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6,213 mi away
£1 BOB 9.38
Today
6:47 am
-4h from you
Travel warning
There are widespread protests and roadblocks across the country, leading to fuel shortages and making travel unpredictable and potentially unsafe.
Weather & climate
Weather in Bolivia
Bolivia
19°
Clear sky
Thu
3°
19°
Fri
3°
19°
Sat
1°
19°
Sun
3°
20°
Mon
2°
21°
Tue
6°
20°
Wed
4°
19°
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:
Petty theft is common in tourist areas and on buses, so do not leave your bag unattended and use a money belt on night buses.
Use only established taxi companies ordered by phone, checking for official stickers, and do not get into a taxi already carrying other passengers.
Carry a copy of your passport photo page and entry stamps for ID checks, leaving the original in a safe place.
Ignore anyone offering help at taxi stands or bus terminals, as thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Lock your hotel or hostel room when you return, as there have been incidents of sexual assault at clubs and hostels.
Bonus tips:
Be cautious if you are approached by strangers impersonating police officers, as they may use fake IDs or uniforms to steal from you.
Check life jackets are provided on boat trips on Lake Titicaca and river excursions, as boats are often very basic.
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
12 days ago
Regional risks
- The advice against all but essential travel no longer applies to the department of La Paz, including the city of La Paz.
Safety and security
20 days ago
Political Situation
- 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'.
Travel disruption
- The specific declaration of a State of Emergency on 21 June to restrict protests and blockades is no longer mentioned.
Warnings and insurance
20 days ago
Regional risks
- 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.
Safety
- 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.
Safety and security
24 days ago
Travel disruption
- 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.
Warnings and insurance
24 days ago
Safety
- 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.
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.