Living in Bolivia
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Bolivia, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Bolivia. Read about how our British Embassy La Paz can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Bolivian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British nationals abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the the British Embassy La Paz on twitter and facebook.
Before you go
See the Bolivia travel advice for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Bolivia.
See how to apply for a visa or residency on the Bolivian Immigration website.
British Nationals are allowed to visit Bolivia without a visa for up to 90 days per calendar year. If you are planning on staying for more than 90 days you must apply for a visa from a Bolivian Consulate before your arrival in the country.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Bolivia.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Bolivia.
Check the Bolivia travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Bolivia
There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Bolivia.
You must register for healthcare as a resident in Bolivia. The universal health insurance in Bolivia is only for residents, and many treatments and medicines are not covered by the insurance. Your employer is obliged to register you for healthcare if you are employed by a Bolivian company. For more information see Seguros de Salud del Gobierno Boliviano.
If you cannot register for healthcare, you must ensure you have private healthcare cover for Bolivia. See our list of medical facilities and practitioners in Bolivia for more information.
UK travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are taking any prescription medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Bolivia. Certain medicines may not be available in Bolivia (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Bolivia to find out about any alternative medication you may need.
Read the NHS guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
Working in Bolivia
If you are planning to move to Bolivia and work, you may need a visa. Read the Bolivian government’s guidance on obtaining visas on the Bolivian immigration website.
Be prepared to submit several copies of a legalised birth certificate for work, education and other purposes in Bolivia. These should be obtained via the General Register Office. You can request legalised copies which will be sent to you by post. We highly recommend bringing several legalised copies of all certificates to Bolivia as local authorities commonly request them, and may not return them after processing the service you require. Check which documents need to be translated into Spanish and whether they will accept a translation produced in the UK.
To work in Bolivia you need the Bolivian Foreigner Identity card (Carnet de Extranjero).
You can find up to date information through the Servicio General de Identificacion Personal (SEGIP).
You must apply for your foreigner ID card within 25 working days after receiving your residence administrative resolution.
Your foreigner ID card will display personal information such as marital status, occupation and address.
You will need to submit the following:
- photocopy of valid passport
- photocopy of passport page with the residence permit sticker
- photocopy of residence administrative resolution
- legalised photocopy of marriage certificate if applicable
- legalised photocopy of academic degree if applicable
- deposit slip from Banco Union for the related fee
- SEGIP pre-register form (available on their website)
Studying in Bolivia
If you plan to study in Bolivia, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. For up to date information check the Bolivian immigration website.
There are both state and private universities in Bolivia.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Bolivia. Find an English speaking lawyer in Bolivia using the following link lawyers in bolivia.
Read guidance on:
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance contributions while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read state pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Bolivia, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
Banks will generally only allow residents to open bank accounts, as one of the requirements to open an account is to have a foreigner ID card issued by the Bolivian authorities. You can visit the website of Finance System Supervising Authority (ASFI) website for a list of regulated banks and financial institutions.
Accommodation and buying property
You are advised to hire a lawyer to help you with the paperwork when buying property in Bolivia.
Driving in Bolivia
Read the guidance on what actions you must take to drive legally in Bolivia.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (for example, the DVLA).
See the guidance for travelling by road in Bolivia.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see the guidance on taking vehicles out of the UK.
Foreign driving licences are valid for up to 180 days from the entry date to Bolivia. If you are driving with a British driving licence in Bolivia , you must also carry your British passport with you.
If you have an International Driving Licence issued in the UK, it would also be valid in Bolivia from the entry date to the country, as long as the international driving licence is also valid for the same period or longer as your intended period of stay.
You must be a resident in Bolivia to apply for a Bolivian driving licence, and a driving licence will be issued according to the type of visa you hold. The driving licence will be valid for the same period as your Foreigner ID card.
Requirements:
- foreigner ID card
- certification from a recognised driving school
- medical certificate issued by an approved medical centre
- criminal record certificate issued by the Bolivian Police
- bank deposit slip from Banco Union for the relevant fee
- evidence of minimum age requirement
- applicants for Categories B or C licences must also submit a psychological evaluation certificate
Refer to the website of the Bolivian General Service of Personal Identification (SEGIP) for more information.
Disabled drivers
If you have UK Blue Badge and live in Bolivia, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
If you have a foreigner ID card you can vote in municipal elections where you live. Follow this link for information on how to register Servicio de Registro Civico.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. Check if you are able to vote and register as an overseas voter.
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Bolivia you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register the birth with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality you can apply online for citizenship. You do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport for your child.
Deaths
If someone dies in Bolivia read our guidance on:
- what to do if someone dies abroad
- Bolivia bereavement information
- Bolivia Funeral Directors who speak English
Most funerals take place within 24 hours of the death. Bodies are normally only embalmed if the body is to be repatriated.
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out about marriage and civil partnerships abroad.
If you are going to get married in Bolivia you will need to book an appointment for a Notice of Marriage and Certificate of No Impediment at the British Embassy. The Bolivian Registrar will also need a legalised copy of your birth certificate. You can have a civil marriage between two members of the opposite sex in Bolivia, but a civil partnership would have to take place at the British Consulate.
Pets
- all pets must have proof of the rabies vaccination administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country
- other vaccinations for dogs are distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus
- for cats vaccinations include feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia
- an import permit is not mandatory for entering Bolivia
- a licensed veterinarian must complete a health certificate for Bolivia prior to travel, and this health certificate must be endorsed by the Bolivian Consulate
- the health certificate must also be translated into Spanish
- a treatment for ticks and tapeworm is required prior to entering Bolivia
- Bolivia does not publish a list of banned breeds
Emergencies
Dial 110 for the police, ambulance and dial 119 for the fire brigade.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Bolivia, read Bolivia information for victims of rape and sexual assault.
See also guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy in La Paz.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 17 October 2023 + show all updates
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This guidance has been completely reviewed and updated. October 2023
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines
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First published.