Bolivia
Country Specific Information
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November 30, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Bolivia is a constitutional democracy and one of the least developed countries in South America. Tourist facilities are generally adequate, but vary greatly in quality. La Pazis the administrative capital of Bolivia, while Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the Supreme Court. La Paz is accessible by the international airport in El Alto. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Bolivia for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to move to or visit Bolivia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

United States Embassy, La Paz, Bolivia
Avenida Arce 2780, La Paz, Bolivia
Telephone: 591-2-216-8246
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713
Facsimile: 591-2-216-8808

There are two consular agencies in Bolivia that provide limited services to U.S. citizens. You can apply for a passport at a consular agency and the application will be sent to La Paz for processing. To request service at one of our consular agencies, please schedule an appointment through the Embassy's web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.

United States Consular Agency, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Avenida Roque Aguilera #146 (3er Anillo), Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Telephone: 591-3-351-3477 / 351-3479
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713
Facsimile: 591-3-351-3478

United States Consular Agency, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Edificio "SAAL" , Avenida Pando No. 1122, Piso 1, Suites B and C, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Telephone: 591-4-411-6313
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713
Facsimile: 591-4- 448-9119

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To enter and depart Bolivia, you are required to have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your proposed entry into Bolivia.

If you are a U.S. citizen seeking to enter Bolivia as a tourist, you must have an entry visa. You can apply for a Bolivian tourist visa by mail or in person at a Bolivian consulate in the United States. You can also apply at any Bolivian port of entry, such as Bolivia’s international airports and land border crossings. Bolivian tourist visas are valid for five years from the date of issuance and allow the bearer to enter the country three times in a year for a cumulative stay of not more than 90 days. The tourist visa costs $135.00. You can pay the $135.00 fee in cash, by deposit to the Bolivian consulate’s bank account, or by money order. If you choose to apply for your visa upon your arrival to Bolivia, you must pay this fee in cash to immigration authorities. In addition to the $135.00 visa fee, you must present a visa application form with a 4cm x 4cm color photograph, a passport with a validity of not less than six months beyond the date of your proposed entry, evidence of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation in Spanish, proof of economic solvency (credit card, cash, or a current bank statement), and an International Vaccination Certificate for yellow fever.

Please visit the Embassy of Bolivia web site for the most current visa information. Bolivian consulates in the United States are located in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, New York, and Washington, DC.

If you lose your passport or it is stolen while you are in Bolivia, you must obtain a replacement passport and present it, together with reports of the loss or theft from the Tourist Police and/or Interpol, to a Bolivian government immigration office in order to obtain a replacement visa at a cost of $80.00. For more information on replacement passport procedures, please consult the U.S. Embassy’s web site.

The Bolivian government charges an exit tax for air departures from the country. If you have Bolivian citizenship or residency, the Bolivian government requires an additional fee upon departure. Some tourists arriving by land report that immigration officials did not place entry stamps in their passports, causing problems at checkpoints and upon departure. Make sure that you receive entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time you enter or leave Bolivia.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bolivia.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.


Additional requirements for minors:

  • Entry Requirements: Minors travelling unaccompanied to Bolivia must present an official Parental Authorization and Consent Certificate provided by the appropriate authorities in order to obtain a visa. Until the Bolivian government provides further specifics on this document, the Embassy recommends that all unaccompanied minors to Bolivia carry a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardians authorizing travel.
  • Exit Requirements: In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Bolivian government imposes an additional exit requirement on minors (under 18) who are dual U.S./Bolivian citizens or who have been in Bolivia for at least 90 consecutive days, and who are travelling alone, with one parent, or with a third party. Upon departure, these minors will be required to show immigration authorities a copy of their birth certificate, a copy of their parents’ identification, and a travel permit issued by the Juzgado del Menor (Court of Children’s Issues). To obtain this travel permit, the minor’s parent or guardian must present to the Juzgado del Menor a copy of the minor's birth certificate, parents' identification, and written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian specifically granting permission for the minor to travel alone, with one parent, or with a third party. You must present a notarized copy of a death certificate in lieu of the written authorization in the case of a parent who is deceased. If documents are prepared in the United States, you must have the documents translated into Spanish, notarized, and authenticated by the Bolivian Embassy or a Bolivian consulate in the United States. If documents are prepared in Bolivia, only notarization by a Bolivian notary is required.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Protests, strikes, and civil unrest are common even in otherwise peaceful times and often disrupt transportation on a local and national level. While protests generally begin peacefully, they have the potential to become violent. The police have used tear gas to break up protests. In addition to rallies and street demonstrations, protesters sometimes block roads and have reacted with force when travelers attempt to pass through or go around roadblocks. You should avoid roadblocks and areas where demonstrations are occurring or planned. You should also avoid political rallies in light of press reports of violence at some rallies in various parts of Bolivia. If you plan to travel to or from Bolivia, you should take into consideration the possibility of disruptions to air service in and out of La Paz and other airports due to protests. You should monitor Bolivian media reports and the U.S. Embassy website for updates.

If you find yourself in a roadblock, you should not attempt torun through it, as this may aggravate the situation and lead to physical harm. Instead, you should consider taking alternative routes or turning around to return to where you started. If you plan to embark on a road trip, you should monitor news reports and contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz at (591-2) 216-8246 or the U.S. Consular Agencies in Cochabamba at (591- 4) 411-6313 and/or Santa Cruz at (591-3) 351-3477 for updates. Given that roadblocks may occur without warning and have stranded travelers for several days, you should take extra food, water, and warm clothing. The U.S. Embassy also advises American citizens to maintain at least two weeks’ supply of drinking water and canned food in case roadblocks affect the availability of supplies. For more information on emergency preparedness, please consult the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) web site. That website includes a Spanish language version.

In the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba and in the Yungas region northeast of La Paz, violence and civil unrest, primarily associated with anti-narcotics activities, periodically create a risk for travelers. Confrontations between area residents and government authorities over coca eradication have resulted in the use of tear gas and stronger force by government authorities to quell disturbances. Pro-coca groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government or private interests. In addition, these regions experience dangerous flooding due to heavy rains between December and February. Before travelling to this area, please check the U.S. Embassy website or contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or one of the U.S. Consular Agencies.

The countrywide emergency number for the police, including highway patrol, is 110. The corresponding number for the fire department is 119. The National Tourism Police has offices in La Paz and Cochabamba which provide free assistance to tourists including providing English-speaking officials who may assist tourists in filing police reports of lost/stolen documents or other valuables. In Santa Cruz, Interpol provides these same services. The La Paz office is open 24 hours a day and is located at Plaza del Stadium, Edificio Olympia, Planta Baja, Miraflores; the telephone number is 222-5016. The Cochabamba office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week and is located at Plaza 14 de Septiembre, Edificio Prefectura; the telephone number is (4) 451-0023.

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CRIME: The U.S. Department of State currently classifies Bolivia as a medium to high crime threat country. Street crime, such as pick pocketing, assaults following ATM withdrawals, and theft from parked vehicles, occurs with some frequency in Bolivia. You should secure your belongings in a hotel safe and refrain from wearing expensive jewelry. Criminals are opportunists and prey on unwary people, particularly those carrying cameras, pocketbooks, laptops, or backpacks. When in public, particularly at Internet cafes and when traveling on buses, do not leave your pocketbooks or bags unattended or place them on the ground. To steal wallets and bags, a thief will spray water on the victim’s neck or place a disagreeable substance on the clothes or backpack of the intended victim and then offer to assist the victim with the removal of the substance. While the person is distracted, the thief or an accomplice grabs the bag or backpack and flees. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should decline assistance, secure the bag/backpack, and walk briskly from the area. Theft of cars and car parts, especially late-model four-wheel-drive vehicles, is also common. Hijacking of vehicles has occurred, and you should take appropriate precautions to avoid being victimized.

While most thefts do not involve violence, in some instances the victim has been physically harmed and forcibly searched for hidden valuables. This is particularly true in “choke and rob” assaults where the victims reported being choked from behind until they lost consciousness and later awoke to find all of their possessions gone. These assaults have happened during both day and night. You should avoid being alone on the streets, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Express kidnappings are common in La Paz. The areas where these crimes occur most frequently include Plaza Humbolt (Zona Sur), Plaza Abaroa, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza San Francisco, and other places in the downtown section of the city. The incidents occur when the victim is followed into a taxi by one or more kidnappers. The victim is then robbed and the driver, who is often an accomplice, will drive to an ATM where the victim is forced to withdraw money. Express kidnappings have been occurring with increasing frequency in connection with evening bus trips between Copacabana and La Paz. The bus stops short of the La Paz bus terminal and passengers have little option but to board waiting taxis where they are robbed. U.S. citizen victims have reported that after they are robbed of their belongings and made to withdraw money from an ATM they are released without further harm. To avoid this situation only use radio taxis that you have called in advance, and do not travel alone. If you plan to travel from Copacabana, try to arrive during daylight hours, verify the final destination, and buy tickets directly at the Copacabana bus terminal rather than from third parties.

