Fire and rescue services
Call 119.
Medical emergencies in La Paz
Call 165 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 800 14 0081 for English-speaking tourist police.
Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Protest activity will likely increase in the lead-up to the 17 August election and in the post-election period. If no candidate secures a first round majority a second round will be held on 19 October. Political and civil tensions are ongoing, and events can be unpredictable. Large-scale political demonstrations, protests and events can occur and escalate violently with little warning. Authorities may use tear gas and force to control protests. Strikes and demonstrations may disrupt local and international travel.
Roadblocks set up by protesters are common and unpredictable. They can disrupt transport at very short notice and strand travellers. Take extra food, water, medication, warm clothing and cash with you. Don't cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended, as doing so may lead to violence.
During periods of unrest:
More information:
Theft is common:
Thieves work in teams using various forms of distraction. Remain alert to your surroundings and ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.
Criminals sometimes pose as police officers. Under Bolivian law, police need a warrant with your name on it to detain or search you. If a police officer approaches you, ask to see their warrant.
More information:
Violent crime against foreigners, including armed robbery and assault, occurs.
Violent crime can happen, including in the cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz, particularly:
Assaults and robberies are becoming more common, especially:
Use an experienced, reputable tour guide to reduce risks when hiking.
Use only well-known radio taxi companies with the phone number and name of the taxi company displayed on the vehicle's roof or applications. Registered taxis should display a sticker on the windscreen or windows. Don't hail taxis off the street. Note the taxi's registration number and phone number.
Travellers in Bolivia can also be victims of food and drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault. Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim
To protect yourself from violent crime:
More information:
Anti-narcotics activities can lead to conflict between authorities and their targets. Bystanders and tourists can be affected. Violent crime and civil unrest mainly associated with drug trafficking is a risk in:
Chapare region is in Cochabamba department. Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region. Local authorities have used force in past confrontations over coca eradication. Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide help in this area.
Ayahuasca ceremonies involve shamans guiding visitors through psychedelic rituals, often referred to as 'spiritual cleansing'. Ayahuasca is not illegal, but some participants have been assaulted, including sexual assault, and robbed. Several tourists have become seriously ill or have died after consuming the hallucinogenic substances in these rituals.
They often take place in remote areas with no access to medical facilities and restricted access to local authorities.
If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Express kidnappings are a high risk. Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs to secure their release. If threatened, do not resist.
You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping.
The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
Bolivia experiences severe weather, including landslides, flooding and bushfires.
The rainy season is from November to March. Landslides and flooding are common. Severe flooding and landslides can:
If you plan to travel in the rainy season, confirm arrangements before you leave and check local weather reports.
Bushfires are common during the dry season, from July to October. Heavy smoke may degrade air quality, including in La Paz. It is advisable to wear a face mask or to stay inside if the air quality is poor.
In case of a natural disaster:
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow recommended safety precautions or maintenance standards. They may not provide safety equipment, such as life jackets and seat belts.
This includes adventure activities, such as "Death Road" mountain biking tours, tours to the Uyuni salt plains, jungle expeditions and mine tours in Potosi.
If you plan to take part in a tour, or adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bolivia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if you're healthy. You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel to high altitudes.
You're more at risk if you:
Many areas of Bolivia are at high altitudes, including:
See your doctor for specific advice to minimise the risk of altitude sickness.
Check if your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.
More information:
Yellow fever is a risk in Bolivia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. You may be asked to show proof of your vaccination at some ports of entry in Bolivia or to enter some countries after visiting Bolivia. Check their entry requirements before travelling.
Zika virus is widespread in Bolivia. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:
Travellers are at risk from:
To protect yourself from illness:
Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Private hospital facilities in Bolivia's major cities are reasonable. Outside of major cities, facilities are limited.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive.
Hospitals often need payment or proof of medical insurance before they will treat you, even in an emergency.
You could need treatment at a more suitable place if you become seriously ill or injured.
Medical evacuation from Bolivia can be difficult and very expensive. Many air ambulance services can't fly into La Paz due to the high altitude.
More information:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences in local jails. Prison conditions are poor.
More information:
You must always carry photo identification in Bolivia. This should be a photocopy of your passport bio page and the Bolivian entry stamp pages.
It's illegal to remove national treasures, including:
It's illegal to excavate or collect fossils without written approval.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Bolivia has compulsory military service. Dual national males older than 18 must complete military service upon arrival in Bolivia.
Children who are dual citizens travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must follow strict entry and exit rules (see Travel).
More information:
Ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly children and in remote areas.
Same-sex relationships are legal, but they aren't widely accepted.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You don’t need a visa to visit Bolivia for tourism. The length of stay permitted upon entry is 30 days. You can request an extension of your stay at an immigration office in Bolivia. The maximum visa-free stay length is 90 days during one calendar year.
Ensure you get an entry stamp when you arrive in Bolivia. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a fine when you leave. You should also make sure to get an exit stamp, especially when you are crossing a land border.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.
If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel.
More information:
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
Visitors may be asked to show proof of onward travel on entry to Bolivia (a plane or bus ticket).
You may be asked to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination at some ports of entry in Bolivia, and to enter some countries after visiting Bolivia.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Unless travelling with both parents, dual nationals under the age of 18 years must comply with strict local entry and exit requirements:. Contact the nearest Bolivian Embassy for updated information before departure.
You need to have at least 6 months validity remaining in your passport to enter Bolivia.
Emergency travel documents can be used to enter, transit, or depart Bolivia as long as they have at least 6 months of validity from the moment of entry in Bolivia.
The currency is the Boliviano (BOB).
Declare all amounts more than $US10,000 on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
US dollars are the most easily exchangeable foreign currency.
ATMs are available in cities throughout Bolivia.
Many businesses accept international credit cards.
Choose a tour operator that has a CB radio and/or satellite phone. Mobile phone coverage is limited.
Be prepared for delays from melting snow and snowfalls.
To drive in Bolivia, you need both:
Get your IDP before you leave.
Driving in rural areas is dangerous. Hazards include:
During the wet season, November to March, roads may experience flooding and landslides.
It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol reading above 0%.
If driving:
Petrol and diesel shortages across the country leading to very long queues are common.
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
More information:
Public transport can be unsafe due to poor roads, driving and vehicle maintenance standards.
During protests there may be no public transport available in La Paz.
More information:
Tourist boats used on Lake Titicaca and for river excursions in jungle areas are often basic.
Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Bolivia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 119.
Call 165 or go to the hospital.
Call 800-14-0081 for English-speaking tourist police.
Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in La Paz. It provides limited consular assistance and can't issue Australian passports.
Centro Empresarial del Sur
Av Arequipa No 8221
2nd floor, office 16
Phone/Whatsapp: (+591) 706 10626
Email: consul@australiabolivia.com
Consulate opening hours: 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday
You can contact the Honorary Consul via email, phone or WhatsApp to discuss your needs.
The Australian Embassy in Peru can offer remote consular assistance.
Avenida La Paz 1049,
10th Floor
Miraflores, Lima, 18
Peru
Phone: +51 1 630 0500
Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au
Website: peru.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia en Perú y Bolivia
Instagram: @embauslima
X: @embauslima
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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