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.
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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bolivia
Do I Need Vaccines for Bolivia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bolivia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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 trousers (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 ring or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Bolivia?
UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Bolivia for stays up to 30 days, which can be extended to 60 at no charge. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
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 GOV.UK
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 whilst 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 Embassy of the United Kingdom 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. Ensure you bring all necessary medications with you. Altitude sickness medication is recommended for those going to the Altiplano.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bolivia
If you are in Bolivia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy, La Paz
Avenida Arce No. 2732
La Paz
La Paz
Bolivia
Telephone: (591 2) 2433424
Emergency Phone: (591 2) 2433424
Fax: (591 2) 2431073
Contact Form: Click Here
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.
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