The U.S. Embassy in La Paz recommends that you avoid the Coronilla Hill, a Cochabamba landmark adjacent to the main bus terminal and near several markets, hostels, and restaurants. The area is a dangerous place for tourists and local citizens alike, with an increasing incidence of violent crime. Local police and tourist authorities have declared the area off limits and caution people to enter the area at their own peril.

There have been reports of “false police”-- persons using police uniforms, identification, and even buildings modified to resemble police stations -- intercepting and robbing foreign tourists. According to press reports, criminals using the “false police”method focus on areas frequented by tourists, including bus terminals and tourist markets such as Sagarnaga Street in La Paz. They have an accomplice, typically driving a white taxi, offer taxi services to the victim. A few blocks away, another accomplice, pretending to be a tourist, will board the taxi. The false police will then stop the taxi, search the passengers, and rob the victim. In a variation on this scam, a “tourist” will befriend the victim on a bus, taxi, train, or just walking down the street, and may ask for assistance in some manner. The false police will then intercept the victim and “tourist” and will discover some sort of contraband on the “tourist.” The entire group is then taken to a false police station where the victim is robbed. In most instances, the victims are released, but violence is always a possibility. The techniques and the perpetrators are convincing, and authentic uniforms, badges, and props help persuade the victims that the situation is real. Under Bolivian law, however, police need a warrant from the “fiscal”(prosecutor) to detain a suspect. Any searches or seizures must occur at a police station in the presence of the prosecutor, except for suspected drug trafficking cases. If detained, you should request to see the warrant and demand immediate contact with the nearest U.S. consular office (in La Paz, Cochabamba or Santa Cruz).

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States,you may be breaking local law, too.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates ). We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport;
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of a violent crime such as assault or rape;
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and contact family members or friends;
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Bolivia is 110, but you are unlikely to find an English speaker answering your call.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Bolivia, you are subject to its laws even though you are a U.S. citizen. If you break the law in Bolivia, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what activities are legal and what activities are illegal wherever you go. If you violate Bolivian laws, even unknowingly, Bolivian authorities may expel, arrest, or imprison you. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bolivia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. The Bolivian criminal justice system is overburdened and has large backlogs. As a result, defendants can spend a long time in pretrial detention, cases take a long time to process and rulings are difficult to appeal. The judiciary is weakened by vacancies at its highest levels and beset by a pervasive culture of impunity and the widespread lack of trust in the justice system. Criminal penalties can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. There are also some activities that might be legal in Bolivia, but still illegal in the United States. Engaging in sexual conduct with children and possessing or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country remains illegal in the United States and may subject you to prosecution in the United States.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that may not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In the run-up to the July 2006 Constituent Assembly elections, President Morales accused the U.S. military of infiltrating Bolivia with operatives disguised as students and tourists. As an apparent result of these comments, some U.S. citizens have reported harassment by Bolivian officials and been subjected to unwanted media attention. If you plan to travel to Bolivia, be aware of the political atmosphere and the possibility of unwanted attention from pro-governmental groups and Bolivian officials.

Marriage:
Please see our information on marriage in Bolivia, available on the Embassy’s web site.

Mountain Trekking and Climbing Safety:
The Embassy urges you to exercise extreme care when trekking or climbing in Bolivia. Since June 2002, four U.S. citizens have died in falls while mountain climbing in Bolivia. Three of the deaths occurred on Illimani, a 21,033-foot peak located southeast of La Paz. Many popular trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes cross passes as high as 16,000 feet. Trekkers must have adequate clothing and equipment, not always available locally, and should be experienced mountain travelers. Do not trek alone. Solo trekking is the most significant factor contributing to injuries and robberies. The safest option is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm to provide an experienced guide and porter who can communicate in both Spanish and English. If you develop a severe headache, weakness, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest, cough, chest tightness, or unsteadiness while climbing at altitude descend to a lower altitude immediately. The Embassy strongly encourages trekkers and climbers to purchase adequate insurance to cover expenses in case of injury or death.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Throughout Bolivia personal hygiene and sanitary practices in food handling are far below standards in the United States. Take appropriate precautions with food and beverages. Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but is of varying quality. Ambulance services are limited to non-existent. Medical facilities are generally not equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Pharmacies are located throughout Bolivia and prescription and over-the-counter medications are widely available. Do not accept medication from unreliable sources. Western Bolivia, dominated by the Andes and high plains (Altiplano), is largely insect-free. However, altitude sickness (see below) is a major problem. Eastern Bolivia is tropical, and visitors to that area are subject to related illnesses. Be prepared to deal with the insect population. Dengue is endemic throughout eastern Bolivia, including in Santa Cruz city. Bolivia is a high risk area for rabies. Take dog and bat bites and scratches seriously, and seek post-exposure prophylaxis. Yellow fever is also present in subtropical Bolivia. You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to apply for a visa, and it may also be required by airlines flying into Bolivia and at entry into Bolivia.

