Bolivia | South America

Bolivia is a landlocked sovereign state in central South America. Its economy is primarily driven by natural gas, mining, and agriculture; the administrative capital is La Paz, while the constitutional capital is Sucre.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of December 3, 2025, Bolivia has enacted a significant policy shift regarding entry requirements:

US Citizens: No longer require a visa for tourism or business. The US has been moved to Group 1, meaning citizens only need a valid passport (6-month validity) for stays up to 90 days per year.

EU & UK Citizens: Continue to enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days (initially granted as 30 days, extendable twice at immigration offices).

Requirements: All travelers must provide proof of accommodation and an onward/return ticket.

Yellow Fever: An International Certificate of Vaccination is mandatory for entry if you intend to visit tropical/lowland regions (Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, or the Yungas).

Language & Communication

Bolivia recognizes 37 official languages. Spanish is the most widely spoken, alongside indigenous languages Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní. English proficiency is very low outside of high-end hotels and major tour agencies in La Paz and Uyuni.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB).

QR Codes: As of 2026, QR payments (Simple) have become highly integrated into urban life. Most restaurants and retail shops in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba accept QR transfers via local bank apps.

Digital Wallets: Tigo Money and Yape (BCP) are the dominant mobile money platforms.

Cash Dependency: Despite digital gains, Bolivia remains heavily cash-reliant. USD is widely accepted for high-value transactions (tours, hotels) but must be in pristine condition (no tears or marks).

Foreign Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major urban centers, but often carry a 3–5% surcharge.

National Transport Grid

Mi Teleférico: La Paz features the world’s largest urban cable-car network (10+ lines), serving as the primary transit between La Paz and El Alto.

Bus (Flotas): The backbone of inter-city travel. Services range from "Semicama" to "Bus Cama" (sleeper). Roadblocks (bloqueos) due to social unrest are frequent and can halt bus traffic for days without notice.

Aviation: Domestic flights (BoA, EcoJet) are the safest and fastest way to bypass difficult Andean terrain.

Rail: Limited service. The Ferroviaria Andina connects Oruro, Uyuni, and Villazón (Argentine border).

Digital Infrastructure

5G Status: As of January 2026, commercial 5G rollout has officially begun in "experience zones" across the nine departmental capitals (La Paz, Santa Cruz, etc.). State-owned Entel leads the deployment.

Satellite Internet: In early 2026, the government reversed previous bans on foreign satellite providers. Starlink is now legally operational, providing high-speed connectivity to remote Amazonian and Altiplano regions.

Network: 4G/LTE is reliable in cities but almost non-existent in the deep interior.

Climate & Seasonality

Dry Season (May–Oct): Winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Clear skies and cold nights; best for the Salt Flats and trekking.

Wet Season (Nov–Apr): Summer. Heavy rains can wash out roads in the lowlands. This is the "mirror effect" season for the Salar de Uyuni.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, travel advisories suggest Exercise a High Degree of Caution.

Civil Unrest: Political demonstrations and roadblocks occur with little warning. Avoid all large gatherings.

Altitude: La Paz ($3,640m$) and Potosí ($4,090m$) present severe altitude sickness (soroche) risks. Travelers are advised to acclimate in Sucre or Cochabamba first.

Crime: "Express kidnappings" (forcing victims to withdraw cash from ATMs) and bag-snatching on buses are persistent risks in La Paz.

Water: Tap water is not potable.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

La Paz/El Alto: Administrative heart and gateway to the Cordillera Real.

Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat, located in the Altiplano.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra: Economic hub and gateway to the Amazon and Jesuit Missions.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 6.00 BOB ($0.85 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 15.00 BOB ($2.15 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 100.00 BOB ($14.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Bolivia contains the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Local folklore centers on Pachamama (Mother Earth), to whom offerings (ch'allas) are regularly made. A prominent legend is that of the Ekeko, the god of abundance and prosperity, depicted as a small man loaded with miniature goods. Geologically, the country holds one of the world's largest lithium reserves. Historically, Potosí was once the largest and wealthiest city in the Americas due to its "Mountain of Silver" (Cerro Rico).