Bolivia Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
USA	Yes	Yes/1/2/3	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No/3	Yes
Australian	Yes	No/3	Yes
British	Yes	No/3	Yes
Other EU	1	No	No

Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following, provided traveling for tourist purposes:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Romania and the USA. 2. Nationals of the US are advised that on 1 January 2007 the Bolivian president decreed that all US citizens wishing to enter Boliva, for any purpose, would now require a visa. US nationals wishing to enter Bolivia are advised to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for further information.

Note: (a) 3. All nationals traveling on business do need a Specific Purpose visa. (b) Nationals not requiring a tourist visa are usually allowed to stay for a period of 30 days. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist/Transit: Cost depends on nationality; enquire at the embassy (or consular section at embassy).

Validity

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days but can be extended for up to 90 days (depending on nationality) from the date of entry. Specific Purpose visas are valid for 30 days and can be renewed for 60 or 90 additional days at the immigration office in Bolivia. Student visas are valid for 60 days. Transit visas are valid for 15 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Important Addresses.

Working Days Required

One to two for nationals requiring tourist visas without special authorization. Approximately six weeks for all other nationals requiring tourist visas and special authorization from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Travel Warnings

The threat from terrorism is low. But travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Travelers should be aware that there is usually an increase in petty crime activity during Carnival Weekend (13 February - 16 February).

The Embassy is aware that prison tours, particularly in San Pedro prison in La Paz, are widely advertised. These tours are against the prison rules, are inherently dangerous, and should be avoided.

As a British visitor to Bolivia, you do not need a visa. The length of stay permitted on entering Bolivia is 30 days. This can be extended for a further 60 days, at no extra charge, provided you apply before the end of the 30 day period at the Department of Immigration offices throughout the country. The Department of Immigration has imposed an annual limit for tourists of 91 days stay in Bolivia without a visa.

The political situation in Bolivia is very tense and there is the risk that demonstrations and confrontations might break out at short notice. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid large crowds. The cities of La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Trinidad, Sucre, Tarija and Cobija have seen major and sometimes violent public demonstrations in 2007.

There is continual risk of public protests and strikes throughout Bolivia and major roads can be blocked at very short notice by protestors with local disputes. Social protest is the traditional way of gaining government attention to address local, regional and national issues of concern. Travelers should avoid all protests and public demonstrations. Although most are peaceful, some can become violent. They can affect local travel including the interdepartmental bus routes.

The Bolivian Government has declared a national disaster in the country because of the rains and flooding in many parts of Bolivia.

Since January 2007, there has been an outbreak of dengue fever in the regions of Santa Cruz and Beni. The floods have also increased the risk of other diseases, including malaria. There have been a number of cases of Yellow Fever in the Yungas (La Paz department) and in the Chapare (Cochabamba department). You should ensure you have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate before traveling to these areas.

Be aware of the dangers of altitude sickness.

There is a risk of "express kidnappings". You should exercise caution when arriving in, and traveling around, Bolivia and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Medical insurance is strongly recommended. In case of a medical emergency, La Paz has several reliable, private clinics, such as Clinica Alemana and CEMES.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes*
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	Yes**

Special Notes

* Risk varies from area to area (as does resistance to preventative drugs); check before travel.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year of age.