Before you go to Bolivia: what to know

Entry and visas

Bolivia classifies tourist entry by nationality: Group I is visa-exempt, Group II requires a visa and Group III requires prior immigration consultation. US and UAE citizens were added to Group I in December 2025. Verify your passport group with a Bolivian consulate; a visa application is not an automatic arrival permission.

Passport validity: At least 6 months on arrival; UK guidance also requires 2 blank pages.

At the border you may be asked for

• Carry accommodation and onward/return arrangements; check your entry registration.
• For land entry, check stamp/registration procedures at the actual crossing, especially the Argentina border.

Customs

• Declare restricted or dutiable goods using the required customs process; FCDO notes the Form 250 link works only inside Bolivia.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: consulados.cancilleria.gob.bo ↗, cancilleria.gob.bo ↗, gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

• Use banks, hotels or authorised exchange houses; compare final rates.

Where not to exchange

• Street money changers

ATMs: ATMs are available in cities. Confirm card access and fees with your bank; do not depend on a single machine.

• Use small banknotes outside cities.
• Visa, Mastercard and Amex are accepted by higher-end hotels, shops and restaurants; acceptance is limited elsewhere.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, boliviatravel.gob.bo ↗, bolivianembassy.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect Indigenous spiritual traditions and local community customs; do not assume a single national practice.

Clothing: Choose layers suited to altitude and region; the tourism authority recommends versatile clothing for towns and excursions.

Etiquette

• Respect the ways of life of Indigenous communities and protect the environment.
• Ask your accommodation about safe areas and use registered tourism providers.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: boliviatravel.gob.bo ↗

Climate

Climate varies strongly with altitude. Rainy season runs November–March, when landslides and flooding can block roads. July–October can bring wildfires and smoke.

Best season: April–October is the tourism authority’s general dry-season recommendation; check local smoke and road conditions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: boliviatravel.gob.bo ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗

What to pack

• Warm layers suited to altitude
• Rain protection for November–March
• Small BOB notes and an emergency cash reserve
• Insect repellent and long sleeves for Amazon travel
• Medical and evacuation insurance documents

Do not bring / prohibited to import

• Expensive jewellery on display
• Street currency exchange
• Trying to cross protest roadblocks

Practical

Plugs: Usually 220 V; La Paz may have 110/220 V. Confirm the outlet before use.

Water: Carry safe drinking water for road delays and excursions; do not assume an untreated supply is drinkable.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Choose cover for illness, accidents, evacuation and your planned adventure activities.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: bolivianembassy.ca ↗, boliviatravel.gob.bo ↗, gov.uk ↗, web.mingobierno.gob.bo ↗