Bolivia

Protest activity will likely increase in the lead-up to the 17 August election. Political and civil tensions are ongoing, and events can be unpredictable. Large-scale political demonstrations, protests and events can occur with little warning. This may result in travel disruptions and can be violent. Authorities may use tear gas and force to control protests. Strikes and demonstrations may disrupt local and international travel.

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are common. They can disrupt public transport at very short notice and strand travellers. Take extra food, water, medication, warm clothing and cash with you. Don't cross roadblocks set up by protesters, even if they appear unattended. Doing so may lead to violence. Check the Bolivian road authority website (Spanish only) for up-to-date information on which roads are blocked. 

Drug-related crime

Anti-narcotics activities can lead to conflict between authorities and their targets. Bystanders and tourists can be affected. Violent crime and civil unrest mainly associated with drug trafficking is a risk in:

• the Yungas region in La Paz department
• border areas, and
• Chapare region

Chapare region is in Cochabamba department. Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region. Local authorities have used force in past confrontations over coca eradication. Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide help in this area. 

During periods of unrest:

• pay close attention to your personal security at all times
• avoid demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Criminals sometimes pose as police officers. Under Bolivian law, police need a warrant with your name on it, to detain or search you. If a police officer approaches you, ask to see their warrant.

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners, including armed robbery and assault, occurs.

Violent crime can happen, including 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.

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Petty crime

Theft is common:

• in tourist areas, including the Uyuni salt flats
• on buses
• in bus stations

Thieves work in teams using various forms of distraction. Remain alert to your surroundings and ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times. 

Express Kidnapping

Express kidnappings are a high risk. Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs to secure their release.

Use only well-known radio taxi companies with the phone number displayed on the vehicle's roof or ride-sharing applications. Don't hail taxis off the street. Note the taxi's registration number and phone number.

Travellers in Bolivia can also be victims of food and drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault.

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 or adventure trips
• take extra precautions in the land border regions

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals,  concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Bolivia experiences severe weather, including landslides, flooding and bushfires.

The rainy season is from November to March. Landslides 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.

Bushfires are common during the dry season, from July to October. Heavy smoke may degrade air quality, including in La Paz. It is advisable to wear a face mask or to stay inside if the air quality is poor.

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
• Bolivian road authority website (Spanish only)

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 seat belts.

This includes adventure activities, such as "Death Road" mountain biking tours, tours to the Uyuni salt plains, and mine tours in Potosi.

If you plan to take part in 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.

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 thousands 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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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 medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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. You may be asked to show proof of your vaccination at some ports of entry in Bolivia or to enter some countries after visiting Bolivia. Check their entry requirements before travelling. 

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

Travellers are at risk from:

• malaria
• dengue
• Chagas disease
• oropouche virus

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 to high altitudes.

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 at high altitudes, including:

• La Paz
• Salar de Uyuni
• Lake Titicaca
• Potosi
• Sucre

See your doctor for specific advice to minimise the risk of altitude sickness.

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

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.

You could need treatment at a more suitable place if you become seriously ill or injured.

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 and the Bolivian entry stamp pages.

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 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.

LGBTQIA+ travellers

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visa-free short stays

You don’t need a visa to visit Bolivia for tourism. The length of stay permitted upon entry is 30 days. You can request an extension of your stay at an immigration office in Bolivia. The maximum visa-free stay length is 90 days during one calendar year.

Ensure you get an entry stamp when you arrive in Bolivia. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a fine when you leave. You should also make sure to get an exit stamp, especially when you are crossing a land border.

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

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for Chile

Border measures

Visitors may be asked to show proof of onward travel on entry to Bolivia (a plane or bus ticket).

Yellow fever vaccination

You may be asked to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination at some ports of entry in Bolivia, and some airlines may want to see it when you leave.

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

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel with dual-national children

Unless travelling with both parents, dual nationals under the age of 18 years must comply with strict local entry and exit requirements:. Contact the nearest Bolivian Embassy for updated information before departure. 

Accommodation registration

Immigration inspectors at the port of entry may request your accommodation details to keep a register. 

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.

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 (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave.

Road travel

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, roads 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 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 through your hotel or ride-share apps.

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.

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

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 800-14-0081 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.

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 Honorary Consulate, La Paz

Centro Empresarial del Sur
Av Arequipa No 8221
2nd floor, office 16

Phone/Whatsapp: (+591) 706 10626
Email: consul@australiabolivia.com

Opening hours: 9am-12pm, Monday to Friday
You can contact the Honorary Consul via email, phone or WhatsApp to discuss your needs.

Australian Embassy in Peru

The Australian Embassy in Peru can offer remote consular assistance.

Avenida La Paz 1049, 
10th Floor
Miraflores, Lima, 18
Peru

Phone: +51 1 630 0500 
Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au 
Website: peru.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia en Perú y Bolivia
Instagram: @embauslima
X: @embauslima

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