Bolivia Travel Health Guide: Vaccines, Risks & Safety Tips

Your Health Guide to Traveling in Bolivia

Bolivia is one of South America's most extraordinary destinations. From the mirror-flat salt flats of Uyuni to the cloud forests spilling down toward the Amazon, the country rewards every traveler who arrives prepared. Planning your Bolivia trip health preparation well in advance is the single most important thing you can do before you board.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you go: the health risks specific to Bolivia's dramatically varied geography, the vaccines recommended for your itinerary, food and water safety, the illnesses travelers most commonly encounter, and what U.S. citizens need to know about entry requirements. Bolivia spans high Andean peaks, inter-Andean valleys, and tropical Amazonian lowlands, and your health plan needs to reflect where in the country you are actually going.

WayPax is here to help you navigate all of it, so you can focus on the trip itself.

At a Glance

Category	Details
Risk Level	Medium
Region	South America, Andean region
Tap Water Safe	No. Use bottled, filtered, or boiled water throughout Bolivia.
Vaccines Recommended	Yes. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever (for risk areas), Chikungunya (for outbreak areas), routine vaccines, and COVID-19 are recommended.
Visa Required for US Citizens	No visa required for tourism or business stays under 90 days per year, as of December 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccines before traveling to Bolivia?

Yes, several vaccines are recommended before you travel to Bolivia. According to the CDC, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are recommended for unvaccinated travelers, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended if your itinerary takes you below 2,300 m / 7,550 ft east of the Andes. Your routine vaccines, including MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and COVID-19, should also be up to date before departure. Speak with a travel health provider at least four to six weeks before you leave to make sure your vaccination plan fits your specific itinerary.

Is tap water safe to drink in Bolivia?

Tap water in Bolivia is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and making ice throughout your trip. This applies nationwide, even if you hear that water quality may be better in certain cities. The safest rule is to treat all tap water as unsafe and plan accordingly.

What illnesses do travelers commonly get in Bolivia?

The most common health concerns for travelers in Bolivia include altitude illness (the physical effects of reduced oxygen at high elevation), mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, and food- or water-related infections like hepatitis A (a liver infection spread through contaminated food or water). The WHO and UK government travel health guidance identify altitude illness as one of the most important risks, particularly in La Paz and the Andean highlands. Your risk profile shifts significantly depending on whether you are spending time at altitude in the west or in the tropical lowlands to the east.

Are there health risks I should know before visiting Bolivia?

Bolivia carries a medium overall travel health risk, but that risk is very manageable with the right preparation. According to the CDC, there is currently an active chikungunya outbreak in the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments, year-round dengue risk in lower-elevation areas, malaria risk below 2,500 m / 8,200 ft, and yellow fever risk in parts of the country east of the Andes. Altitude illness is a serious consideration in high-elevation cities. Vaccination, mosquito protection, and careful food and water choices address the majority of these risks.

Do I need any health documents to enter Bolivia?

If your itinerary includes areas of Bolivia with yellow fever risk, or if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission, you may be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination at the border. According to NaTHNaC, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for some travelers aged one year or older. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (your official yellow card) with you when you travel, and confirm current entry requirements with official sources before departure.

Get Your Personalized Travel Health Plan for Bolivia

Bolivia's geography means your health risks depend heavily on your exact itinerary. Heading into the Amazonian lowlands of Beni or Santa Cruz puts you in active chikungunya outbreak territory and yellow fever risk zones, while arriving in La Paz means altitude illness is your first concern. A licensed travel health provider can review your specific route, health history, and vaccination record to build a plan that fits your trip. WayPax connects you with the tools and guidance to get that done before you go.

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Health Risks in Bolivia

Bolivia's health risks divide clearly between its two geographic worlds. The high-altitude west brings altitude illness as the primary concern, while the tropical lowlands to the east carry mosquito-borne disease risks that vary by elevation and season. Understanding which part of Bolivia you are visiting shapes your entire health preparation.

