Bolivia Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Plurinational State of Bolivia
The U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Increased Caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur with little notice, and some areas have higher risk. The State Department specifically advises travelers to Do Not Travel to the Chapare region because of crime.
Plurinational State of Bolivia
Capital: Sucre (constitutional) / La Paz (administrative) | Region: South America | Language: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Before You Travel to Bolivia
Bolivia is one of South America’s most diverse travel destinations, ranging from Andean cities and high-altitude trekking routes to Amazonian lowlands. For US travelers, preparation is especially important because risks vary dramatically by altitude, geography, civil unrest, mosquito exposure, and healthcare access. Plan a pre-travel visit at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
Discuss yellow fever, malaria tablets for lower-elevation areas, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and altitude illness prevention based on your exact route.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended, especially for trekking, climbing, Amazon travel, or intercity road travel.
Entry Requirements
US tourists do not need a visa for standard tourism visits. Your passport should have at least six months validity remaining, and you should carry proof of your itinerary and accommodation.
Pack a Medical Kit
Include insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, altitude medication if prescribed, diarrhea medication, and all personal prescriptions in original packaging.
Altitude Planning
Cities and trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes can exceed 12,000–16,000 feet. Altitude illness can affect even fit travelers and must be taken seriously.
Political & Transport Disruption
Roadblocks, demonstrations, and transport strikes can halt movement with little warning. Build flexibility into all domestic travel plans.
Yellow Fever in Bolivia
High Altitude vs Lowland Risk
Bolivia is not one uniform risk zone. Travelers spending time only in high-altitude destinations such as La Paz or Sucre have a very different mosquito-borne risk profile from travelers going into the Amazon basin or low-elevation eastern departments.
Malaria in Bolivia
Atovaquone/Proguanil
A common first-line option for short trips to lowland malaria areas.
Doxycycline
An affordable option that also requires strong sun protection due to photosensitivity risk.
Mefloquine / Others
May be suitable for some travelers depending on itinerary and medical history.
Bolivia currently also has a CDC-tracked chikungunya outbreak in parts of the country, including Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Even if malaria tablets are not needed for your route, mosquito avoidance is still essential.
Wear long sleeves, use DEET or picaridin, sleep in screened rooms or under a mosquito net when needed, and avoid mosquito exposure both day and night.
Recommended Vaccines for Bolivia
CDC recommends both routine and destination-specific vaccine planning for Bolivia. The final decision depends heavily on altitude, jungle exposure, animal contact, and trip duration.
Yellow Fever
Required for entry and strongly relevant for many low-elevation eastern areas of Bolivia.
Hepatitis A
CDC recommends this for unvaccinated travelers going to Bolivia.
Hepatitis B
CDC recommends this for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 and says older unvaccinated travelers may also get vaccinated before travel.
Typhoid
Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Rabies
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Bolivia, and rabies is also present in bats.
MMR, Tdap, Influenza, COVID-19
Routine vaccines should be current before travel, especially measles protection for international trips.
Healthcare System in Bolivia
In La Paz / Santa Cruz / Cochabamba
Urban centers have the best access to clinics, hospitals, and private care, but standards vary and complex emergencies may still require evacuation.
Rural Areas & National Parks
Emergency medical care may be inadequate or far away, especially in jungle regions, high mountain routes, and protected areas.
Payment Planning
Carry funds and verify how your insurer handles treatment, transfer, and evacuation. In serious cases, air or international transfer may be required.
The State Department notes that many trekking and climbing routes in the Bolivian Andes are at 16,000 feet or higher. Severe headache, weakness, vomiting, chest tightness, or unsteadiness at altitude should be treated as urgent warning signs.
Emergency Numbers in Bolivia
Because strikes, roadblocks, and regional disruptions can interfere with movement, travelers should keep embassy, insurance, and local transport contacts easily available at all times.
Nature & Weather Risks
Altitude Illness
One of the most important health risks in Bolivia. Even healthy travelers can become seriously ill at high altitude.
Road Conditions
Many roads are unpaved, poorly marked, or dangerous in the rainy season. Defensive driving is essential.
Rainy Season
From roughly November to March, potholes, flooding, and washed-out roads and bridges can cause major delays and hazards.
Freshwater Exposure
CDC lists leptospirosis risk from contaminated water and mud. Avoid floodwater and untreated freshwater contact where possible.
Crime, Unrest & Safety Risks
Demonstrations
Can become violent and may shut down roads, airports, and supplies with little warning.
Petty Theft
Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft are common in urban areas and transport settings.
Chapare Region
The State Department advises Do Not Travel to Chapare because of violent crime and limited U.S. emergency support there.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Bolivia
- See a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure
- Check whether your exact route needs yellow fever vaccine
- Discuss malaria tablets for areas below 2,500 m
- Review Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and routine vaccines
- Prepare for altitude if visiting La Paz, Uyuni circuits, or trekking routes
- Buy travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Avoid the Chapare region
- Monitor unrest, strikes, and roadblock reports daily
- Carry repellent and use strict mosquito precautions
- Save emergency numbers: 110 | 118 | 119 | +591 2 216-8000
