last edited Mar 8, 2026
Health and Safety in Bolivia
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
Diseases
While risks should be kept in perspective, diseases do exist in Bolivia, primarily in the lowlands and the Amazonian part of the country. Unlike the Andean high plateaus, these two regions pose the most health problems, though a minimum of precautions and common sense is usually enough to avoid issues.
In practice, as in many countries, mosquitoes are the main concern, so bring repellent and appropriate clothing, especially in the evening. Below 1,500 meters in altitude, malaria is endemic, particularly in the north of the country. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, Zika, and even Chagas disease are present in certain areas or at specific times. All these diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites, except for Chagas, which is caused by a parasite.
Apart from these, cases of yellow fever occasionally occur in the north and east of Bolivia. While several sources recommend vaccination against yellow fever for stays in Amazon Rainforest, no vaccine is officially required to enter the country. That said, it’s always best to be up to date with your "basic travel vaccines."
In a slightly different area, there is a hallucinogenic plant in the Amazon called ayahuasca that sometimes tempts travelers. Used by shamans, its effects can be deadly if misused.
Hygiene
As often, good personal and especially food hygiene is necessary if you’re not used to "eating local." So, avoid tap water, which isn’t potable, and dishes or foods that don’t seem fresh—if only to prevent *turista*, the well-known traveler’s diarrhea that occasionally strikes.
On-Site Healthcare Facilities
Bolivia is one of the countries on the continent with the weakest and most fragile healthcare infrastructure. While in cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and others, you’ll find public and private (expensive) facilities, in rural areas and the Amazon, options are far more limited, if not nonexistent, to the point that traditional medicine sometimes has to step in. In all cases, good travel insurance is therefore recommended, even essential, for Bolivia.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Bolivia is a relatively safe destination where crime and delinquency are lower than in many other Latin American countries, though the entire border area with Brazil is known for trafficking and is best avoided.
Nevertheless, be cautious, especially against pickpockets, in bus terminals, certain markets, or deserted areas. As always, take basic travel precautions: don’t flaunt wealth, avoid walking alone at night in isolated places, use official taxis, and be careful in transport. Risks are minimal if you follow these guidelines. In case of assault, however, it’s best not to resist and to always have "something" to give to your attackers. If you have a vehicle, it’s highly recommended to use guarded parking and never leave anything inside.
In another area, while drugs circulate widely in the country and its neighbors, possession and even more so trafficking are severely punished by law, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison for use and 15 years for trafficking. Also note that exporting archaeological heritage and antiques is strictly prohibited and punishable by up to 6 years in prison.
Socio-Political Risks
Socio-political tensions, whatever their reasons, are fairly recurrent in Bolivia. These can last and sometimes turn violent, with roadblocks, city or even entire region shutdowns. In all cases, stay well-informed and avoid demonstrations and crowds during such events.
Climate and Nature
Altitude Sickness
In a way, far more than health risks or insecurity, *"soroche"* remains the main discomfort travelers encounter during a trip to Bolivia.
As in the rest of the Andean massif, altitude sickness affects most visitors. Even just at Lake Titicaca and its 3,812 meters, or worse when arriving at the airport in La Paz at 4,000 meters.
Headaches, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulties are symptoms that, for most people in good health, will disappear or lessen with acclimatization, by not ascending too quickly or beyond a certain altitude (5,000 meters and above). In short, it’s always essential to adjust your pace and moderate your efforts when in the Andean part of Bolivia.
Other Issues
During the rainy season (October to May), it’s not uncommon for roads in the Andes or elsewhere to be cut off due to flooding or landslides. Also, be careful when hiking in nature, in the mountains, the Amazon, the Salar de Uyuni, or southern Lípez—avoid going alone, among other things, to prevent getting lost or, incidentally, being assaulted.
Animals
Bolivia boasts exceptional biodiversity with a varied and not always friendly fauna, especially in the Amazon. That said, risks are low and always result from accidental encounters, whether with snakes, caimans, spiders, scorpions, or disease-carrying creatures like mosquitoes. In reality, stray dogs, which can sometimes be aggressive, are more of a concern.
Foreign Consulates in Bolivia
If you encounter problems while traveling abroad, your country’s consular services can assist you. Also note that if you’re an EU citizen and your country isn’t represented, you can contact any other EU member state’s representation.
France
- Consulate General: Avenida Hernando Siles 5390 - esq. Calle 8 de Obrajes - La Paz. Tel.: +591 (2) 214 99 00.