Bolivia

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Bolivia 🇧🇴

Bolivia offers a diverse travel experience, from the high-altitude capital of La Paz to the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Amazon Basin. Its vibrant cultures, Indigenous traditions, and dramatic landscapes make it a unique destination for adventurous travellers.

That said, Bolivia’s elevation poses a real risk of altitude sickness, especially in cities like La Paz and Potosí. There are also health concerns such as mosquito-borne illnesses in tropical regions. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Travel Immunizations for Bolivia

What vaccines do I need for Bolivia? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in certain regions of Africa and South America.

There is a risk of yellow fever in Bolivia and vaccination may be recommended depending on your itinerary.
Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Mild cases: Fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
Severe cases: High fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, organ failure, and, in some cases, death.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.

Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally.

Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash, fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat, red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies

Rabies is a devastating viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by salmonella from improperly prepared food or contaminated water.

Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.
Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Bolivia Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Traveler’s diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (e.g. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.
Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets.

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.
Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease): Caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The initial infection may start with no symptoms or as flu-like symptoms and eyelid swelling. The infection can then become inactive for decades, but people can eventually develop digestive and heart complications and in more severe cases; death. Risk is generally low for most travelers.

Altitude Sickness

Many parts of Bolivia, including La Paz (3,640 metres) and Potosí (over 4,000 metres), are at high altitudes. Travelers who ascend rapidly to sleeping elevations above 2,800 metres (9,200 feet) should consider using acetazolamide to help prevent altitude sickness. Symptoms can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level, and may include headache, nausea, and fatigue.

AMS: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) typically occurs when ascending to high altitudes too quickly. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms usually begin within hours of arrival at altitude and can range from mild to severe.
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a life-threatening condition caused by swelling of the brain due to rapid ascent to high altitudes. It often begins with worsening symptoms of acute mountain sickness, such as severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking. If untreated, HACE can progress quickly to coma or death. Immediate descent and medical treatment are critical.
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a serious and potentially fatal condition where fluid builds up in the lungs due to high altitude. It typically develops after rapid ascent and may cause symptoms like shortness of breath at rest, extreme fatigue, chest tightness, and a persistent cough, often producing frothy or pink sputum. Immediate descent and medical intervention are essential for recovery.

Mpox

Rare but potentially serious viral disease caused by the mpox virus.
It is primarily spread through close or intimate contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials.
Symptoms may include rash and other symptoms like fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes
Travelers are advised to avoid close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with Mpox and to observe hand hygiene and safe sex practices.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Bolivia

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Bolivia

Health care quality varies, with good care mainly found in private hospitals in larger cities. Public and rural facilities often lack resources and may not meet Canadian standards.
Emergency services and medical access are limited, especially in rural or high-altitude areas. Air ambulance evacuation can be difficult, and delays in receiving care are common.
Most providers speak only Spanish and expect upfront payment, often in cash.
Be sure to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consular Assistance Bolivia

La Paz - Embassy of Canada

Street Address: 2678, Calle Victor Sanjinés, Edificio Barcelona, 2nd Floor, Plaza España (Sopocachi), La Paz, Bolivia

Telephone: 591 (2) 241-5141

Email: lapazconsular@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/bolivia-bolivie/la_paz.aspx?lang=eng

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

165 for emergency ambulance services
119 for fire
110 for police

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