Bolivia's Reopening: What's The Timeline?

Bolivia, the landlocked country in South America, was one of the first countries to close its borders in March 2019 to curb the spread of the virus. Since then, the country has witnessed several lockdowns and curfews. On September 1, 2020, Bolivia reopened its air borders and resumed international commercial flights. However, the country is not officially open for tourism due to the strict quarantine and curfew regulations in place.

Bolivia's international flight resumption in 2020

In 2020, Bolivia's international flight resumption was a gradual process, with various airlines adjusting their operations and frequencies. Here is a detailed overview:

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)

Boliviana de Aviación, the national carrier of Bolivia, played a significant role in resuming international flights. They made several adjustments to their operations:

• In August 2020, BoA made adjustments to their 4th-quarter operations to Sao Paulo. They introduced new sectors such as Santa Cruz-Sao Paulo-Cochabamba and increased the frequency of flights on the Santa Cruz-Sao Paulo route.
• BoA also resumed flights between La Paz and Buenos Aires, as well as increased the frequency of flights to Miami.
• In February 2022, BoA announced plans to connect Lima with La Paz and Cusco with Uyuni.
• BoA formed an interline agreement with Avianca, another airline serving Bolivia.

Amaszonas

Amaszonas, another Bolivian airline, launched a new route between Santa Cruz and Sao Paulo, Brazil, in September 2021.

GOL Linhas Aereas (Brazil)

The Brazilian carrier GOL resumed some international operations in November 2021, including flights to Montevideo, Uruguay, and Cancún, Mexico. They also planned to resume flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2021, and to Asunción, Paraguay; Lima, Peru; Miami, USA; and Santa Cruz de La Sierra, Bolivia, in December 2021.

United Airlines (USA)

United Airlines, the only American carrier offering flights to Bolivia, provided daily flights from Miami International Airport and New York Airport (JFK) to Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, Bolivia's busiest airport. They also offered double-layover flights from JFK to El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia's biggest airport in the east.

Overall, the resumption of international flights to Bolivia in 2020 was a gradual process, with airlines slowly increasing their operations and frequencies to various destinations.

The country's strict quarantine and curfew regulations

Bolivia's strict quarantine and curfew regulations have been in place since the nation first closed its borders on 17 March 2020. The Bolivian government has imposed many lockdowns and curfews on its citizens, extending the national quarantine and curfew multiple times.

The country's quarantine and curfew regulations are in place to help combat the spread of the virus. While the borders have been reopened to international commercial flights, Bolivia is not officially open for tourism. Only certain categories of foreigners, such as those with dual citizenship, diplomats, and spouses of nationals, can enter the country by air. Land borders remain closed.

The quarantine measures apply nationally, with a curfew in place from 10 pm to 5 am in La Paz, Monday to Friday. Local authorities may impose different restrictions, including on the movement of people under 12 and over 65 years old, and weekend movement. In La Paz, there is an additional curfew from 8 pm to 5 am on weekends.

All approved foreigners and returning Bolivian citizens must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than seven days before their arrival in Bolivia. If the passenger is a foreigner, they must have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving. Additionally, approved passengers must fill out a health affidavit form and agree to a screening upon arrival, including temperature checks.

Social distancing and the use of masks in public are required by law, and non-compliance can result in fines. Shops and markets are only allowed to open on weekends until 4 pm. These strict regulations have kept most of the nation under movement restrictions, curfews, and quarantines, making it challenging for tourists to visit.

Who can enter Bolivia by air?

As of September 1st, 2020, Bolivia has reopened its borders to international commercial flights. However, it is not officially open for tourism due to strict quarantine and curfew regulations.

Foreigners with dual citizenship, diplomats, and spouses of nationals are among the few categories of foreigners who can enter Bolivia by air. All approved foreigners and Bolivian citizens returning home must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than seven days before arrival. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving.

Upon arrival, approved passengers must fill out a health affidavit form and agree to a screening, which includes temperature checks. Any temperature over 38 degrees Celsius will result in a medical exam, which may include testing. It is important to note that most of the nation remains 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.

Health affidavit form and screening upon arrival

As of September 2020, Bolivia has reopened its borders to international flights. However, it is not officially open for tourism due to strict quarantine and curfew regulations. All approved foreigners and returning Bolivian citizens must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than seven days before arrival. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving.

Upon arrival, all approved passengers must fill out a health affidavit form and undergo a screening, which includes a temperature check. Any temperature over 38°C will result in a medical examination, which may include testing for COVID-19.

The health affidavit form is a mandatory document that must be completed by all incoming travellers to Bolivia. It serves as a declaration of the individual's health status and is used to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the country. The form will likely include questions regarding the traveller's medical history, current health condition, and any potential exposure to COVID-19. It is important to provide accurate and truthful information on the form to ensure the safety of both the traveller and the local population.

The screening process upon arrival involves a series of checks to assess the health status of individuals entering the country. This includes a temperature check using thermal scanners or handheld devices. Additionally, individuals may be asked about their recent travel history, potential exposure to COVID-19, and the presence of any symptoms associated with the virus. This screening process is designed to identify individuals who may pose a risk of transmitting the virus and help prevent its spread within the country.

The combination of the health affidavit form and the screening upon arrival is a crucial aspect of Bolivia's strategy to manage the risk of COVID-19 importation. By collecting information through the form and conducting health checks, the Bolivian authorities can make informed decisions about the entry of travellers and implement appropriate measures to protect public health. It is important for travellers to comply with these requirements and provide accurate information to support the country's efforts in controlling the pandemic.

Bolivia's internal restrictions

As of September 2020, Bolivia has reopened its borders for international flights, but the country is not officially open for tourism. While some categories of foreigners, such as those with dual citizenship, diplomats, and spouses of nationals, can enter Bolivia by air, land borders remain closed.

Internal Restrictions in Bolivia:

Quarantine and Curfew Measures:

Bolivia has implemented a national quarantine and curfew, which was extended until September 30, 2020. A curfew is in place from Monday to Friday between 10 pm and 5 am in La Paz, with local authorities having the power to impose different restrictions. In the La Paz department, including the city of La Paz, there is a weekend curfew from 8 pm to 5 am. Local authorities may also impose additional restrictions on the movement of people under 12 and over 65 years old.

Travel and Accommodation:

Internal travel in Bolivia is subject to the national quarantine and curfew measures. Hotels are open with distancing measures in place.

Social Distancing and Face Masks:

Social distancing of 1.5 meters and the use of face masks in public are mandatory by law. Non-compliance can result in fines, public service, and imprisonment.

School Closures:

Schools in Bolivia remain closed.

Frequently asked questions