Entry Requirements and Visas
Bolivia's visa policies are relatively permissive compared to many countries. Citizens of Mercosur member states (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) can enter with just their National ID card. Citizens of Mexico, Canada, Turkey, all EU member states, Australia, Japan, Russia, and many other countries can visit without a visa or obtain one on arrival.
If you're eligible for a visa on arrival, you can obtain one at one of Bolivia's international airports for $160. However, certain nationalities—including citizens of Afghanistan, Angola, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Laos, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Timor-Leste, and Yemen—must obtain a visa in advance. Business travellers and anyone planning to stay longer than 90 days must also apply for a visa before arrival.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Internal flights are generally cheaper and easier to arrange once you've arrived in the country.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Bolivia's general safety situation requires standard travel precautions. Use common sense and remain alert, particularly in tourist-heavy areas and city centres like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Sucre. At night, use radio taxis rather than hailing cabs from the street, as fake taxis are common and robbery can occur. Female travellers should be especially cautious when travelling alone.
A particularly prevalent scam in city centres involves a friendly stranger starting a conversation, followed by an imposter "plainclothes police officer" claiming passport or drug search issues. If this occurs, do not hand over your passport or allow yourself to be taken to any location. Walk away from such situations.
Additional safety recommendations include:
- Register with your country's consulate upon arrival
- Learn at least basic Spanish for safety and communication
- Do not accept snacks or drinks from fellow passengers on long-distance buses, as drugging and robbery can occur on nighttime trips
- Be cautious of street dogs, particularly in smaller towns and villages; some can be aggressive. If confronted by a barking dog, slowly back away without letting it get behind you. If bitten, antibiotics and post-exposure rabies shots are available free at public clinics
- Avoid accepting medication from unverifiable sources
In general, travelling less touristy routes is safer, as criminals targeting tourists concentrate in high-traffic areas. Remote regions see few tourists and tend to be safer for travellers.
Health
However, the source does not provide comprehensive health guidance for travellers. You should consult your country's health authority or a travel medicine clinic before departure for vaccinations and health precautions specific to Bolivia's regions you plan to visit.
Staying Connected: SIM Cards and Internet
Bolivia's international dialing code is +591. You should contact your mobile provider before departure to understand roaming costs, or research local SIM card options upon arrival at your airport.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Even in business interactions like shopping, Bolivians may prefer not to engage with tourists. Conversations with strangers on the street are relatively uncommon, and approaching travellers unprompted is atypical; if this happens, it's wise to be suspicious of the person's motives.
Learning at least basic Spanish is recommended not only for safety but also for respectful communication with locals. The official language is Spanish, though 36 indigenous languages also have official status, with Guaraní, Aymara, and Quechua being the most widely spoken.