Bolivia

Översikt

The security climate in Bolivia is unstable and the threat of widespread social violence is high. The risk of social unrest is high and protests often become violent. Despite a number of territorial disputes, the risk of interstate conflict is considered low. Serious organised crime flourishes in parts of the country, with Bolivia’s porous borders and history of coca farming often allied to drugs production and trafficking. Political corruption and under-resourced security forces pose significant barriers to tackling Bolivia’s criminality ratings. Although militant leftist organisations have a notable history of operating inside Bolivia, the threat of a terrorist attack is low.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Bolivia. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Bolivia has confirmed recent cases of Dengue and Chikungunya. Risk is present year-round with peak transmission from December to May. Insect protection measures at all times.

Malaria risk is present throughout Bolivia, including urban areas. The city of La Paz and the highland areas above 2500m are risk free. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is active Zika virus transmission in Bolivia. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is recommended for traveling at altitudes 2300m in the departments of Beni, Santa Cruz, Pando, and the subtropical areas in the departments of Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, La Paz and Tarija. The cities of La Paz and Sucre are risk free.

Leishmaniasis occurs year-round below 2000m elevation. Risk is higher in the Yungas region, the forested foothill valleys at 1000 and 2000m elevation east of the Andean Cordiller.

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Bolivia. Vaccine is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas, people who will be working with or around animals, people who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in the country.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic and a major public health problem in Bolivia.

Medical care in the larger cities is of variable quality and generally not adequate for life-threatening medical problems, which will require evacuation to another country. In rural areas, good medical care may be unobtainable. Medical facilities even in La Paz are, usually, not adequate to handle serious medical conditions, such as cardiac problems. Ambulance services are limited to non-existent and most air ambulance services cannot fly into La Paz, because their aircraft are not certified to land at the airport's altitude.

Although not officialy, some hospitals receive better reviews in larger cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra

La Paz

Hospital Metodista 
Calle 13 - +591 2783509

Clinica del Sur
Calle 7 - +591 2784003

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Hospital Japones
Av Dr Lucas Saucedo - +59176380865

It is advisable to contact the hospitals to check if any charges apply. 

Pass

Visitors to Bolivia must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

The length of stay permitted on arrival in Bolivia is 30 days. This can be extended for a further 60 days.

The citizens of the EU, the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia do not require a visa to visit Bolivia. US citizens seeking to visit Bolivia as tourists need an entry visa. Bolivian tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days and valid for a single entry. 

Citizens of most South American and Western European countries can get a tourist card on entry for stays of up to 90 days, depending on the nationality.