Travel Advisory for Plurinational State of Bolivia
This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Plurinational State of Bolivia from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Plurinational State of Bolivia.
The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-07-11
AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Range: Level 2 to Level 3
AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index
42
Safety Index Score
Overview
Bolivia is currently under a nationwide state of emergency as of June 2026 due to persistent civil unrest and widespread roadblocks. Travelers must exercise a high degree of caution due to political volatility, violent crime, and critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies in major urban centers.
Detailed Advisory Summary
Bolivia is navigating a period of significant political and economic instability, marked by a 90-day state of emergency declared on June 20, 2026. This measure was implemented to allow security forces to dismantle persistent roadblocks that have paralyzed the national supply chain, leading to humanitarian concerns regarding food and medicine availability. While major routes are being cleared, the situation remains highly unpredictable, particularly in the La Paz department and the Chapare region, where anti-government sentiment and criminal activity are most acute.
Criminal activity has intensified alongside the economic crisis, with a notable rise in express kidnappings and robberies targeting foreigners in Santa Cruz and La Paz. Travelers are frequently targeted by fake police officers who use fraudulent credentials to conduct illegal searches. Furthermore, the tourism industry remains largely unregulated; adventure activities like the Yungas Road (Death Road) and Salar de Uyuni tours carry high risks due to poorly maintained equipment and a lack of official safety standards.
Health risks are a major consideration, as many tourist destinations are located at extreme altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters, which can trigger life-threatening altitude sickness. Additionally, the country is facing a shortage of prescription medications, and medical facilities outside of private clinics in large cities often fall below international standards. Environmental hazards, including seasonal flooding and wildfires, further complicate logistics, making it essential for visitors to maintain flexible itineraries and robust medical evacuation insurance.
Criminal activity has intensified alongside the economic crisis, with a notable rise in express kidnappings and robberies targeting foreigners in Santa Cruz and La Paz. Travelers are frequently targeted by fake police officers who use fraudulent credentials to conduct illegal searches. Furthermore, the tourism industry remains largely unregulated; adventure activities like the Yungas Road (Death Road) and Salar de Uyuni tours carry high risks due to poorly maintained equipment and a lack of official safety standards.
Health risks are a major consideration, as many tourist destinations are located at extreme altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters, which can trigger life-threatening altitude sickness. Additionally, the country is facing a shortage of prescription medications, and medical facilities outside of private clinics in large cities often fall below international standards. Environmental hazards, including seasonal flooding and wildfires, further complicate logistics, making it essential for visitors to maintain flexible itineraries and robust medical evacuation insurance.
Risk Level Summary by Government Source
| Source | Risk Level | Updated | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Affairs Canada | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-10 | View Source → |
| U.S. Department of State | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-02 | View Source → |
| Ministère des Affaires Étrangères | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-10 | View Source → |
| Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-03 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-06-23 | View Source → |
| Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-01 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-08 | View Source → |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-08 | View Source → |
| Auswärtiges Amt | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-05 | View Source → |
| Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-07 | View Source → |
| Regjeringen (Norway) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-06-24 | View Source → |
| Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands) | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-10 | View Source → |
| Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-04-17 | View Source → |
| BMEIA (Austria) | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-06-20 | View Source → |
| 0404 (Korea) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-06-22 | View Source → |
| Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-06-08 | View Source → |
Safety and Security Analysis
Vaccination Information
Required Vaccines
- Yellow Fever (mandatory for those arriving from risk countries or visiting endemic departments like Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz)
Recommended for Most Travelers
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Recommended for Some Travelers
- Rabies
- Hepatitis B
- Malaria (for low-altitude tropical regions)
- Chikungunya
Travelers should consult a health professional at least 8 weeks before departure and carry a sufficient supply of prescription medications in their original packaging.
Visa Information
Visa Types
| Type | Requirement | Stay Limit | Cost | Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Visa-Free / VoA | 90 days | Free | Valid for 30 days initially, extendable twice per calendar year. |
|
| Business | Embassy Visa | 1 year | Check Embassy | Multiple entry visa required for non-tourism activities. |
|
Entry & Legal Compliance
- Passport Validity Needed: 6 months
- Blank Pages Required: 2
- Dual Citizenship Policy: Recognized
- Proof Of Onward Travel: Required
- Currency Limit Declaration: 10,000 USD
- Drone Usage Law: Restricted
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 110 (General Emergency)
- Ambulance: 118 (National Service)
- Fire: 119 (Bomberos)
- Tourist Police (La Paz): 800-14-0081 (English-speaking operators)
- Medical Emergency (La Paz): 165 (Local Ambulance)
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
- Fake Police: Criminals in uniform or plain clothes demand to see your wallet for counterfeit checks or narcotics searches.
