Bolivia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 110 for police.
• Public ambulance services are unreliable in Bolivia.  For private ambulance services, consult the U.S. Embassy in La Paz Medical Resources List. We do not endorse or recommend any specific service.
• Dial 800-14-038 for the Bolivian Police’s domestic violence hotline.

The National Tourism Police offer free help in English to tourists:

• Dial +591-6-822-6652 for the La Paz office.
• Dial +591-4-450-3880 for the Cochabamba office.
• Dial +591-7-214-3422 for the Santa Cruz office.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

Roadblocks are a common form of protest throughout the country.  

Roadblocks cause significant disruptions to traffic, the delivery of goods and services, and could severely impact your travel plans.   

U.S. citizens living in Bolivia should ensure they have enough food, water, and fuel for several days or more.

• Avoid any areas of roadblocks and demonstrations.
• Do not cross roadblocks.
• Monitor local media and review the Bolivian Highway Administration map of current roadblocks and road closures (in Spanish, only accessible in Bolivia).

Crime

Theft

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common and can occur on buses and in bus stations.

• Never leave items unattended.
• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Carry a photocopy of your U.S. passport, never your actual passport unless necessary.
• Thieves oftentimes work together to distract and pickpocket victims.

Police imposters

Thieves sometimes pose as Bolivian police officers to rob tourists.

• Do not enter any unmarked police vehicles.
• Under Bolivian law, authorities need a warrant to search or detain you. However, Bolivian officials can ask people to show ID and proof of their legal status at any time, even if without a warrant.

Express kidnapping

Sometimes tourists are robbed and forced to take out money from ATMs. This type of crime, called “express kidnapping,” does not happen often and mostly takes place in Santa Cruz.

• If you are kidnapped, follow the kidnapper's instructions.

Crimes of opportunity

• Use only marked “radio” taxis. These have the telephone number and the name of the taxi company on the roof.
• Do not travel alone.
• Check your surroundings and always let someone know where you are, especially after dark.
• Travelers are at higher risk late at night or if under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Avoid high risk areas

Avoid Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba next to the main bus terminal due to crime.

Avoid the 16 de Julio market in El Alto due to pickpocketing.

Use caution if you plan to travel from Copacabana to La Paz by bus:

• Travel only on a direct bus.
• Travel during daytime hours.
• Buy tickets directly at the bus terminal.
• Verify the destination with the bus driver when you board.

Scams

Real estate scams are common in Bolivia.

• U.S. citizens have lost their property because of actions by lawyers, notaries, and government officials during real estate deals.
• Bolivian authorities and the judiciary system are ineffective in combatting such scams.
• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 110.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS

Prior to using GPS:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.
• Use caution in remote, mountainous, or Amazon area. Many roads are unmarked and unmapped.
• Download maps before travel to use in case of weak or no connectivity. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Mountain trekking and climbing safety

Many popular trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes are at 16,000 feet or higher.

• Trekkers and climbers should consider buying insurance. It should cover emergency services, like medical evacuations.
• Do not trek alone. Join an organized group or use a reputable firm to with an experienced guide and porter. The Bolivian Association of Mountain and Trekking Guides offers certified guides.
• No matter what your medical history or fitness level is, the high altitude may harm you.
• Exercise extreme caution when trekking or climbing in Bolivia.
• Trekkers must have enough clothing and gear. These are not always available locally.
• Trekkers should be experienced in the mountains.
• If you develop a severe headache, weakness, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest, cough, chest tightness, or unsteadiness while climbing, descend to a lower altitude right away. Also, consider seeking medical attention.
• Satellite communication and internet connectivity can be limited or non-existent. Inform family members of your plans and note that you may not be reachable for extended periods.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Identity checks

Bolivian police and immigration officers can stop people and ask to see their ID and proof that they are in the country legally.

• Carry copies of the photo page of your passport and the Bolivian entry stamp.
• Safeguard your passport in a secure location and carry it only when necessary.

Coca products

• Coca leaves and teas are legal and widely available in Bolivia.
• Importing any coca derived product into the United States is illegal, including for brewing tea or chewing.