Altitude Illness

Altitude illness (the physical effects of lower oxygen levels at high elevation, which can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and in serious cases, life-threatening fluid buildup in the lungs or brain) is one of the most significant health risks for visitors to Bolivia's Andean highlands. La Paz sits at roughly 3,600 m / 11,800 ft above sea level. The WHO and UK government travel health guidance both flag altitude illness as a major concern for travelers in this region. Give your body time to acclimatize by resting for the first one to two days after arrival, staying well hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and heavy physical exertion early in your trip. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. A travel health provider can discuss whether preventive medication is appropriate for your itinerary and health history.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

According to the CDC, Bolivia currently has an active chikungunya (a viral illness spread by mosquito bites that causes fever, joint pain, and rash) outbreak in the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments. This is an active Level 2 CDC notice, meaning the risk is elevated right now for travelers visiting those areas. Dengue (another mosquito-borne viral illness causing high fever, severe headache, and joint pain) is a year-round risk in lower-elevation areas of Bolivia. Malaria (a serious parasitic infection spread by mosquito bites) is present in all areas below 2,500 m / 8,200 ft, though La Paz itself is malaria-free due to its high elevation. Yellow fever risk, as noted by the WHO, is concentrated in areas below 2,300 m / 7,550 ft east of the Andes, including the entire departments of Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz, plus designated areas of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net in lower-elevation areas. Whether preventive malaria medication is right for your trip is a decision a licensed travel health provider will make based on your specific destinations and health history.

Vaccine-Preventable Illnesses

Hepatitis A (a liver infection spread through contaminated food or water) and hepatitis B (a liver infection spread through blood or body fluid exposure) are both relevant risks for unvaccinated travelers, according to the CDC. Measles risk is also present: the CDC notes rising global measles activity and recommends all international travelers be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine before departure. These risks are substantially reduced by vaccination before you leave home.

Recommended Vaccinations for Bolivia

Several vaccines are recommended before traveling to Bolivia, and the right combination depends on where you are going within the country. According to the CDC, the following vaccines should be on your checklist.

• Hepatitis A: Protects against a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. The CDC recommends this vaccine for all unvaccinated travelers aged one year and older going to Bolivia, and for infants aged 6 to 11 months before travel. Get vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.
• Hepatitis B: Protects against a liver infection transmitted through blood or body fluid contact. The CDC recommends this for unvaccinated travelers under age 60, and notes that travelers 60 and older may also choose to vaccinate. The standard series requires multiple doses, so start early.
• Yellow Fever: Protects against a serious, potentially fatal viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. The WHO recommends this vaccine for travelers aged 9 months or older visiting areas below 2,300 m / 7,550 ft east of the Andes, including Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and parts of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. This vaccine may also be required for entry depending on your country of origin or transit. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
• Chikungunya: Protects against a mosquito-borne viral illness currently in active outbreak in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments. The CDC recommends this vaccine for people traveling to affected areas of Bolivia. Discuss timing with your travel health provider.
• Routine Vaccines (including MMR, DTaP/Tdap/Td, varicella, polio, influenza, and shingles as age-appropriate): These should all be up to date before any international travel. The CDC specifically highlights MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) given rising global measles activity.
• COVID-19: The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible travelers to Bolivia before departure.

Your exact vaccination needs depend on your itinerary, age, and health history. See a travel health provider or clinic at least four to six weeks before your trip to confirm your plan.

Tap Water and Food Safety in Bolivia

Tap water in Bolivia is not safe to drink. This is the most important food and water rule for your trip, and it applies everywhere in the country.

Water Safety

Stick to bottled water, filtered water, or water that has been brought to a rolling boil for all drinking, teeth brushing, and food preparation. Some sources suggest tap water may be safer in Santa Cruz than elsewhere, but this is not consistently confirmed across reliable travel health sources. The straightforward approach is to treat all tap water as unsafe and use bottled, filtered, or boiled water throughout Bolivia, regardless of which city you are in. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are confident it was made from purified water, which is rarely guaranteed at local restaurants or street stalls.

Food Safety

Bolivia has excellent food, and you can enjoy it safely with a few straightforward habits. Choose cooked food that is served hot, and be cautious with raw vegetables, salads, and fruit that cannot be peeled, as these may have been washed in tap water. Street food can be delicious and generally safe if it is freshly cooked and served from a busy stall with high turnover. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and shellfish. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Hepatitis A (a liver infection spread through contaminated food or water) is a real risk for unvaccinated travelers, which is another reason vaccination before departure matters.

Common Traveler Illnesses in Bolivia

The illnesses travelers most commonly encounter in Bolivia fall into two broad categories: those related to altitude and those related to mosquitoes or contaminated food and water. Where you go in Bolivia shapes which risks are most relevant to you.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness, or AMS, the body's response to reduced oxygen at high elevation) is common among travelers arriving in La Paz or the Altiplano. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Most people experience at least mild symptoms when they first arrive at altitude. Rest, hydrate, and avoid alcohol for the first 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms worsen rather than improve, or if you develop confusion, loss of coordination, or significant shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately and consider descending to a lower elevation.

