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6,213 mi away
£1 BOB 9.37
Today
6:04 am
-4h from you
Travel warning
There are security risks in certain parts of the country, particularly in the Chapare region, where travel is not advised, which could also invalidate your travel insurance.
Weather & climate
Weather in Bolivia
Bolivia
18°
Overcast
Mon
3°
18°
Tue
3°
17°
Wed
5°
16°
Thu
0°
16°
Fri
1°
18°
Sat
2°
19°
Sun
5°
18°
SPF level in Bolivia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Bolivia
What British travellers need to know
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
Tips when travelling
Bolivia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert for petty crime like bag snatching in tourist areas, buses, and crowded places.
Always carry copies of your passport photo page and entry stamps, but leave the original in a safe place.
Use only official radio taxis ordered by phone and do not get into a taxi already carrying other passengers.
Be aware that thieves sometimes impersonate police officers; do not get into an unmarked police car under any circumstances.
Lock your room at hotels and hostels and be cautious if approached by strangers at clubs.
Bonus tips:
Avoid illegal bars as you may be detained for questioning if police raid them.
Legal bars close at 3am, so plan your nights out accordingly.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Bolivia
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of 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.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
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
Ambulance
160
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bolivia
Country code
+591
To call a La Paz number from the UK, you'd dial 00 591 2 [local number]
To call Bolivia from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 591 (Bolivia's country code), followed by the area code and the local number. Mobile phone numbers usually start with a '7'.
Languages in Bolivia
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
1 day ago
Government services
- The contact method for urgent consular assistance is now by phone only; the mention of WhatsApp has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
2 days ago
Travel disruption
- The interprovincial transport union strike 'announced' a strike; it is no longer 'has announced'.
- The advice for the blocked roads is now 'do not use the roads' instead of 'advise against all road travel'.
Government services
- The emergency contact number for urgent consular assistance is now +591 2-2010020 (instead of +591 7678 8849).
Warnings and insurance
3 days ago
Travel disruption
- Road travel is now advised against on specific routes between La Paz and Copacabana, Oruro, Uyuni via Oruro, and Rurrenabaque until further notice.
- Flights are confirmed to be operating normally despite the road disruptions.
Warnings and insurance
4 days ago
Travel disruption
- An indefinite transport union strike began on 6 May 2026, affecting roads to the Peruvian border and near Caranavi.
- Bus tickets sold as ‘condicionado’ mean the company does not guarantee arrival at your destination.
Safety
- Before travelling, you must now check local advice due to the new strike and potential blockades.
Warnings and insurance
20 days ago
Travel disruption
- All details about local elections on 19 April and related transport and alcohol restrictions have been removed.
Airports in Bolivia
Beaches in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions
British citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Bolivia. However, it's crucial to check the most current entry requirements with the Bolivian Embassy or Consulate before travelling, as regulations can change. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
It is not safe to drink tap water in Bolivia. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available. When ordering drinks, ask for them without ice, or ensure the ice is made from purified water. Be cautious when consuming food from street vendors to avoid potential health issues.
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you'll experience less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the Salar de Uyuni. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night and in the highlands.
Be aware of scams targeting tourists. These include fake police officers asking for documents, distraction thefts in crowded areas, and inflated prices for taxi rides or souvenirs. Use reputable taxi services, keep your belongings secure, and be wary of overly friendly strangers.
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Carry a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are available in major cities, but it's wise to have enough cash for smaller towns and rural areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blockages.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Bargaining is common in markets and with taxi drivers, but do so respectfully. Politeness and patience are appreciated.
Pack layers, as the weather can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude. Include warm clothing for the highlands, lightweight clothing for the Amazon, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. A universal adapter may also be useful.
While Bolivia is generally considered safe for tourists, petty crime can be an issue in urban areas. Be particularly vigilant in crowded tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night and take precautions against theft. Check current travel advisories from the UK government for the latest safety information.
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.