Photography

• Ask permission before taking photos of people or animals, especially in rural areas.  Some people in Bolivia may feel uncomfortable if you take their picture.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

• Bolivian laws have severe penalties for drug offenses.
• Under Bolivian law carrying any amount of illegal drugs or substances is considered drug trafficking. 
• Never leave luggage unattended when departing the country.

Cultural and wildlife protections

It is against U.S. law to bring plants, animals, fossils, or items like antiques or old textiles into the United States if they were taken from the wild or exported from Bolivia (or any other country) without proper permission.

It is illegal to export items that the Bolivian government considers a national treasure (Patrimonio cultural, in Spanish) without formal written permission from the Ministry of Culture, including:

• Pre-Columbian artifacts
• Historical paintings
• Items of Spanish colonial architecture and history
• Native textiles

Beginning any type of excavation for fossils or archaeological purposes without prior written authorization is illegal.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Bolivian police usually must charge someone within 24 hours of arrest. If they do not bring formal charges, they generally must let the person go within 48 hours. However, investigations and court cases often take a long time, and these time limits are not always followed.
• Bolivian law allows police to question foreigners for proof of legal status in the country. This proof can be a passport, visa, or residency card. Though this is rarely enforced, anyone who cannot produce proof of legal status may be detained until legal status is confirmed.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Bolivia seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Hallucinogenic plants

• Consuming hallucinogenic plants such as ayahuasca and San Pedro can cause severe adverse effects, illness, and death and should be avoided.
• Hallucinogenic plants are often used during spiritual ceremonies in remote areas with no access to medical care.
• The consumption of hallucinogenic plants is not regulated or licensed. Its interactions with certain medications and medical conditions are unknown. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 
• Bolivian police usually must charge someone within 24 hours of arrest. If they do not bring formal charges, they generally must let the person go within 48 hours. However, investigations and court cases often take a long time, and these time limits are not always followed.

Detention conditions

Prison conditions are well below U.S. standards. 

• Severe overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food, and extremely limited medical care are common throughout Bolivian prisons.
• U.S. citizens detained in Bolivia often can't get their prescribed or over the counter medications. 
• Detainees frequently miss out on routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Bolivia. 
• Bolivia is generally tolerant of gay and lesbian travelers in urban centers such as La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Bolivia prohibits discrimination against people with mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities. The law is unevenly enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be very limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is neutral.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Bolivia has one of the highest domestic violence rates against women in South America. Sexual violence and femicide are common.

• A very high percentage of women in Bolivia have experienced intimate partner violence.
• If you are a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence in Bolivia, contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Marriage.
• Review our information  for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

The U.S. Embassy in La Paz maintains a list of doctors and hospitals.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic, nor does the embassy cover medical bills.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bolivia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Emergency medical services are provided by private ambulance services. Public ambulance services are not reliable. 
• For private ambulance services, consult the U.S. Embassy in La Paz Medical Resources List.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas. 

• Private ambulance services are available in major cities. For private ambulance services, review the La Paz Medical Resources List.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. 

• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Bolivia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Bolivian hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Altitude

• Many cities in Bolivia, such as El Alto, La Paz, Oruro, Potosi, and Uyuni are at very high altitude (10,000 – 13,000 ft).
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Seek emergency medical care if you experience severe fatigue, severe headache, shortness of breath (especially if it continues at rest), lack of coordination, or confusion.
• Drink water, avoid alcohol, limit caffeine, and reduce carbonated drinks during the first week at high altitude.
• Rest and limit activity until acclimated to the high altitude.
• Consult a doctor before traveling to high altitude if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or respiratory infections.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever

• The Bolivia government requires an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination, especially if traveling to places lower than 7,550 feet (2,300 meters) east of the Andes Mountains. This includes all of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and certain parts of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija.

Malaria

The CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Bolivia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.

Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start it multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health Bolivia
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in most major cities. The quality of medical care varies. Most medical providers speak only Spanish.

