Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nA State of Emergency has been declared in Bolivia, giving police and armed forces powers to remove roadblocks, disrupt protests and detain those not complying with the new measures for up to 8 hours without charge. Follow the advice of local authorities, be wary of unverified or unofficial information, stay alert and keep away from protests and roadblocks.
\n\nDo not try to cross roadblocks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate without warning. Allow extra time to reach your destination and make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed.
\n\nAny British national who requires urgent consular assistance, should contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. If you are in Bolivia and using a phone with a local SIM, please call 2-2010020.
\n\nCheck road status updates from the Bolivian road authority (available inside Bolivia only) to see which roads are blocked.
\n\nIf you purchase a bus ticket ‘condicionado’ it means the bus company may not be able to guarantee arrival to your destination.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.\nGet travel advice updates
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bolivia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Bolivia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bolivian Embassy in the UK (in Spanish).
\n\nTo enter Bolivia, your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least two blank pages.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou may need to show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel or hostel booking and its address, at least for your first night in Bolivia.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nMake sure you get an entry stamp when you arrive in Bolivia, otherwise you’ll have to pay a fine when you leave.
\n\nIf you enter Bolivia overland, make sure you get your passport stamped on both sides of the border, with an exit stamp from the country you are leaving and an entry stamp on the Bolivian side.
\n\nBolivia no longer stamps passports on the border with Argentina, but you must register your exit with Argentina’s immigration authorities (in Spanish) who pass the information to Bolivian immigration.
\n\nThe British Embassy cannot intervene in immigration issues.
\n\nYou can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa. Border officials issue 30-day stamps, but you can stay for 90 days without any new stamp.
\n\nAs a tourist, you get 90 days of visa-free travel in a one-year period. If you want to stay longer, check with the Bolivian Embassy in the UK (in Spanish) or the Department of Immigration (in Spanish).
\n\nTo work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must meet the Bolivian government’s entry requirements (in Spanish). \nRequirements include a police criminal record certificate from the UK, which you can get from the ACRO Criminal Records Office. If you need any documents from the UK, get them translated into Spanish and legalised by the Legalisation Office.
\n\nIf only one parent or legal guardian is travelling with a child, you cannot visit Bolivia for longer than 90 days. If you stay for more than 90 days, the child will need a judicial permit to leave Bolivia with only one parent.
\n\nTo enter Bolivia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bolivia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bolivia (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. You should declare through Bolivia’s 250 declaration form (link only works in Bolivia).
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bolivia, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nBolivia is experiencing an economic crisis and dollar shortage which has led to an increase in crime rates. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, in other popular tourist destinations, on buses and in crowded areas. Do not leave your bag or other belongings unattended. Always keep your passport, money and other valuable items in a safe place. On night buses, use a money belt under your clothes for important documents and credit cards; theft can occur when you are asleep.
\n\nThieves can impersonate police officers. They have used fake police ID cards, uniforms and even police stations to fool victims. They may ask to check your documents and your bags and take your belongings.
\n\nYou should not get into an unmarked police car under any circumstances. The police cannot stop or search you on the street without a written order from a state prosecutor.
\n\nThere has been an increase in robberies from people taking taxis in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Rurrenabaque. If you use a taxi:
\n\nIgnore anyone offering help at taxi stands and bus terminals and watch your belongings. Thieves work in teams to distract their victims.
\n\nProtests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice. If they occur, you should move away from the area and remain in a safe place. Stay alert to developments and pay attention to instructions from local authorities.
\n\nProtestors may block roads. Do not attempt to cross blockades in a motor vehicle or on a motorbike. Recent blockades have led to fuel and fresh food shortages in some areas.
\n\nTo reduce any risk:
\n\nTourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of ‘express kidnapping’ in Bolivia. These are short-term, opportunistic abductions aimed at extracting cash from the victim. Victims may be held hostage for up to several days while criminals use stolen bank or credit cards.
\n\nForeign visitors are particularly vulnerable when entering Bolivia at overland border points with Peru, Chile and Argentina. If you’re travelling from the town of Copacabana to La Paz, try to use a direct bus.
\n\nThere have been several incidents at the Cementerio General and the Sopocachi areas of La Paz.
\n\nExpress kidnappers sometimes impersonate police officers to target foreigners. They have used fake police ID cards, uniforms and even police stations to fool victims.
\n\nThe police cannot stop or search you on the street without a written order from a state prosecutor.
\n\nBe aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts, especially after dark. If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.
\n\nThere have been rape and sexual assault incidents at clubs and hostels. Be cautious if you’re approached by strangers. Lock your room when you return to your hotel or hostel.
\n\nSee advice for women travelling abroad.
\n\nAvoid prison tours. They’re illegal and unsafe. There are no guarantees for your safety inside prisons.
\n\nPolice and immigration officials sometimes carry out ID checks. Carry copies of the photo page from your passport and the Bolivian entry stamps. Leave the original document in a safe place.
\n\nThere are illegal bars in Bolivia. If the police find you at one, you may be detained for questioning, particularly if drugs are found at the premises. Legal bars close at 3am.
\n\nBolivia is the world’s third largest producer of cocaine. There are harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession of drugs. The minimum sentence is 8 years and prison conditions are very poor. Never leave luggage unattended when departing the country and avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Under Bolivian law carrying any amount of illegal drugs or substances is considered drug trafficking.
