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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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.

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.

It is common in Bolivia for strikes, protests, and various other civic protests to occur. Some measures to take while traveling in Bolivia are to avoid roadblocks and to keep extra food, water, and clothing on hand in the event that a roadblock cannot be avoided.

The U.S. Embassy site provides updates on civic protests in Bolivia. Monitor the site before and during your trip.

Bolivia’s rail system is a great way to view the landscape of the varying terrain. With over 2290 miles of track spread throughout the country, visitors use this popular transportation system regularly.

The two railway systems, Ferroviaria Occidental and Ferroviaria Oriental, only have stations open from Monday through Friday.

Train tickets can are available in-person or online before your trip. To contact Bolivia’s train ticket office, refer to the following information below.

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.

If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Bolivia, there is a U.S. embassy in La Paz.

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.