- Spilled Liquid: An accomplice sprays a substance on your clothing and offers to help clean it while another steals your bag.
- B Series Currency: Vendors or drivers may try to pass off invalidated bank notes (serial numbers ending in B) that are no longer legal tender.
Cultural Etiquette in Plurinational State of Bolivia
Do
- Ask Permission: Always seek consent before taking photos of indigenous people or children, especially in rural markets.
- Respect Pachamama: Be mindful of traditional earth-offering rituals and show respect for local spiritual beliefs.
- Greeting: Use formal titles like Señor or Señora when addressing elders or officials.
Don't
- Photography Taboos: Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or police checkpoints.
- Coca Export: Never attempt to take coca leaves or teas out of the country, as they are illegal in most foreign jurisdictions.
- Public Inebriation: Avoid excessive drinking in public, which is culturally frowned upon and makes you a target for crime.
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Global Affairs Canada
Updated: 2026-07-10
This advisory provides the most specific timeline regarding the nationwide state of emergency, noting its declaration on June 20, 2026. It highlights the use of dynamite by protesters and warns of the unstable security situation in the Chapare Region.
Canada emphasizes the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) and provides detailed warnings about the lack of safety standards in the adventure tourism sector, specifically mentioning the Salar de Uyuni and Death Road.
Canada emphasizes the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) and provides detailed warnings about the lack of safety standards in the adventure tourism sector, specifically mentioning the Salar de Uyuni and Death Road.
U.S. Department of State
Updated: 2026-07-02
The U.S. State Department utilizes a nuanced risk-level system, placing the Chapare Province at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and La Paz at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). It provides specific warnings about hospitals in La Paz lacking medical oxygen due to blockades.
Unique insights include travel restrictions for U.S. government employees and a detailed warning about real estate scams involving corrupt lawyers and notaries.
Unique insights include travel restrictions for U.S. government employees and a detailed warning about real estate scams involving corrupt lawyers and notaries.
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Updated: 2026-07-10
The French government focuses heavily on the high-risk border zone with Brazil, advising against all but essential travel there due to rampant contraband, drug trafficking, and the widespread circulation of firearms. It specifically calls out the border town of Guayaramerin as a place where travelers should not linger.
France also provides distinct advice regarding the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, noting that community conflicts frequently result in sudden bans on visitors, and cautions travelers about the lack of mobile network coverage in the desert regions of Uyuni.
France also provides distinct advice regarding the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, noting that community conflicts frequently result in sudden bans on visitors, and cautions travelers about the lack of mobile network coverage in the desert regions of Uyuni.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Updated: 2026-07-03
The UK advisory focuses heavily on the economic crisis and dollar shortage, linking these factors directly to an increase in crime rates. It warns that British Embassy assistance is severely limited in the Chapare region.
It also highlights the risk of criminal kidnapping at overland border points with Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and advises against all prison tours, which are illegal and unsafe.
It also highlights the risk of criminal kidnapping at overland border points with Peru, Chile, and Argentina, and advises against all prison tours, which are illegal and unsafe.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-06-23
Australia provides a critical warning regarding methanol poisoning from poor-quality alcohol distillation. It also notes that many air ambulance services cannot fly into La Paz due to the high altitude, complicating medical evacuations.
Unique to this source is the mention of cyber-based threats and the risk of digital identity theft while using public Wi-Fi or social media in politically tense areas.
Unique to this source is the mention of cyber-based threats and the risk of digital identity theft while using public Wi-Fi or social media in politically tense areas.
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Updated: 2026-07-01
Spain's advisory characterizes Bolivia as having a higher level of citizen security compared to the regional average, while still cautioning against specific crimes like express kidnapping and taxi robberies, sometimes involving fake police. It uniquely mentions that the Argentine entry stamp can be considered 'double' for entry into Bolivia via the La Quiaca-Villazon border, though advises confirming this due to potential issues. The advisory details specific health risks like Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis prevalence in certain departments. It also provides extensive information on bringing medications into Bolivia, emphasizing the complex regulations and the potential for severe penalties if not properly declared and authorized by the Ministry of Health.
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
Updated: 2026-07-08
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs advises a high degree of caution and specifically notes that Irish passport cards cannot be used for entry into Bolivia. It highlights the rising risk of violent crimes against European nationals, including sexual assault and murder.