\n\nAll passengers on departing international flights from Bolivia will have their hold and hand baggage searched by the Police Narcotics Division, and this will include a search of your person and your bags by a sniffer dog.
\n\nAyahuasca is a traditional plant used in ‘spiritual cleansing’ ceremonies by indigenous communities in Bolivia, primarily in the Amazon region, but also near La Paz. At these ceremonies people consume a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug that is a class A substance in the UK. It is not illegal to consume this brew, but its interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after consuming it. Some Ayahuasca retreats are in remote areas, making it difficult to get medical help.
\n\nBe careful travelling with cameras and binoculars in remote areas, particularly in coca-growing areas such as the Chapare and the Yungas, where people can be suspicious of anyone taking photographs.
\n\nCheck before taking photographs of local people.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal. However, same-sex relationships are frowned on by many Bolivians, more so in the Altiplano than in Santa Cruz, where attitudes tend to be more liberal.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nAdventure activities in Bolivia include mountain biking, salt flat tours and jungle expeditions. There are no official minimum standards for tour operators. Get local advice and only use reputable companies. Check your travel insurance policy covers you for the activities you’re planning.
\n\nIf you’re mountain biking on the so-called ‘Death Road’, from La Paz to Coroico through the Yungas Valley, make sure the bikes are in good condition. Check your guide is carrying safety equipment and first-aid kit.
\n\nThere are regular petrol and diesel shortages across the country with long queues forming at service stations in anticipation of deliveries. Bus services between cities may be affected due to lack of fuel and there may be less available public transport in La Paz and other major cities.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Bolivia, take these fuel shortages into account. They can make long distance travel difficult and strand those traveling by car for several days while waiting for fuel deliveries, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’ll need to have both a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car to drive in Bolivia. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nRoad travel can be dangerous due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Serious accidents can happen on the main tourist routes. Some of Bolivia’s main highways are paved but most roads are unpaved rough tracks.
\n\nDuring the rainy season (November to March) there is a risk of landslides and roads can be blocked. Check road status updates from the Bolivian road authority (in Spanish/accessible only from within Bolivia) and get local advice before you set out.
\n\nVehicles are often not well maintained. Four-wheel drive vehicles are often needed, especially during the rainy season. Broken-down vehicles with no warning lights are a frequent hazard on roads at night.
\n\nAccidents involving public transport, especially long-distance buses, are common and have affected British nationals. Bus drivers drive for longer than would be permitted under UK laws.
\n\nMany taxis and most bus companies do not meet UK standards and rarely have seatbelts.
\n\nSafety standards for bus transportation around Bolivia vary greatly between providers. Please keep safety in mind when booking your transportation. Some bus companies which cater specifically for the tourist market, although they may be more expensive, tend to have better safety standards, including seatbelts and better trained drivers. You should research the type of bus you will be taking carefully before travelling.
\n\nA State of Emergency was declared in Bolivia on 21 June to restrict protests and blockades. Protest groups often use road blockades as a form of protest, without warning. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and do not attempt to cross blockades. Blockades can disrupt public transport at very short notice. Protests or demonstrations may result in widespread road blockades, including on roads to and from airports. Check road status updates from the Bolivian road authority (in Spanish) to see which roads are blocked.
\n\nMany of Bolivia’s airports lack safety and rescue capability. Airports outside the departmental capitals are less likely to possess fire and rescue equipment.
\n\nThe boat trips on Lake Titicaca offer boats that are often very basic. The same is true of boats used for river excursions in jungle areas. Check life jackets are provided.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nForest fires are common during the dry season (May to October) and affect some parts of Southern and Eastern Bolivia. This can impact air quality in the areas most affected by the fires but also in other parts of the country, including La Paz. It is advisable to wear a face mask if the air quality is particularly bad, or to stay inside.
\n\nFloods and landslides are common, particularly in mountainous areas during the rainy season (November to March), although weather can be unpredictable throughout the year. Roads can become impassable for days at a time. Travellers may become stranded in high, remote areas. Take food, water and warm clothing with you in case of delays or bad weather.
\n\nEarthquakes.
\n\nEarthquakes can happen in Bolivia, although serious earthquakes are rare. Many buildings, particularly older buildings and those outside major cities, may not be built to withstand earthquakes.
\n\nIf you’re affected by an earthquake:
\n\nYou should familiarise yourself with general earthquake safety advice before travelling.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Bolivia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department. This includes Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare. This is due to a high level of gang-related violent crime predominantly linked to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.
\n\nIt is difficult for the British Embassy to provide in-person emergency or consular support in these areas. Local authorities may also be very limited in the help they can provide.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional Risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 118 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nPublic healthcare in Bolivia can be inconsistent in response times and quality of service throughout the country. In remote areas the provision of emergency medical assistance is limited. Consider private alternatives if they are available.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Bolivia, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bolivia, including in La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nSome medications are currently in short supply in Bolivia. If you take prescription medicine, please ensure you have enough medicine to cover your stay in Bolivia. You must bring your prescription with you.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe public healthcare system does not meet the same standards as the UK, and you may not be able to access the public health system as it is already overstretched. Bolivia is also prone to shortages in medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. There are private clinics in all main cities that work with international insurance. It is very important to have travel insurance and access to funds, as you will need to pay up front to receive treatment.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Bolivia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 118
\n\nPolice: 110
\n\nFire: 119
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Bolivia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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