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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the continuing political and social tensions resulting in frequent roadblocks throughout the country.
Bolivia
High‑altitude cities, sprawling salt flats and a mosaic of indigenous languages define Bolivia’s Andean heart.
Overview
Bolivia’s multilingual fabric weaves Spanish, Quechua and Aymara across contrasting regions—from the altitude‑kissed streets of La Paz to the tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz. Its geography spans the towering Andes, the world‑famous Salar de Uyuni and dense Amazonian rainforests, each shaping a distinct way of life.
At a glance
Languages
- Araona(Official)
- Aymara(Official)
- Ayoreo(Official)
- Baure(Official)
- Canichana(Official)
- Cavineña(Official)
- Cayubaba(Official)
- Chácobo(Official)
- Ese Ejja(Official)
- Guaraní(Official)
- Guarayu(Official)
- Itene(Official)
- Itonama(Official)
- Leco(Official)
- Movima(Official)
- Puquina(Official)
- Quechua(Official)
- Sirionó(Official)
- Spanish(Official)
- Tacana(Official)
- Tapieté(Official)
- Toromono(Official)
- Yuki(Official)
- Yuracare(Official)
Population12,244,159
CurrencyBolivian Boliviano (BOB)
1 BOB = 0.1444 USD
1 USD = 6.9238 BOB
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionElevatedSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Business Residence, Permanent Residency, Student, and 3 more.
Business Residence
- Multiple Visa for Investment and Business
Multiple-entry consular visa for foreign nationals entering and leaving Bolivia regularly for investment and business activity.
- 1 year, renewable
- Limited work rights
Permanent Residency
- Permanencia Definitiva
Definitive permanence route for foreign nationals who meet the Bolivian migration-regulation requirements after three years in Bolivia.
- Full work rights
Student
- Student Visa
Entry visa for foreign nationals entering Bolivia to study at primary, secondary, or higher-education institutions.
- 60 days
- No work rights
Self-Employment
- Temporary Permanence for Work
DIGEMIG temporary permanence route for foreign nationals performing remunerated or lucrative work in Bolivia, with or without an employment relationship.
- 3 years, renewable
- Limited work rights
- Path to residency
Temporary Residence
- Visa de Objeto Determinado
Consular visa for entry to Bolivia for a specified purpose, including work, temporary work, volunteering, academic exchange, religious, health, or family purposes.
- Limited work rights
- Path to residency
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Visitor / Tourist Visa
Consular entry visa for foreign travelers entering Bolivia for a determined time, with itinerary, lodging or invitation, and financial-solvency evidence requirements.
- No work rights
Languages
- Araona(Official)
- Aymara(Official)
- Ayoreo(Official)
- Baure(Official)
- Canichana(Official)
- Cavineña(Official)
- Cayubaba(Official)
- Chácobo(Official)
- Ese Ejja(Official)
- Guaraní(Official)
- Guarayu(Official)
- Itene(Official)
- Itonama(Official)
- Leco(Official)
- Movima(Official)
- Puquina(Official)
- Quechua(Official)
- Sirionó(Official)
- Spanish(Official)
- Tacana(Official)
- Tapieté(Official)
- Toromono(Official)
- Yuki(Official)
- Yuracare(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Bolivia.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
United States
Level 2Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes associated with narcotrafficking
- Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime
- Large demonstrations about local politics and the economic situation can happen with little warning
- Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services
- Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited in rural areas
- Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information
- Consider the risk of traveling to high altitude locations in Bolivia
Start planning your move
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