Irish health advice focuses heavily on the outbreak of the Oropouche virus, warning pregnant travelers about the severe risks of mother-to-fetus transmission and subsequent congenital microcephaly.
Irish health advice focuses heavily on the outbreak of the Oropouche virus, warning pregnant travelers about the severe risks of mother-to-fetus transmission and subsequent congenital microcephaly.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated: 2026-07-08
The Japanese advisory offers a unique alert regarding the invalidation of B Series bank notes following a military plane crash, which has caused widespread confusion in local commerce. It also notes the 12-fold higher murder rate compared to Japan.
It provides specific details on the armed group activity in the Carrasco and Chapare provinces, noting that national police have at times withdrawn from these areas due to violence.
It provides specific details on the armed group activity in the Carrasco and Chapare provinces, noting that national police have at times withdrawn from these areas due to violence.
Auswärtiges Amt
Updated: 2026-07-09
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-07-05
New Zealand's advisory focuses on the severe fuel shortages plaguing the country since October 2025, which have heavily disrupted both public and private transportation networks and caused massive delays.
It also warns against participating in illegal prison tours, which offer absolutely no safety guarantees, and provides detailed cautions regarding the unregulated and licensed shamans conducting spiritual cleansing ceremonies.
It also warns against participating in illegal prison tours, which offer absolutely no safety guarantees, and provides detailed cautions regarding the unregulated and licensed shamans conducting spiritual cleansing ceremonies.
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE)
Updated: 2026-07-07
Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs notes that the nationwide state of emergency enables local curfews and security checks, which can be implemented with zero prior notice. It warns that Swiss consular services are highly limited due to operations being routed through Peru.
The Swiss advisory also details the invalidation of specific B-series banknotes by the Central Bank in early 2026, which has caused widespread confusion and transaction rejections at local businesses.
The Swiss advisory also details the invalidation of specific B-series banknotes by the Central Bank in early 2026, which has caused widespread confusion and transaction rejections at local businesses.
Regjeringen (Norway)
Updated: 2026-06-24
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands)
Updated: 2026-07-10
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses a color-coded system, designating the Chapare province as an orange zone where holiday travel is strictly unsafe. It highlights the risk of violent clashes between rival drug gangs and police forces.
Dutch authorities also outline the complex temporary vehicle registration process (SIVETUR) required for travelers entering Bolivia with foreign-licensed cars or motorcycles, warning of vehicle confiscation for non-compliance.
Dutch authorities also outline the complex temporary vehicle registration process (SIVETUR) required for travelers entering Bolivia with foreign-licensed cars or motorcycles, warning of vehicle confiscation for non-compliance.
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)
Updated: 2026-04-17
Italy provides a specific medical warning about the Chapare Virus, a hemorrhagic fever present in the Yungas and Cochabamba regions for which there is no current treatment. It also emphasizes the SOAT mandatory auto insurance.
It highlights the risk of leptospirosis in tropical areas and provides a detailed list of departments where Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended by local authorities.
It highlights the risk of leptospirosis in tropical areas and provides a detailed list of departments where Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended by local authorities.
BMEIA (Austria)
Updated: 2026-06-20
Austria's BMEIA classifies La Paz, El Alto, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba under high security risk Level 3, advising against all non-essential overland travel between departments. It warns of extreme brutality used during express kidnappings to extract ATM PIN codes.
Austrian authorities also advise travelers to verify the credentials of tour operators directly through the official Ministry of Tourism website to avoid fraudulent and unlicensed guides.
Austrian authorities also advise travelers to verify the credentials of tour operators directly through the official Ministry of Tourism website to avoid fraudulent and unlicensed guides.
0404 (Korea)
Updated: 2026-06-22
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)
Updated: 2026-06-08
Finland's advisory highlights the unstable political situation and frequent unrest, noting that police clashes can turn violent and disrupt all forms of transport. It specifically warns that some travelers have faced problems due to missing passport stamps upon entry. The advisory emphasizes that there is no general emergency number in Bolivia but provides specific police and fire numbers. It also notes that the Swedish Embassy in Bolivia provides assistance to Finnish citizens, as Finland does not have its own embassy. The advisory also mentions that drone import may require separate permits and that photographing prohibited sites can lead to arrest or confiscation of equipment.
Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.
About Travel Advisories for Plurinational State of Bolivia
This comprehensive travel advisory page for Plurinational State of Bolivia aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.
The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Plurinational State of Bolivia.
By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Plurinational State of Bolivia and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.
Last updated: 2026-07-11