COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to the potential for civil unrest and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

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Bolivia

Civil Unrest
Protests may occur at short notice and turn violent without warning. Roadblocks can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, and could last for several days. Previous demonstrations have resulted in the deaths of some protesters.

New Zealanders in Bolivia should exercise a high degree of caution, avoid all protests, strikes and demonstrations, monitor the local media and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. No attempt should be made to pass or go around roadblocks as this may aggravate the situation and lead to violence.

Crime
Violent crime against foreigners, including armed robbery and assault occurs in tourist areas like La Paz and Santa Cruz. Petty crime is common in urban areas and around tourist sites and public transport facilities.

“Organised” robberies are common and have involved attempts by individuals or groups to distract or deceive tourists. Criminals sometimes pose as police officers or fellow tourists. Be aware that under Bolivian law, you are not obliged to follow a police officer unless he or she has a formal written request from a judge with your name on it, and any search or seizure must occur at a bona fide police station in the presence of the prosecutor.

Drug traffickers and other criminals in the border region present a serious danger to travellers. Particular care should be taken at land border crossings with Chile, Peru, and Brazil.

Local authorities caution people to avoid Coronilla Hill, the area adjacent to the main bus terminal in Cochabamba due to a high incidence of crime.   

When travelling on the inca trails or near Rurrenabaque, remain in large groups and only join tours organised by reputable tour operators as criminals have targeted tourists in this area.

Beware of individuals offering help, as thieves often work in teams to distract their victims. Tourists frequently report having liquid thrown on them and or their belongings and a person nearby offering to help them clean up.  

“Express kidnappings” are when criminals abduct a victim and force them to withdraw funds from automatic teller machines (ATMs) to secure their release. There has been an increase in express kidnappings and robberies involving taxis and is common in the major cities of Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz. Overland border points with Chile, Peru and Argentina are also high risk areas. For your personal safety and to reduce the risk of this occurring, we recommend you use ATMs located within bank branches.

Throughout the country, care should be taken when using public transport. Use only well-known radio taxi companies that can be easily identified by the telephone number displayed on the vehicle's roof. Do not get in a taxi that already has passengers in it. If travelling by bus, try to use direct routes and arrive during daylight hours whenever possible, especially along the popular route from Copacabana to La Paz, and avoid transferring at the Desaguadero border crossing with Peru.

The telephone number for the tourist police with English speaking operators is 800 140 081. Please note this number only works from within Bolivia.

Local laws
Bolivian drug laws include a zero tolerance policy. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and may include lengthy prison sentences in local jails and heavy fines. You should refer to the list of controlled substances that are considered narcotics in Bolivia. (in Spanish)

There are strict rules relating to the import and export of prescription medication. Foreign nationals have been detained on arrival for possession of medicines that would not normally be problematic in other countries. New Zealanders are advised to carry a letter from a doctor describing their medical condition and any prescribed medication. Any medicines should be in their original containers and clearly labelled.

You must register your home or hotel address online with Bolivian migration authorities. If you don't register, you can receive a fine when you depart from the country. Consult your accommodation provider for more information or access the registration system online (Spanish). 

Natural Disasters
Bolivia’s rainy season is from December to March. Flooding and landslides are common during this period and have caused widespread damage and loss of life in the past.

General Travel Advice
Bolivia offers a number of adventure activities, including mountain biking, salt flat tours and jungle expeditions. There are no official minimum standards for tour operators. Seek local advice and only use reputable companies. Check your travel insurance policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Avoid prison tours, which are illegal and can be unsafe.

Travellers should be aware that there are risks of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Yellow fever, Zika virus, malaria, Chagas disease and dengue, as well as other infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and rabies. It is unsafe to drink tap water in many areas of Bolivia, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. There is also a risk of altitude sickness for travel above 2500m altitude; many areas of Bolivia are above 2500m, including La Paz, Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca. Speak to a medical professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your travel plans.

Medical care can be very expensive, facilities outside of the major cities can be very limited, and some medical treatments may not be available, including access to rabies treatment. New Zealanders travelling or living in Bolivia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air, noting that many air ambulance services are unable to fly directly into locations such as La Paz due to the high altitude. 

Keep your passport in a safe place and only carry a coloured photocopy of your passport and visa for identification purposes.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Bolivia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Santiago, Chile is accredited to Bolivia

Street Address Isidora Goyenechea 3000, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile Telephone +56 2 2616 3000 Email embajada@nzembassy.cl Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/chile Hours Mon-Fri 0845-1300, 1400-1715 hrs

See our regional advice for Central/South America