which may include further testing.

It is important to note that most of Bolivia is still under movement restrictions, curfews, and quarantines. Social distancing and the use of masks in public are required by law, and non-compliance can result in fines. There are also restrictions on vehicle and foot traffic on weekdays and weekends.

Regarding the land border crossing process between Peru and Bolivia, it involves immigration checks and customs procedures. Both countries' immigration offices are located in the same building, making the process more efficient. However, it is important to have the necessary documents, such as passports, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, to facilitate a smooth crossing.

Bolivia's government has imposed strict border measures, including medical screenings

On March 18, 2020, Bolivia banned travel from Europe's Schengen zone, the UK, Ireland, and Iran. Before this, it had already barred travellers from China, South Korea, Italy, and Spain. The country has also implemented strict border measures, including medical screenings. These measures were set to remain in place until March 31, 2020, according to the government.

The country's land borders with neighbouring countries remain open. However, some of the countries bordering Bolivia have maintained the closure of their land borders. As a result, entering and exiting Bolivia by land may not be possible at this time.

Bolivia's right-wing government, an ally of Brazil's President Bolsonaro, has declined to comment on its neighbour's anti-virus measures. However, Bolivia's Defence Minister, Fernando López, has promised to strongly enforce the closure of the border with Brazil. "If we keep being flexible on the border, our national quarantine will be useless," he said.

As of September 2024, Bolivia has reopened its air borders and is allowing international commercial flights to operate. However, land borders remain closed. All approved foreigners and returning Bolivian citizens are required to present a negative PCR test taken no longer than 7 days before their arrival in Bolivia. Additionally, travellers must fill out a health affidavit form and undergo a screening upon arrival, including a temperature check.

Bolivia's strict border measures, including medical screenings, have been an important part of the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the country has reopened its air borders, land borders remain closed, and travellers are still subject to various restrictions and requirements.

Frequently asked questions