Bolivia Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Bolivia trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Bolivia is generally safe for tourists in main cities and tourist areas, though petty crime, altitude sickness, and transport risks require attention. Exercise heightened caution in La Paz after dark, and avoid the Chapare coca-growing region. The most significant risks are altitude-related health issues and occasional political unrest with road blockades.
Bolivia offers stunning natural wonders from the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the serene waters of Lake Titicaca. Experience rich indigenous culture, colorful markets, and the world's highest capital city in La Paz.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions in most areas. Exercise increased caution in La Paz after dark and on transport. Avoid the Chapare region. Be aware of road blockades during political protests.
Last updated: 2025-06
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
There is a risk from crime and political demonstrations causing road blockades. Altitude sickness affects most visitors.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Fake Police / Wallet Inspection Scam
Two or more individuals approach tourists claiming to be plain-clothes police officers and ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit bills. This is always a robbery attempt.
Taxi Express Kidnapping
Unmarked taxis with accomplices inside abduct passengers and force them to withdraw maximum cash from ATMs before releasing them. This risk is highest in La Paz and El Alto at night.
Friendship Scam / Drink Drugging
Strangers befriend tourists at bars, offer a drugged drink, and rob the incapacitated victim. More common in tourist areas of La Paz's Sopocachi and Rosario neighborhoods.
Overcharging Taxis and Tours
Some drivers quote prices in USD to tourists while expecting payment in Bolivianos, or inflate prices significantly above local rates.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid express kidnapping risk by not traveling alone at night
Don't cross road blockades during protests
Register with your embassy before travel
Avoid Chapare region due to violent crime
Be cautious of altitude sickness in La Paz and high-altitude areas
Use only official taxis or rideshare apps
Keep valuables secure in crowded markets
Acclimatize before exerting yourself: La Paz sits above 3,600m and Potosi above 4,000m. Rest 24-48 hours on arrival before climbing stairs quickly or hiking
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times; leave the original in your hotel safe to avoid problems if stopped by authorities
Beware the fake police scam: strangers may claim to be plain-clothes officers and ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit bills, then rob you. Insist on going to the nearest official police station rather than complying on the street
Only drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks; tap water and ice from unknown sources commonly cause gastrointestinal illness in travelers
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Bolivia is manageable solo but requires more precaution than other South American destinations. La Paz's tourist neighborhoods (Sopocachi, Miraflores) are safe during the day. Use registered taxis or apps after dark, don't walk alone in El Centro after 10PM, and inform your accommodation of your plans when venturing to remote areas.
Female Travelers
Female travelers are generally safe in tourist areas with standard precautions. Dress modestly in indigenous communities and highland markets to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid traveling alone at night using public transport. The backpacker hostels in La Paz and Sucre have active social atmospheres where connecting with travel companions is easy.
Families
Bolivia is an excellent family destination with proper preparation. Focus families on lower-altitude destinations initially (Santa Cruz, Rurrenabaque) before highland cities. Altitude sickness affects children as much as adults - consult a pediatrician about acetazolamide before travel. Food hygiene requires attention - stick to cooked food and bottled water for children under 12.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Bolivia but not widely accepted socially, particularly in indigenous communities and rural areas. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention in conservative areas. Santa Cruz and La Paz's Sopocachi neighborhood are most tolerant. There is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. Exercise discretion outside major cities.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever required/recommended for Amazon regions (Rurrenabaque, Madidi). Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Routine vaccines up to date. Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) recommended for high-altitude areas.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Use bottled water or purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels/restaurants. Brush teeth with bottled water.
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Bolivia
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide