Bolivia

Political and social tensions are ongoing. The situation is now relatively calm, but remains unpredictable. Large-scale political demonstration could occur with little warning and may result in violence. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

You could encounter:

• roadblocks
• demonstrations
• protests
• strikes

Authorities use tear gas and force to control protests.

Strikes and demonstrations may disrupt:

• local travel to Oruro, Uyuni and Santa Cruz
• international travel

Anti-narcotics activities can lead to conflict between authorities and their targets in coca-growing regions:

• Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba
• the Yungas region, north-east of La Paz

Bystanders can be affected.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• take particular care to avoid conflicts in Chapare and the Yungas regions

Don't cross roadblocks set up by protesters, even if they appear unattended. Doing so may lead to violence.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Theft is common:

• in tourist areas
• on buses
• in bus stations

Thieves work in teams using various forms of distraction.

Criminals sometimes pose as police officers. Under Bolivian law, police need a written order or warrant to detain or search a suspect. If a police officer approaches you, ask to see a written order or warrant.

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners, including armed robbery and assault, has increased.

Violent crime can happen in the cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz, particularly:

• in tourist areas
• on public transport

Assaults and robberies are becoming more common, especially:

• in shared, unmarked and radio taxis
• in Coronilla Hill, located behind the main bus terminal in Cochabamba
• among  hikers travelling without a guide on the Inca trails and in Rurrenabaque 

Use an experienced, reputable tour guide to reduce risks when hiking.

Express kidnappings are a high risk at overland border points with Chile and Peru, such as Copacabana and Desaguadero. Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs to secure their release.

Travellers in Bolivia can also be victims of:

• food and drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault
• drug traffickers and other criminals in the Bolivian-Brazilian border region

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• don't accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you have just met
• use experienced, reputable tour guides for hiking trips
• take extra precautions in the Bolivia-Brazil border region

Use only well-known radio taxi companies with the phone number displayed on the vehicle's roof. Don't hail taxis off the street.

Note the taxi's registration number and phone number.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Bolivia experiences severe weather, including landslides and flooding.

The rainy season is from November to March. Landslides, blocked roads and flooding are common.

Severe flooding and landslides can:

• disrupt transport services
• close airports
• make road travel difficult

If you plan to travel in the rainy season, confirm arrangements before you leave and check local weather reports.

In case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

If you choose to travel despite our advice, get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bolivia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Bolivia. The Bolivian Government has announced a nation-wide quarantine from 00:00 on Sunday 22 March until Saturday 4 April 2020. Travel is allowed for health emergencies. The local emergency number to call is 110.

More information

• COVID-19 (Department of Health)
• COVID-19 (World Health Organization)
• COVID-19 - Smartraveller news bulletin

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is a risk in Bolivia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Zika virus is widespread in Bolivia. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

In areas below 2500m, travellers are at risk from:

• malaria
• dengue
• Chagas disease

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Altitude sickness

You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2500m.

Altitude sickness can be life threatening and affect anyone, even if you're healthy.

You're more at risk if you:

• ascend quickly
• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you get used to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

Many areas of Bolivia are above 2500m, including:

• La Paz — 3660m
• Salar de Uyuni — 3650m
• Lake Titicaca — 3820m

To minimise the risk of altitude sickness, see your doctor for specific advice.

Check your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.

Medical facilities

Private hospital facilities in Bolivia's major cities are reasonable. Outside of major cities, facilities are limited.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive.

Hospitals often need payment or proof of medical insurance before they will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you could need treatment at a more suitable place.

Medical evacuation from Bolivia can be difficult and very expensive. Many air ambulance services can't fly into La Paz due to the high altitude.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry photo identification in Bolivia. This can be a photocopy of your passport.

Other laws

It's illegal to remove national treasures, including:

• pre-Columbian artefacts
• certain historical paintings
• items of Spanish colonial architecture and history
• some native textiles
• certain flora, fauna and fossils

It's illegal to excavate or collect fossils without written approval.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Bolivia has compulsory military service. Dual national males older than 18 must complete military service upon arrival in Bolivia.

Children who are dual citizens and travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must follow strict entry and exit rules. See Travel

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Embassy or consulate of Bolivia

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

LGBTI travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal, but they aren't widely accepted.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

The following information will apply only once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Visa-free short stays

You do not need a visa to visit Bolivia. The length of stay permitted upon entry is 30 days. Tourists who want to stay longer than 30 days can apply to extend their visa for another 30 days at a Department of Immigration office, prior to the end of the first 30-day period. This extension can be obtained twice to a maximum of 90 days during one calendar year.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US you must meet US entry or transit requirements.

Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Bolivia. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Travel with dual-national children

Unless travelling with both parents, dual nationals under the age of 18 years must: 

• provide their birth certificate and written consent to travel from both parents, translated into Spanish and certified by a Bolivian embassy or consulate on arrival
• provide a travel permit from the Children's Court on exit

More information:

Bolivian Immigration Service 
Avenida Camacho entre Calles Loayza y Bueno
La Paz, Bolivia
Phone: (+591 2) 211 0960

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The currency is the Boliviano (BOB).

Declare all amounts more than $US10,000 on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are the most easily exchangeable foreign currency.

ATMs are available in cities throughout Bolivia.

Many businesses accept international credit cards.

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow recommended safety precautions or maintenance standards. They may not provide safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts.

This includes adventure activities, such as diving and tours to the Uyuni salt plains.

If you plan to take part do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Uyuni salt plains

Choose a tour operator that has a CB radio or satellite phone. Mobile phone coverage is limited.

Be prepared for delays from melting snow and snowfalls.

Driving permit

To drive in Bolivia, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave.

Road travel

You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Bolivia than in Australia.

Driving in rural areas is dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poor street signs and lighting
• pedestrians and livestock on roads
• heavy snowfalls and melting snow

During the wet season, November to March, the road to the Yungas and Beni may experience flooding and landslides.

It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol reading above 0%.

If driving:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night and in rural areas

Allow extra time and be prepared to change your plans if travelling to:

• the Uyuni salt plains during winter or early spring
• the Yungas or Beni during the wet season

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Book registered taxis and limousines through your hotel.

Be aware of criminals and scams targeting taxi passengers.

Public transport

Public transport can be unsafe due to poor roads, driving and vehicle maintenance standards.

Avoid public transport where possible.

Boat travel

Tourist boats used on Lake Titicaca and for river excursions in jungle areas are often basic.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. 

Check Bolivia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

COVID-19

All flights into and out of Bolivia and transportation between cities and districts are suspended. International land borders are closed. 

The Australian Embassy and consulate is working to identify options for you to leave Bolivia, they will put details on their social media platforms as they're made aware of them. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. If you are in Bolivia and you are safe, you should stay where you are.

Only one person per family aged between 18 and 65 is permitted to leave the house to purchase food and other provisions between 0700 and 1200 from Monday to Friday. That person may only go outside one day per week, determined by the final number of their ID card or passport, as follows:

• Monday: 1, 2
• Tuesday: 3, 4
• Wednesday: 5, 6
• Thursday: 7, 8
• Friday: 9, 0

Nobody may go outside on Saturday or Sunday. No vehicles maybe used, except those related to security and health. Travel is allowed for health emergencies. Penalties for breaching these conditions include fines and imprisonment. Always carry your ID.

Updated information (in Spanish) on COVID-19 can be obtained from the Ministry of Health’s website and the Safe Bolivia website.

If you can’t or don’t want to leave, you should follow the advice of local authorities; take care to minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19; stay in touch with family and friends so they know you are safe; and ensure you have suitable accommodation arrangements in place.

As a result of the state of emergency, the Australian Embassy in Peru is closed and phone lines have been transferred to the central office in Canberra. For urgent consular assistance call +51 1 6300500 or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) to be connected to the 24-hour emergency call center in Australia. Or you contact the Australian Honorary Consul in Bolivia on (+591) 767 68787 or (+591) 706 10626. 

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 118 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 222 5016 for English-speaking tourist police.

Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in La Paz. It provides limited consular assistance and can't issue Australian passports.

Australian Consulate, La Paz

Gabriel Rene Moreno #1091
San Miguel
La Paz, Bolivia
Phone: (+591) 767 68787; (+591) 706 10626
Email: consul@australiabolivia.com
Opening hours: 9:00am to 12:00pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays

The Australian Embassy in Peru also offers consular assistance.

Australian Embassy, Lima - The Embassy is temporarily closed to the public from 16 March for 15 days. We're still providing urgent consular assistance to those in need.

Avenida La Paz 1049, 10th Floor
Miraflores, Lima, 18, Peru
Phone: +51 1 630 0500 
Fax: +51 1 630 0520 
Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au 
Website: peru.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia en Perú y Bolivia
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia