Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[591] (2) 216-8000; US Embassy in La Paz, Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz, Bolivia; https://bo.usembassy.gov/; ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

591

Local Emergency Phone

911

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Currency (Code)

Bolivianos (BOB)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

110 V, 220 V, 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C (Most use 220-230 V, older buildings use 110 V)

Major Languages

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 14.5%, Adventist 2.5%, Mormon 1.2%, agnostic 0.3%, atheist 0.8%, other 3.5%, none 6.6%, unspecified 0.6%

Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Bolivia, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Sajama National Park; Oruro Carnival; Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos; La Paz (includes the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace); Torotoro National Park; Tiwanaku; Yungas Road cycle route (“Death Road”); Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System

Major Sports

Soccer, trompo (top game with attached string)

Cultural Practices

It’s normal to greet everyone you talk to with a formal “good morning/afternoon/evening” (“buenos dias, buenas tardes/noches”) before starting conversation; failure to do so can be taken as rude.

Tipping Guidelines

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is in order if you are happy with the service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for the day, in which case 10% is appropriate.

Souvenirs

Native pottery and handicrafts, paper mache and copper decorations, llama and alpaca woolen items, woven ponchos, jewelry and "good luck" charms

Traditional Cuisine

Salteñas (empanadas) — savory pastries filled with beef, pork, or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce containing olives, raisins, and potatoes

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023