Bolivia

Recommended Vaccinations For Bolivia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is an intermediate to high risk of hepatitis B in Bolivia, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of hepatitis A in Bolivia, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older travelling to the at-risk areas including the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over one year of age if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Those visiting yellow fever risk areas in Bolivia should carry a yellow fever vaccination card. Vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas at altitudes above 2300 meters and all areas where there is no risk, including the cities of La Paz and Sucre.

Rabies Vaccine

Recommended for travellers in rural areas involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for children, long-term travellers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travellers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, dogs, carnivores, and other mammals.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in Bolivia through consumption of contaminated food or water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Bolivia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine in the departments of Beni, Pando and Santa Cruz. In other areas, chloroquine may be recommended.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bolivia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Bolivia.

Hepatitis B

There is an intermediate to high level of hepatitis B transmission throughout Bolivia.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever can occur in Bolivia.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.

Rabies

Rabies is a risk throughout Bolivia, especially in dogs and bats.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis (“Chagas disease”) occurs in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of transmission of yellow fever in this country in areas east of the Andes Mountains at altitudes below 2,300 meters, including the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, as well as some areas of the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz and Tarija.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever occurs commonly in Bolivia, especially in smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through contaminated food or water.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Bolivia. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Malaria

There is a low risk of malaria in the Amazon basin and in rural areas below 2,500m. Awareness of risk and bite avoidance is recommended. There is no risk above 2,500m. CDC recommends that travellers to certain areas of Bolivia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.

Safety & Security in Bolivia

Personal Safety

Bolivia faces an ongoing economic crisis with a dollar shortage that has driven crime rates higher in recent years. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, bus stations, crowded areas, and popular tourist destinations. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent, particularly on overnight buses and in transport hubs. Thieves often work in organized groups, using distraction tactics while accomplices steal from you. Criminals frequently impersonate police officers using fake IDs and uniforms, asking to check documents and bags before taking belongings. Legitimate police cannot stop or search you on the street without a written order from a state prosecutor, and you should never get into an unmarked police car. Express kidnappings occur where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs to secure release, and fake taxis are sometimes involved. Violent crime against foreigners, though less common, does happen. Armed robberies and assaults have been reported at tourist destinations and hiking areas near La Paz. Food and drink spiking has been reported, so never leave drinks or food unattended. The Chapare region has particularly high levels of violent crime related to drug trafficking, and even government employees need special authorization to travel there. Bolivia is the third largest cocaine producer worldwide, which creates an environment for gangs, corruption, and organized crime. However, Bolivia has one of the lower homicide rates in South America, with 3 to 4.3 per 100,000 inhabitants recorded between 2023 and 2024. Most tourists who exercise basic precautions experience no serious problems.

Extreme Violence

Bolivia recorded a homicide rate between 3 and 4.3 per 100,000 inhabitants in recent years, making it one of the lowest in Latin America alongside El Salvador and Argentina. In 2023, there were 535 homicides, while 2024 data through September showed 336 violent crimes with a 17.6% decline in the homicide rate. This represents a significant improvement from 2012 when the rate was 12.1 per 100,000. Bolivia ranks considerably lower in violent crime compared to many neighboring South American countries. However, border areas are experiencing rising violence due to smuggling activities. The Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba has particularly high levels of violent crime, carjacking, and civil unrest mainly associated with drug trafficking. As the world’s third largest cocaine producer, Bolivia has issues with gangs, corruption, and organized crime, though these typically do not directly affect tourists. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but does occur, with armed robberies and assaults reported at tourist destinations and hiking areas. Express kidnappings targeting foreigners have been reported. The country has seen an increase in femicides and infanticides according to the Attorney General’s Office. Drug cartels and organized crime operate in certain regions, particularly in coca-growing areas like Chapare and the Yungas, but most violent crime remains confined to specific areas rather than affecting the general tourist population.

Political Unrest

Bolivia has experienced significant political instability and civil unrest, particularly in 2024 and into 2025. The country faces ongoing tensions between current President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales, both vying for control of the Movement Toward Socialism party ahead of the August 2025 elections. In June 2024, a failed military coup attempt occurred when General Juan Jose Zuniga tried to enter the presidential palace by force. The coup lasted three hours before being thwarted. Throughout 2024, pro-Morales supporters organized widespread protests, road blockades, and marches, with some demonstrations turning violent. In November 2024, armed supporters stormed a military facility in Cochabamba, seizing weapons and taking over 200 soldiers hostage. In June 2025, clashes between protesters and state forces resulted in multiple deaths, including three police officers and one firefighter. Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time throughout the country, often with little or no notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. Protesters sometimes use dynamite during protests, and police often respond with tear gas. Roadblocks frequently disrupt travel, cutting off traffic and restricting the flow of goods and services. These blockades have led to fuel and food shortages in some areas. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled. The political tensions are compounded by a severe economic crisis with dollar shortages, high inflation, and depleted foreign currency reserves. The situation has caused Bolivia’s tourism industry to take a serious hit, with protests and political tension causing many travelers to reconsider their plans.

Areas To Avoid

The Chapare region in the Department of Cochabamba should be avoided due to extremely high levels of violent crime, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Even government employees need special authorization to travel there, and emergency services are limited. Multiple countries advise against all but essential travel to Chapare and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through the region. The Yungas regions near Peru and Brazil should be avoided due to drug trafficking activities and violence. Santa Cruz is considered the most unsafe city in Bolivia, though not all areas are dangerous. In Cochabamba, the Coronilla Hill area near the main bus terminal is a no-go zone due to assaults. Overland border crossings with Peru, Chile, and Argentina are particularly vulnerable areas where foreign visitors face higher crime risks. The overnight bus route between La Paz and Copacabana is notoriously dangerous, and travel on this route should be done during daylight hours only. Remote rural areas and deserted border regions can be problematic due to smuggling activities and the risk of encountering drug operations. Tourists have been targeted while hiking in scenic areas near La Paz including Muela del Diablo, Rurrenabaque, and stretches of the Bolivian Andes. At night, avoid El Alto, La Paz city center areas, Cementerio General, and Sopocachi neighborhoods where incidents have been reported. During political unrest, areas with demonstrations and roadblocks should be avoided, and you should never attempt to cross blockades. Remote hiking areas in Tupiza and Isla del Sol have issues with aggressive stray dogs at night.