Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Natural Disasters and Climate
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security status
High Degree of Caution
Travel to Bolivia
All passengers to Bolivia are required to present one of the following:
- Proof of vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to travel);
- A negative RT-PCR test taken within 72hrs prior to departure;
- A negative antigen test, taken no more than 48 hours before departure.
Children under the age of 5 are exempt from the above requirements.
All foreign residents and tourists must register their home or tourism address online. Tourists should update this information when moving around the country. Failure to comply will result in fines on leaving the country.
As there are no direct flights available from Ireland to Bolivia, visitors should ensure they comply with the requirements of any transit countries. Please note that land borders may be subject to closures at short, or no notice, and travellers should consult local resources if undertaking a land border crossing.
All arrivals to Bolivia should monitor developments regularly and follow the advice of local authorities. This includes local guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing, which may vary across the country. You are advised to stay informed of measures taken by authorities in the areas you are visiting. We recommend contacting your airline or tour operator, and following the advice of the Bolivian Ministry of Health (official website).
General Travel Advice
Although the situation in Bolivia has returned to relative calm following a period of widespread protests and sporadic violence throughout the country, the political and security situation remains uncertain.
Demonstrations and roadblocks could happen without notice and suddenly turn violent. We advise you to monitor local media for information and follow the instructions of local authorities. You should avoid areas where these demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
These demonstrations can also lead to disruption to traffic and public transportation. If you are planning to travel, you should check travel plans regularly and seek advice from transport providers.
If you need urgent consular assistance, please contact the Honorary Consulate at peter.otoole@honoraryconsul.ie.
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management. To report emergencies, contact the police, an ambulance, or the fire department by dialling 911 from any phone. We suggest you learn as much as you can about Bolivia before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books.
Because there is no Irish Embassy in Bolivia, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Santa Cruz, Bolivia or the Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina.
If you phone outside of working hours, please leave a message giving:
- Your name
- The nature of your problem
- Where you are now
- Your contact details (mobile phone number or phone number of where you’re staying)
We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Social unrest
Occasional episodes of social unrest can affect main tourist areas, transportation and domestic and international travel.
There’s a continual risk of demonstrations and strikes throughout the country. These protests can affect local travel and some interdepartmental bus routes have been disrupted as a result of a dispute between operators and the government.
Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. And avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.
Terrorism
Although the threat from terrorism in Bolivia is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.
Crime
Crime can be an issue in Bolivia and you should take sensible precautions.
Serious crime
There is a continuing risk of violent crimes against foreign nationals with reports of European nationals being attacked, robbed, sexually assaulted and threatened with murder. Some foreign tourists have been murdered.
You should remain extremely vigilant and cautious about your surroundings whilst travelling around Bolivia, especially on arrival in the country.
Driving
If you’re planning to drive in Bolivia, you should be extremely careful. Some of Bolivia’s principal roads are paved, but of variable quality and most roads are unpaved rough tracks, which are graded from time to time. If you want to drive:
- Bring your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
- Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights
Jeep safari tours
There have been a number of serious road accidents involving jeep safari tours including during visits to Uyuni and other Salt Flats areas, which have resulted in the deaths of several tourists. We recommend that you check the conditions of vehicles, to wear seatbelts at all times, and we encourage drivers to drive safely and to respect speed limits.
Hiring a vehicle
If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Practical advice
- Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.
- Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.
Illegal drugs
Bolivia is the world’s third largest producer of cocaine. In their efforts to control the production, the government have harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession. You should therefore be very careful with your luggage and belongings and avoid any contact with prohibited drugs.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Natural Disasters and Climate
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
There are no visa requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Bolivia for touristic purposes (up to 90 days). On arriving in Bolivia, you should receive a 30 day entry stamp in your passport. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, this authorisation can be extended by presenting your passport at an emigration office before the initial 30 days have expired. An extension can be given on two opportunities in order to avail of the full 90-day period.
Irish citizens travelling to Bolivia for other purposes should contact their nearest Bolivian Embassy in advance of their visit to clarify their visa requirements.
Six month passport validity is required from the date of entry to Bolivia and one blank passport page. Please check your passport in plenty of time before travel and if it needs to be renewed please use our Online Passport Renewal System.
It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
Health
Check with your doctor well in advance of (8 weeks) travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Bolivia.
There is a risk of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
Dengue Fever
Bolivia is a risk country for dengue fever transmission. The disease is concentrated in the Departments of Pando and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The other main outbreaks were in the areas of central Cochabamba, the tropical zones of La Paz [Department], and in the city of Riberalta, in the Beni region (northeast Bolivia) and the Tarija Department.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by foreigners when entering certain high-risk areas. These areas include all of the regions of Santa Cruz, Pando and Beni, and much of Cochabamba, Tarija and northern La Paz departments. The cities of La Paz and Sucre are risk free.
Malaria
Malaria risk is present throughout the country, except in urban areas and the highlands of La Paz (above 2500m/8202ft) and the two southwestern provinces of Oruro and Potos. You should discuss anti-malarial treatment with your doctor before you travel.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Outside office hours, for genuine emergencies involving Irish citizens, which cannot wait until the next working day, please call +54 9 11 5945 7483.
Embassy of Ireland
Edificio Bluesky
6th Floor
Avenida del Libertador 1068
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +54 11 5787 0801
Fax: +54 11 5787 0802
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 13:00
Honorary Consulate Contact
Bolivia Honorary Consul
Peter O'Toole
Honorary Consul General of Ireland
Av. San Martin y Calle Hugo Wast,
Comercial Chuubi, Planta Alta, Of 16,
Barrio Equipetrol,
Santa Cruz,
Bolivia.
Email: Email us