Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bolivia
Bolivia is a beautiful, geographically diverse country. With regions of the Andes as well as the basin of the Amazon, it is the ultimate destination for a taste of what South America has to offer.
There are a variety of one-of-a-kind places in Bolivia. If you want to a taste of the rich geographical scenery, check out the Amboro and Carrasco National Parks.
For a journey to the wild side, visit the Madidi National Park, known for being one of the most extensive biodiversity reserves on the planet.
If you are more interested in history, consider visiting Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home of the ancient ruins of the pre-Columbian Tiwanaku culture.
No matter what your ideal travel activities are, you are bound to find something interesting to see and enjoyable to do in Bolivia.
Do I Need Vaccines for Bolivia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bolivia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if arriving from a country with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 2,300 m. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bolivia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if arriving from a country with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 2,300 m. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bolivia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travellers to Bolivia. It may be required if you are coming from a country with known cases such as Peru or Brazil.
Travellers should practice enhanced precautions to avoid contracting the Zika virus . Local mosquitoes can spread the virus, creating more risk for travellers. The virus can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travelling to Bolivia or take extra precautions.
To prevent mosquito bites, travellers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (preferably permethrin-treated), and stay in buildings with window screens.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Bolivia?
Canadian Citizens with a valid passport may enter Bolivia without a visa for tourism purposes not exceeding 30 days. All nationals entering for business purposes will require a visa to do so.
Bolivia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bolivia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bolivia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
For minors travelling alone or with a parent who has Bolivian citizenship, you will need to have authorization from a non-travelling parent (or parents) to return to the United States.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Bolivia?
Bolivia’s climate differs from region to region. The three main climates are:
- Llanos (lowlands) – These areas include Santa Cruz, Cobija, Rurrenabaque, and Trinidad. In these regions, the weather can be expected to be an average of 30 and very rainy. The best time to visit this area is from May to September when the temperature is cooler and less rainy.
- Altiplano (highlands) – These areas include Lake Titicaca, Oruro, La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba, and Uyuni. The weather is dry and sunny in the highlands, with temperatures between 15 and 25.
- Yungus valley (Amazonian lowlands) – These areas include Chulumani, Sorata, and Coroico. The weather is warm and humid, but cool, refreshing breezes keep temperatures tolerable.
How Safe is Bolivia?
It is common in Bolivia for strikes, protests, and various other civic protests to occur. Some measures to take while travelling in Bolivia are to avoid roadblocks and to keep extra food, water, and clothing on hand in the event that a roadblock cannot be avoided.
The Canadian Embassy site provides updates on civic protests in Bolivia. Monitor the site before and during your trip.
Train Travel in Bolivia
Bolivia’s rail system is a great way to view the landscape of the varying terrain. With over 3600 kilometres of track spread throughout the country, visitors use this popular transportation system regularly.
The two railway systems, Ferroviaria Occidental and Ferroviaria Oriental, only have stations open from Monday through Friday.
Train tickets can are available in-person or online before your trip. To contact Bolivia’s train ticket office, refer to the following information below.
What Should I Take To Bolivia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Bolivia:
- Spanish-English Dictionary – The majority of Bolivians will not know English. Having some sort of translation available will help make travelling easier.
- Layers of Clothing – Bolivia’s weather conditions vary from region to region. It is important to pack layers of clothes to prepare for any sort of conditions that you may encounter.
- Water Filtration – Safe drinking water can be hard to find in some parts of Bolivia. Having a water filter or filtration tablets can make brushing your teeth or everyday drinking easier.
- Medication – Purchasing prescription medication can be difficult in Bolivia. Make sure you bring all necessary medications with you. Altitude sickness medication is recommended for those going to the Altiplano.
Canadian Embassy in Bolivia
If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in Bolivia, there is a Canadian Embassy in La Paz.
Canadian Embassy La Paz
2678, Calle Victor Sanjinez,
Edificio Barcelona, 2nd Floor, Plaza España (Sopocachi),
La Paz, Bolivia
Tel.: 591 (2) 241-5141
If you have any further questions about health and safety precautions when travelling to Bolivia, schedule a visit with a Passport Health medicine clinic today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bolivia
“The staff were extremely courteous and friendly to assist me in understanding all of the safety and health requirements for a trip to Bolivia. This was not just about the shots, but ensuring I fully understand and was prepared for my trip. Truly appreciated the personal touch. Shows you care.”
“Very comfortable experience, the nurse was very knowledgeable and explained everything about Bolivia thoroughly. I feel more confident traveling after using this service.”
“The staff was very knowledgeable and provided lots of useful information on Bolivia.”
“My experience was virtually flawless. The nurse was knowledgeable about Bolivia and friendly. She made me feel welcomed and confident about the decisions I was making for my vaccines. She provided me with ample information, was thorough with the paperwork, and went above and beyond to meet my needs. I will definitely be going back in the future and will be recommending this place to friends and family.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bolivia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Bolivia?
What is the Climate Like in Bolivia?
How Safe is Bolivia?
Train Travel in Bolivia
What Should I Take To Bolivia?
Canadian Embassy in Bolivia
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