Bolivia
South America • BOL
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Bolivia is a high-altitude gem in the heart of South America, offering diverse landscapes ranging from the surreal salt flats to the lush Amazon basin. It provides an authentic, rugged travel experience defined by rich indigenous cultures, colonial history, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities, including citizens from the EU and certain others, can enter for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days, while US citizens must obtain a tourist visa either at a consulate or on arrival.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining
- Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of financial solvency
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-style photograph
Popular Attractions
Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat creates a stunning reflective mirror effect during the rainy season and offers otherworldly landscapes year-round.
Lake Titicaca: Known as the highest navigable lake in the world, it features the sacred Isla del Sol and traditional Uros floating islands.
La Paz: This dizzying city is nestled in a canyon and is best explored via the Mi Teleférico cable car system for spectacular panoramic views.
Tiwanaku: An ancient archaeological site near Lake Titicaca that offers insight into a powerful pre-Incan civilization known for its intricate stone carvings.
Madidi National Park: One of the most biodiverse protected areas on Earth, offering deep jungle treks and unique wildlife encounters in the Amazon rainforest.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greet people with a single kiss on the right cheek, which is common in social settings.
Always ask permission before taking photographs of local people, especially those in traditional indigenous attire.
Bolivians value a relaxed pace of life, so patience is expected when waiting for services or transportation.
Public displays of affection are generally discouraged as the culture remains quite conservative.
It is customary to address elders or professionals with formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora' to show respect.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides, typically around 10%.
Safety Tips
Take time to acclimate to high altitudes by resting and drinking plenty of water upon arrival to avoid altitude sickness.
Use only registered radio taxis or official ride-hailing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street, especially at night.
Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded markets or busy transit hubs to avoid pickpocketing.
Check official government travel advisories regarding political demonstrations, which can occasionally lead to road blockades.
Drink only bottled or purified water to prevent common traveler's gastrointestinal issues.
Carry a physical copy of your passport and visa, keeping your original documents in a secure hotel safe.
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
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine 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
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Zika.
Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and use insecticide-treated bed nets.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent gastrointestinal illness.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
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 or relatives or visiting smaller cities.
Risk is high through contaminated food or water.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Yellow 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
For travelers involved in outdoor activities like caving or those working with animals.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Travelers should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for those who might have sexual contact, get a tattoo, or medical procedures.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: CDC
For travelers involved in outdoor activities or who may come in contact with animals.
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