• Emergency medical care outside of large cities, in rural areas, and inside national parks is inadequate.
• In remote areas, such as the Uyuni salt flats, the closest medical care is a 3 to 4-hour drive away.
• Hospitals cannot handle serious conditions. The risk of infection is high.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

If you travel to Bolivia, bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for the duration of your trip.

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Agencia Estatal de Medicamentos y Tecnologías en Salud (Bolivian Agency for Medicine and Health Technology, in English) to ensure the medication is legal in Bolivia.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Bolivia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Bolivia with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Bolivian courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Bolivia via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety

• Diarrhea is common. Follow safe water and food practices to decrease your risk.
• Tap water is unsafe for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Use distilled or bottled water instead.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Fruits and vegetables should always be peeled, cooked, or sanitized in a bleach solution if eaten raw.
• Meats and seafood must be thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked products can carry parasites and infections.
• Eggs should be washed in warm water, refrigerated, and cooked well. Avoid raw or cracked eggs.
• Dairy from trusted sources is safe.
• Eating in vetted restaurants is usually safe, but street food carries higher risk.
• Always eat hot foods hot.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast.  It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Bolivia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Pollutants page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• Forest fires occasionally impact air quality throughout the country.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Traveling by road in Bolivia can be dangerous because of several reasons:

• Poor road conditions: Most highways do not have shoulders, fences, or barriers, and there are few lane markings. The main roads between La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz are paved, but many other roads are not.
• Rainy season: The rainy season is from November to March. During this time, many roads can become impossible to use, and some bridges may collapse. Check local news and the Bolivian Highway Administration map (in Spanish and only available in Bolivia) for road closures.
• Driving standards: Many drivers ignore traffic signs and rules. Some vehicles are not well maintained and may not have lights working at night. Broken-down or abandoned vehicles without warning lights are common. Drunk driving also happens often.

Before you drive in Bolivia:

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the United States.  You need both the IDP and your valid U.S. driver’s license to drive legally in Bolivia.
• It is a good idea to use a 4-wheel drive vehicle, especially during the rainy season.
• Be aware that poor quality gas and diesel can damage your car’s engine.
• Think about hiring an experienced driver to travel around the country. Private drivers in Bolivia are much cheaper than in the United States.

Traffic laws 

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the United States.  You need both the IDP and your valid U.S. driver’s license to drive legally in Bolivia.
• Most drivers lack formal training. Stay aware of your surroundings on the roads and use defensive driving skills.
• Drivers do not normally yield to pedestrians.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, stay at the scene until local police arrive. Leaving the scene is illegal under Bolivian law. Police decide how much each driver was at fault in an accident.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Use only marked “radio” taxis, which have the telephone number and the name of the taxi company on the roof.
• Many taxis don’t have seat belts.

Public and commercial transportation

• Most travel within cities is by minibus. These are small vans seating 10 to 15 passengers. They have different levels of safety and service.
• Bus accidents from one Bolivian city to another are common and are responsible for death and severe injuries.
• Consider using tourist bus companies. They may be more expensive as these tend to have better safety standards.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Flooding and heavy rainfall

• Bolivia experiences significant flooding from November through March.
• Lowland regions including the Amazon basin, Beni Department, and parts of Santa Cruz have the highest risk of flooding.
• Heavy rains can cause rivers to overflow. This leads to widespread flooding of communities, agricultural land, and infrastructure damage.
• Flash floods can occur in mountainous areas and urban centers like La Paz and Cochabamba.

Drought

• The Altiplano (high plateau) and parts of the eastern lowlands are vulnerable to drought conditions from May through October.
• Water scarcity affects agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water supplies.

Landslides and mudslides

• The combination of steep terrain, deforestation, and intense rainfall makes Bolivia at risk of landslides. This is most common during the rainy season from December through March.
• These events frequently affect regions in the mountains. This includes both rural communities and urban areas built on hillsides.
• Communities around La Paz and Cochabamba face significant risk.

Wildfires

• The eastern lowlands experience severe wildfires during the dry season from August through October. This is common in Santa Cruz Department and the Chiquitania region.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.