Bolivia
South America • BOL
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Bolivia is a landlocked South American nation renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ranging from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin. It offers a rich tapestry of indigenous culture, colonial history, and unique geographical wonders that attract adventurous travelers.
Visa Requirements
Bolivia has a tiered visa system where many travelers from Group 1 countries receive visa-free entry, while others, such as US citizens, must obtain a visa upon arrival or in advance.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
- Return or onward travel ticket
Popular Attractions
Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat provides breathtaking, mirror-like reflections during the rainy season and surreal landscapes year-round.
Lake Titicaca: Recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world, it is the birthplace of Inca mythology and home to the famous Uros floating reed islands.
La Paz: As the administrative capital, this high-altitude city features a spectacular cable car network and vibrant markets filled with local crafts.
Tiwanaku: These significant pre-Columbian archaeological ruins offer deep insights into one of the most important civilizations in the Andes.
Madidi National Park: Located in the Amazon basin, this biodiversity hotspot is perfect for jungle treks and spotting unique wildlife.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greet locals with a polite 'buenos dias' or 'buenas tardes' before starting a conversation.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of indigenous people, as it is considered respectful to obtain consent first.
Be aware that bargaining in markets is common, but should be done in a friendly and respectful manner.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities to show respect for local cultural norms.
Chewing coca leaves is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Bolivia, used to combat altitude sickness and in ceremonial offerings.
Avoid public displays of affection as they are generally frowned upon in more conservative regions.
Safety Tips
Prioritize acclimating to the high altitude in cities like La Paz before engaging in strenuous physical activities.
Use only radio-dispatched taxis or trusted rideshare apps to avoid the risks associated with hailing cabs on the street.
Keep a close watch on personal belongings in crowded markets or busy transit hubs to deter pickpockets.
Stay informed about local protests or road blockades, as these can suddenly disrupt travel plans across the country.
Drink only bottled or treated water to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses while traveling.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation from remote areas.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow 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 sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
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 sourceMMR
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all children and adults.
Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date.
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 sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against measles outbreaks.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Boosters are required every 10 years; recommended before travel.
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 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 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 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 sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.
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 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 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 sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
For travelers visiting areas with malaria risk.
Consult with a healthcare provider for specific medications.
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: Rural areas in departments of Beni, Pando, and 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: 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