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.
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.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
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
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
Moderate Risk
There is a risk from crime and political demonstrations causing road blockades. Altitude sickness affects most visitors.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted 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.
How to avoid: Real police officers in Bolivia do not stop pedestrians to inspect wallets. If approached, do not comply on the street - insist you will only go to the nearest official police station.
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.
How to avoid: Only use registered radio taxis (with a phone number visible on the door) or call an Uber/InDrive through the app. Never flag down unmarked taxis.
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.
How to avoid: Never accept drinks from strangers. Keep your drink in sight at all times and cover it when not drinking.
Overcharging Taxis and Tours
Some drivers quote prices in USD to tourists while expecting payment in Bolivianos, or inflate prices significantly above local rates.
How to avoid: Agree on price before entering the taxi, confirm currency. Research standard local prices before booking tours in Uyuni and Copacabana.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on 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
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water or purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels/restaurants. Brush teeth with bottled water.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
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 travellers
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+ travellers
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.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 118
- Embassy
- Tourist Police