Dengue Fever

Dengue (a viral illness transmitted by daytime-biting mosquitoes, causing high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and joint and muscle pain) is a year-round risk in Bolivia's lower-elevation regions. According to the CDC, global dengue activity is elevated. There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Rest, fluids, and fever management are the standard care. See a doctor promptly if you develop a high fever within two weeks of returning from a lower-elevation area of Bolivia.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya (a mosquito-borne viral illness causing fever and often severe, potentially long-lasting joint pain) is currently in active outbreak in Bolivia's Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments, according to the CDC. Joint pain from chikungunya can persist for months after the initial infection. Using insect repellent and covering exposed skin are your primary defenses. If you develop fever and joint pain after visiting these areas, tell your doctor about your travel history.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A (a viral liver infection spread through food or water contaminated with fecal matter) can cause fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and abdominal pain. According to the CDC, it is a relevant risk for unvaccinated travelers to Bolivia. Vaccination before travel is the most effective prevention. If you are not vaccinated and develop jaundice or persistent abdominal pain during or after your trip, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Measles

Measles (a highly contagious viral illness causing fever, rash, cough, and runny nose) remains a risk for unvaccinated international travelers. The CDC notes rising global measles activity and advises all international travelers to be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine before departure. Two doses of MMR provide strong protection. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your doctor before you travel.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens Visiting Bolivia

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Bolivia for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days per year. This is a recent and important change: as of December 3, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia confirmed that U.S. citizens may enter Bolivia for tourism and business without a visa for up to 90 days within a one-year period.

If you are traveling for purposes other than tourism or business, a Bolivian visa may be required. The U.S. State Department advises confirming your specific situation before departure. Some older government sources still reference a previous visa requirement for U.S. citizens, so rely on the most current guidance from the U.S. Embassy and State Department rather than older travel resources.

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. If your itinerary includes areas with yellow fever risk, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (your yellow card) as proof of yellow fever vaccination, as this may be required at entry depending on your origin country or transit points. Always verify current entry requirements directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia before you travel, as policies can change.

Quick Answers

I am planning a trip to Bolivia, what vaccines and health precautions should I look into before I go?

Before traveling to Bolivia, the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines including MMR and COVID-19, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if you are not already protected. If your itinerary takes you below 2,300 m / 7,550 ft east of the Andes into areas such as Beni, Pando, or Santa Cruz, yellow fever vaccination is also recommended by the WHO. There is currently an active chikungunya outbreak in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments, and the CDC recommends the chikungunya vaccine for travelers heading to those areas. See a travel health provider at least four to six weeks before departure to confirm which vaccines fit your specific itinerary and health history.

Can you tell me whether it is safe to drink tap water in Bolivia, and what food and water precautions travelers usually take?

Tap water in Bolivia is not safe to drink. Use bottled, filtered, or boiled water for drinking and teeth brushing throughout the country. For food, choose freshly cooked hot meals, avoid raw vegetables and salads that may have been washed in tap water, and peel fruit yourself before eating. Hepatitis A (a liver infection spread through contaminated food or water) is a real risk for unvaccinated travelers, according to the CDC, so vaccination before travel adds an important layer of protection.

I am traveling to Bolivia soon, what common illnesses or health risks should I prepare for?

The most important health risks in Bolivia depend on where you are going. In the Andean highlands and La Paz, altitude illness (the body's response to reduced oxygen at high elevation) is the primary concern, with symptoms including headache, nausea, and fatigue. In lower-elevation eastern regions, mosquito-borne diseases are the main risk: according to the CDC, dengue is a year-round risk, there is an active chikungunya outbreak in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments, and malaria is present in all areas below 2,500 m / 8,200 ft. Using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and getting recommended vaccines before departure significantly reduce your risk across all of these.

What kind of medical care can travelers access in Bolivia, and should I get travel insurance before my trip?

Medical facilities in Bolivia vary considerably by location, with better care available in larger cities and limited options in rural and remote areas. Given Bolivia's medium travel health risk profile, including an active chikungunya outbreak, altitude illness potential, and mosquito-borne disease risks in the lowlands, travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly worth considering before your trip. The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia does not pay for medical care or evacuation, so having your own coverage gives you real options if something goes wrong. Check that your policy covers high-altitude destinations and any adventure activities you plan to do.

Bolivia Awaits. Go Ready.

Bolivia's tropical lowlands in Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz sit in active yellow fever and dengue territory, and right now there is a CDC-confirmed chikungunya outbreak in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments. These are manageable risks with the right preparation, including mosquito protection and the vaccines your licensed travel health provider recommends for your specific route. WayPax helps you build a complete health plan for your trip so nothing catches you off guard when you land.

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