Latest Travel advice Bolivia

 August 2, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Bolivia

• There are no national COVID-19 restrictions, but departments and municipalities have the authority to impose COVID-19 restrictions at the local level.
• Many city and municipal governments throughout Bolivia are reimplementing mandatory transit restrictions during evening hours and weekends. These restrictions can be imposed with limited to no warning.
• The wearing of facemasks in public places is mandatory and social distancing measures must be respected.
• Concerning schools, departments and municipalities will have the authority to determine education schedules and if students will return to the classroom in-person. Some areas have full or partially reopened schools, whereas other remain firmly closed.
• Most borders with neighboring countries remain open, however, some of the countries bordering Bolivia have maintained closure of their land borders and thus entering and exiting Bolivia by land may not be possible at this time.

COVID-19 Testing: 

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Bolivia? PCR and antigen tests are widely available in Bolivia.
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes.
• Numerous private and public clinics throughout Bolivia offer COVID-19 testing. For a comprehensive list of COVID-19 testing centers, please visit our medical assistance page.
• The designated government agency regulating COVID-19 testing in Bolivia is the Servicio Departamental de Salud (SEDES).
• There are 9 branches of SEDES in the 9 Departments of Bolivia.
  • First step is to contact SEDES for evaluation at 800-10-2930.
  • The two available tests are the Quick Test and the PCR test.
  • The test can be done through SEDES or at a private Hospital or Lab.
  • In either case, the price for the Quick Test averages is US$ 50.00 and the PCR test price averages is US$ 135. The costs of the test are paid in full by the patient.
  • COVID-19 tests results can be issued by email, text messages or physical copies.
• Please note for all travelers to the United States, the ELISA quick test commonly used to test for COVID-19 antibodies in Bolivia does not meet the requirements set by the CDC for travel to the United States. Travelers will need to show proof of a negative PCR test.

For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html .

Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity.  To submit information in support of an exemption, email ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Bolivia approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes.
• Are vaccines available in Bolivia for U.S. citizens to receive? Only for U.S. citizens with permanent residency in Bolivia.
• Which vaccines are available in Bolivia?  The Bolivia Ministry of Health has approved the use of the Sputnik V and Sinopharm vaccines. The government of Bolivia is carefully considering the approval, emergency use, and purchase of other COVID-19 vaccines.
• The Bolivian government will give priority to front-line healthcare workers and vulnerable communities, such as the elderly. The U.S. Embassy does not have an estimation about when a COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available in Bolivia. U.S. citizens should consult their local healthcare providers for additional information.
• For additional information about availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the Official Site of the Government of Bolivia on COVID-19.   
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.
• The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements: 

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
  • Air borders are open and commercial flights are permitted to operate.
  • Diplomats, members of special missions and international organizations, technical specialists, and drivers of international goods and cargo will be permitted to return to the country with no enforced quarantine upon their arrival provided that they submit a valid certification of the PCR test specifically for COVID-19 with a negative result taken within three days prior to the flight.
  • Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions affecting international travel to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the Official Site of the Government of Bolivia on COVID-19  for updated information on these measures.
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.
  • Certified negative PCR test for every passenger over 5 years of age.
    • The test must be taken 72 hours prior to departure, regardless of the country of travel origin.
  • Travelers are required to quarantine for at least 10 days after entering Bolivia. Diplomats are exempt from this measure.
  • Travelers will be required to submit a sworn statement of location of stay within Bolivia.
  • All travelers entering Bolivia will be required to have another RT-PCR test taken 7 days after arrival. The cost of this test must be covered by the traveler
  • Travelers who do not have permanent residence in Bolivia must have health insurance with coverage for COVID-19 upon entry to Bolivia.
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
  • All passengers will have their temperature taken prior to entering airports and the pre-boarding areas. Individuals with a fever or a temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) will be referred to the airport medical unit for a medical evaluation.
• Minors under 18 may only travel with a parent or legal guardian.
• Minors of any nationality who have been residing in Bolivia for over 90 days and will be traveling with only one parent, will need to get a travel authorization from the Juzgado del Menor.
• Children may not travel unaccompanied.

Movement Restrictions: 

• Is a curfew in place? In certain city and municipal jurisdictions throughout Bolivia, mandatory transit restrictions are in place. These measures are aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Transit restrictions are largely implemented during overnight hours and weekends. However, city and municipal government have the authority to implement tighter transit restrictions with little or no advanced notice.
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes

• Travelers are required to quarantine for at least 10 days after entering Bolivia.
• Travelers will be required to submit a sworn statement of location of stay within Bolivia.
• All travelers entering Bolivia will be required to have another RT-PCR test taken 7 days after arrival. The cost of this test must be covered by the traveler.

Transportation Options: 

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes
  • Commercial airlines operating in Bolivia have continued to run periodic flights to Miami and other foreign destinations during Bolivian quarantine measures.
  • The two local airlines currently operating international and domestic flights are BOA and Amaszonas. Ecojet is only operating domestic flights.
  • Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions affecting international travel to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
• Is public transportation operating? Yes.
  • Social distancing and the use of masks in public vehicles places remains obligatory.

Consular Operations: 

• What ACS services are being offered?
  • The Consular Section has resumed routine U.S. citizen services.
  • S. citizens seeking emergency services should contact the Consular Section via email: ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov.
  • Please monitor the Embassy website for information concerning the resumption of consular services.
• What visa services are being offered?
  • The Consular Section has resumed most visa services for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories. Due to increased demand and mandatory biosecurity measures, visa applicants should anticipate longer than usual wait times for a visa interview appointment.
  • Travelers needing consular assistance for legitimate emergency travel to the United States should contact the Consular Section via email: ConsularLaPazNIV@state.gov.
  • Please monitor the Embassy website for information concerning the resumption of consular services.

Local Resources: 

Other links:

• COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov  
• CDC page on COVID-19  
• Bolivia Country Information  
• Bolivian Health Ministry  

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