Bolivia

Political and civil tensions are ongoing, and events can be unpredictable. Large-scale political demonstrations 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 may use tear gas and force to control protests.

Strikes and demonstrations may disrupt:

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

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. 

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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.

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.

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 or adventure 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 or ride-sharing applications. Don't hail taxis off the street.

Note the taxi's registration number and phone number.

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.

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
• Bolivian road authority website (Spanish only)

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 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.

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
• COVID-19 

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
• Potosi – 4090m
• Sucre – 2810m 

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.

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.

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.

You must register your home or hotel address online with Bolivian migration authorities. If you don't register, you can receive a fine when you depart from the country. Consult your accommodation provider for more information or access the registration system online (Spanish). 

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 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 travellers

Visa-free short stays

You don't need a visa to visit Bolivia. The length of stay permitted upon entry is 90 days. Though your stamp may say 30 days, you can stay up to 90 days without additional application or process. 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'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

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.

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. 

Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

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 "Death Road" mountain biking tours, tours to the Uyuni salt plains, and mine tours in Potosi.

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

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 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.

The Honorary Consul in La Paz will be away from 5 December 2023 to 25 January 2024. During this time consular assistance will be provided by the Australian Embassy in Lima, Peru.

Australian 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 also contact the Consul via email, phone or WhatsApp to discuss your needs.

The Australian Embassy in Peru also offers 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