Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bolivia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bolivia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Specific Vaccine Information

Yellow Fever in Bolivia

Malaria in Bolivia

Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country with the virus. The vaccine is recommended for travel to Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz and Tarija departments. It is not recommended for regions under 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in elevation.

Travelers should practice enhanced precautions to avoid contracting the Zika virus . Local mosquitoes can spread the virus, creating more risk for travelers. The virus can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid traveling to Bolivia or take extra precautions.

To prevent mosquito bites, travelers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (preferably permethrin-treated), and stay in buildings with window screens.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.

Prevent Bug Bites in Bolivia

Food and Water Safety in Bolivia

Altitude Sickness in Bolivia

Infections To Be Aware of in Bolivia

Every time you enter or exit Bolivia, you will need to get an exit or entry stamp. You are required to have both a passport and a valid travel visa to visit Bolivia.

Bolivia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Bolivia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Bolivia and U.S. State Department

For minors traveling alone or with a parent who has Bolivian citizenship, you will need to have authorization from a non-traveling parent (or parents) to return to the United States.

Bolivia’s climate differs from region to region. The three main climates are:

• Llanos (lowlands) – These areas include Santa Cruz, Cobija, Rurrenabaque, and Trinidad. In these regions, the weather can be expected to be an average of 86 °F and very rainy. The best time to visit this area is from May to September when the temperature is cooler and less rainy.
• Altiplano (highlands) – These areas include Lake Titicaca, Oruro, La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba and Uyuni. The weather is dry and sunny in the highlands, with temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
• Yungus valley (Amazonian lowlands) – These areas include Chulumani, Sorata, and Coroico. The weather is warm and humid, but cool, refreshing breezes keep temperatures tolerable.

Travelers visiting Bolivia should take precautions to ensure their safety.

When in crowded areas, like markets and tourist sites, keep an eye on your belongings, so they don’t get stolen. It’s also important to be cautious when using public transportation, as pickpocketing and theft can occur. Avoid unlicensed taxis and use a reputable taxi service if possible.

Political demonstrations can also be dangerous, so it’s best to stay away from them.

Altitude sickness is a risk in Bolivia, especially since the country has high altitude. Before traveling, speak to your doctor about any precautions or medications you should take to prevent altitude sickness. It’s also important to be careful with food and water to avoid getting sick. Don’t drink tap water or use ice cubes, and be careful with raw fruits and vegetables.

Knowing some basic Spanish can also be helpful to communicate with locals.

Keep a low profile, dress modestly, and avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bolivia.

Sucre is a city in Bolivia known for its beautiful old buildings and interesting culture. Many tourists visit Sucre to see the old buildings and learn about the city’s history.

There are also many museums and cultural attractions to visit in Sucre that showcase Bolivia’s art and culture. Visitors can try the local food like chicha, a fermented corn drink, and salteñas, a type of baked empanada.

If you’re visiting Sucre, there are several nearby attractions to check out too, like the Tarabuco Sunday market, the dinosaur footprints at Cal Orcko, and the Maragua Crater. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or want to experience something new, Sucre is a great place to visit.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Bolivia:

• Spanish-English Dictionary – The majority of Bolivians will not know English. Having some sort of translation available will help make traveling easier.
• Layers of Clothing – Bolivia’s weather conditions vary from region to region. It is important to pack layers of clothes to prepare for any sort of conditions that you may encounter.
• Water Filtration – Safe drinking water can be hard to find in some parts of Bolivia. Having a water filter or filtration tablets can make brushing your teeth or everyday drinking easier.
• Medication – Purchasing prescription medication can be difficult in Bolivia. Make sure you bring all necessary medications with you. Altitude sickness medication is recommended for those going to the Altiplano.

The U.S. embassy in Bolivia offers various services to U.S. citizens traveling abroad.

Some of the services include help with passports and visas, emergency assistance, and support for Americans who may be detained in the country.

The U.S. embassy in Bolivia is located at:

U.S. Embassy La Paz
Avenida Arce 2780
La Paz, Bolivia
Telephone: +(591) (2) 216-8000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(591) (2) 216-8000
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 17:30 and Friday: 08:00 – 12:00 (except U.S. and local holidays)
Email: ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov

Visit the Embassy to Bolivia website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

If you have any further questions about health and safety precautions when traveling to Bolivia, schedule a visit with a Passport Health medicine clinic today by calling or book online now.