High Altitude Health Risks:
The altitude of La Paz ranges from 10,600 feet to over 13,000 feet (3,400 to 4,000 meters) above sea level. Much of Western Bolivia is at the same altitude or higher, including Lake Titicaca, the Salar de Uyuni, and the cities of Oruro and Potosi. The altitude alone poses a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, even for those in excellent health.

Prior to departing the United States for high-altitude locations (over 10,000 feet above sea level), you should discuss the trip with your healthcare provider and request specific recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips at high altitudes. Coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Bolivia. However, possession of this tea, which is sold in bags in most Bolivian grocery stores, is illegal in the United States. "Sorojchi pills" sold locally at pharmacies contain high amounts of caffeine and are not usually recommended.

Please consider the following risks and advice when planning your travel to La Paz:

  • Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait: Persons with sickle cell trait may have a crisis at elevations of more than 8,000 feet. U.S. citizens with this condition have required urgent medical evacuation from La Paz to the United States.
  • Heart disease: If you have heart disease, or known risk factors for heart disease, consult your doctor about the risks of ascending to altitude. Even U.S. citizens who initially adjust well to the altitude in La Paz have subsequently suffered heart attacks and been hospitalized.
  • Lung disease: If you have emphysema, consult your doctor and seriously reconsider coming to La Paz or surrounding high altitude areas. If you have asthma, consult your doctor; mild asthma may be manageable at high altitude, but remember that emergency care and intensive respiratory care are very limited even in the city of La Paz and are absent outside the city. U.S. citizens with respiratory ailments have previously been medically evacuated from La Paz to other countries to receive medical treatment.
  • Given potential complications from altitude sickness, if you are pregnant please consult your doctor before travel to La Paz and other high altitude areas of Bolivia. A higher number of miscarriages and other pregnancy-related complications have been noted at altitude.

All people, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and increased heart rate. Many people will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes. You should limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival and avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival.

You can get detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You cannot assume that your medical insurance will go with you when you travel. The Department of State strongly urges you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not apply when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another policy for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bolivia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. If you plan on driving in Bolivia, despite the hazards described below, you should obtain an international driver’s license through your local automobile club before coming to Bolivia.

Road conditions in Bolivia are hazardous. Although La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba are connected by improved highways, the vast majority of roads in Bolivia are unpaved. Few highways have shoulders, fencing, or barriers, and highway markings are minimal. Yielding for pedestrians in the cities is not the norm. For trips outside the major cities, especially in mountainous areas, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Travel during the rainy season (November through March) is difficult, as most routes are potholed and some roads and bridges are washed out. Additional dangers include the absence of formal training for most drivers, poor maintenance and overloaded vehicles, lack of lights on some vehicles for nighttime driving, and the prevalence of intoxicated or overly tired drivers, including commercial bus and truck drivers.

The majority of intercity travel in Bolivia is by bus, with varying levels of safety and service. Bus accidents, at times attributed to drunk drivers or mechanical failures, have caused scores of deaths and severe injuries. In recent years, there have been major bus crashes on the highway between La Paz and Oruro, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Oruro and Cochabamba and on the Yungas road. The old Yungas road is considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world. Taxis, vans, and buses dominate intracity transportation. From a crime perspective, public transportation is relatively safe, and violent assaults are rare. However, petty theft of unattended backpacks and other personal items does occur. For safety purposes, the Embassy advises you to use radio taxis whenever possible. U.S. citizens taking unlicensed taxis have reported being robbed and assaulted.

Drivers of vehicles involved in traffic accidents are expected to remain at the scene until the arrival of local police authorities. Any attempt to leave the scene is a violation of Bolivian law. The Embassy believes any attempt to flee the scene of an accident would place the driver and passengers at greater risk of harm than remaining at the scene until the arrival of local police.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bolivia’s air carrier operations. For more information, visit the FAA’s safety assessment page.

There are limited flights within Bolivia and to neighboring countries. Flight delays and cancellations are common. You should keep this information in mind when making your travel plans.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bolivia dated April 2011, with substantive changes in the following sections: STEP Enrollment Program, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.

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