Bolivia Holidays
Salt flats, Lake Titicaca's island shores, and high-altitude adventure in the Andes. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Bolivia.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Bolivia
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Bolivia
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Bolivia
You can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least two blank pages.
You may need to show proof of your accommodation, such as a hotel booking, for at least your first night.
Make sure you get an entry stamp when you arrive, otherwise you will have to pay a fine when you leave.
If you enter overland, get your passport stamped on both sides of the border with an exit stamp from the country you are leaving and an entry stamp from Bolivia.
Good to know:
If only one parent is travelling with a child, you cannot visit for longer than 90 days.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty using Bolivia's 250 declaration form.
Safety in Bolivia
Bolivia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep bags and valuables with you, especially in crowded tourist areas and on buses.
Use an established radio taxi booked by phone; never share a taxi with other passengers.
Do not enter an unmarked police car or hand over belongings to someone claiming to be police.
Carry passport copies and Bolivian entry stamps; keep the originals secure.
Never carry or handle illegal drugs, as any amount can lead to at least eight years in prison.
Bonus tips:
Avoid illegal bars, where police may detain you, especially if drugs are found.
Use reputable tour operators and check your insurance covers planned adventure activities.
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Driving in Bolivia
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Bolivia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Bolivia
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in Bolivia.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious about food hygiene. Altitude sickness is a concern in higher altitude cities such as La Paz; acclimatise gradually. Insect repellent is essential to prevent mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is limited, especially outside of major cities. Cash is preferred for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Bolivia
Tipping is not automatically included in bills in Bolivia, and while not compulsory, it is generally appreciated for good service. Locals may not always tip, but tourists are often expected to do so.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not mandatory
Hotel Porter
5-10 BOB per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 BOB per night
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Bolivia. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
5 GB for 350 BOB (~£40)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Bolivia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but can be unreliable. Rural areas may have limited or no internet access.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Internet access is generally available in cities, though the speed and reliability may vary. Consider a local SIM for more consistent access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Police
110
Ambulance
160
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bolivia
Country code
591
To call Bolivia from abroad, dial 591 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Avenida Arce 2732, La Paz, Bolivia
Phone
+591 2 2433424
Website
Viru Viru International Airport
El Alto International Airport
Jorge Wilstermann International Airport
Teniente Jorge Henrich Arauz Airport
Alcantari International Airport
Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The advice against all but essential travel no longer applies to the department of La Paz, including the city of La Paz.
The note that pedestrians are not usually prevented from crossing blockades but should exercise caution has been removed.
Advice to 'take the advice of local authorities or tour operators' now says only 'take the advice of local authorities'.
The specific declaration of a State of Emergency on 21 June to restrict protests and blockades is no longer mentioned.
The specific list of unsafe road routes between La Paz and other cities has been removed.
Detailed advice on staying at safe accommodation along those routes if already there is no longer included.
The mention of risks to pedestrians due to violence and altitude on blocked roads has been removed.
The explicit prohibition of drinking alcohol or joining large gatherings in red zones under the State of Emergency is no longer stated.
The warning that routes to El Alto Airport often close and the advice to check with taxi companies before leaving is no longer included.
The advice for British nationals in La Paz to consider departing now if their presence is non-essential has been removed.
A State of Emergency was declared on 21 June to restrict protests and blockades.
This is now in effect alongside the existing advice to avoid blockades and protests.
The emergency declaration aims to reduce disruptions but risks remain.
A State of Emergency has been declared in Bolivia to restrict roadblocks and protests.
Police or military may be used to remove blockades, which could lead to violence.
Police and military can now detain people not complying with new measures for up to 8 hours without charge. Drinking alcohol or joining large gatherings in 'red zones' is prohibited.
An increase in taxi-related robberies now includes Rurrenabaque as a specific location alongside Santa Cruz and La Paz.
The specific warning about attacks on lone travellers using motorbike taxis in Rurrenabaque has been removed.
Protests and blockades now affect La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro, Potosí and Chuquisaca, a wider area than before.
The warning about serious violence near Plaza Murillo in central La Paz has been removed.
Routes to El Alto Airport often close at short notice due to protests.
Specific advice to stay inside, away from windows, and avoid night travel near central La Paz is no longer listed.
A new safety tip has been added: be wary of unverified, unofficial information.
A new road status resource is listed: check road authority updates inside Bolivia for blockages.
The list of roads to avoid has expanded to now include routes between La Paz and Desaguadero, Cochabamba, and Potosi.
When leaving for the airport, travellers should now also check with taxi companies and accommodation before departure.
Natural Disasters
Weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, and snowfall can affect travel in Bolivia.
Travellers may become stranded in high, remote areas when roads are blocked or bad weather causes delays.
Carry food, water and warm clothing in case of delays or bad weather.
Beaches in Bolivia
No beaches listed for Bolivia yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.