Bolivia
South America • BOL
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Bolivia is a landlocked South American nation known for its dramatic and diverse terrain, ranging from the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin. It offers travelers a unique blend of indigenous culture, colonial history, and breathtaking natural wonders like the world's largest salt flats.
Visa Requirements
Bolivia enforces a tiered visa system based on nationality; while many Western nationals require a visa, many can obtain it on arrival or via a consulate.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
- Bank statement or proof of financial solvency
- Return flight ticket or itinerary
- Visa fee payment
Popular Attractions
Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat creates a stunning mirror effect during the rainy season and offers otherworldly landscapes year-round.
Lake Titicaca: Recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world, it features the historic Isla del Sol and traditional Uros floating islands.
La Paz: As the world's highest capital city, it is famous for its colorful teleférico system and bustling markets like the Witches' Market.
Tiwanaku: These ancient ruins near Lake Titicaca are the remains of a significant pre-Incan civilization that once dominated the region.
Madidi National Park: This massive protected area in the Amazon basin offers incredible biodiversity and opportunities for eco-tourism and jungle trekking.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greetings: A polite handshake is standard, but close friends often greet with a single kiss on the right cheek.
Respect for elders: It is customary to show deference to older individuals, as they are held in high regard within Bolivian society.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in upscale restaurants; rounding up the bill is a common practice.
Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially indigenous women in traditional dress, as some find it intrusive.
Punctuality: Social gatherings often operate on 'Bolivian time,' where being 15 to 30 minutes late is generally considered acceptable.
Dress code: Dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural indigenous communities, is highly encouraged.
Safety Tips
Altitude awareness: Spend a few days acclimating in lower altitudes or take prescribed medicine to avoid severe altitude sickness in cities like La Paz.
Official transport: Only use radio-dispatched taxis or registered transport apps rather than hailing cabs from the street to ensure personal security.
Avoid demonstrations: Protests and road blocks are common in Bolivia; stay informed about local news and avoid areas where large gatherings occur.
Water safety: Do not drink tap water anywhere in the country; always opt for bottled or properly treated water to avoid illness.
Valuables: Keep your passport and expensive electronics secure in a hotel safe, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry in crowded public spaces.
Night travel: Avoid traveling on rural roads at night, as bus accidents are more frequent due to poor lighting and winding terrain.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip.
Includes MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza, Polio)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common vaccine-preventable diseases.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection while traveling.
Ensure vaccination is completed before travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population.
View sourceCOVID-19
Source: CDC
Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce risk of severe disease.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended because travelers can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bolivia.
View sourceTdap
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults and children who have not received Tdap as a booster.
Consider getting vaccinated if not previously vaccinated.
View sourceMMR
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all children and adults.
Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Boosters are required every 10 years; recommended before travel.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against measles outbreaks.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Prevent diseases spread by insects (e.g., malaria, dengue, yellow fever).
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Eat and drink only safe food and drinks. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, as you can get hepatitis A through food or water in Bolivia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Boosters are recommended every 10 years.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
To avoid foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Recommended in areas where malaria transmission occurs.
Take precautions against mosquito bites and consider medication.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Essential to prevent diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and Zika virus.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Preventive measures to reduce risk of foodborne and waterborne illnesses (e.g., travelers' diarrhea).
Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water and avoid undercooked food.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.
Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities/rural areas.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Yellow Fever (General)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers aged 9 months or older traveling to areas with risk of yellow fever transmission in Bolivia.
Consult a healthcare provider to determine if your specific itinerary warrants this vaccination.
View sourceYellow Fever (vaccination)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers going to areas with risk of transmission.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Especially for those traveling to areas with food and water safety concerns.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites.
Also for people working with or around animals, or people taking part in activities that might bring them into close contact with bats.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.
Use repellents and wear protective clothing.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
For travelers visiting areas with malaria risk.
Consult with a healthcare provider for specific medications.
View sourceYellow Fever vaccine
Source: CDC
Necessary if traveling in endemic areas of yellow fever.
Vaccination is generally recommended even if not required for some areas.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities like caving or those who may come into contact with animals.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Travelers should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers who may have sexual contact with new partners, get a tattoo, or have medical procedures.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: CDC
For travelers involved in outdoor activities or who may come in contact with animals.
View sourceRisk Area: High-altitude areas (e.g., La Paz, Oruro, Potosi)
Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas in departments of Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Tarija (high altitude regions)
Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2500m in certain departments including Pando, Beni, and parts of Santa Cruz
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: High altitude areas (e.g., La Paz, Oruro, Potosi)
Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas in departments of Pando, Beni, and parts of Santa Cruz
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Major cities (e.g., La Paz, Sucre, Potosí) and high-altitude areas above 2500m
Chemoprophylaxis: None
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2500m in certain departments (e.g., Pando, Beni, Santa Cruz)
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source