Bolivia: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Tough
Overall verdict for Bolivia: Tough. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
Bolivia: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Driving, Weapons
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
💊Drugs🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💉MedicinesAllowed, with limits
🛡️Theft & scamsAllowed, with limits
🐾AnimalsAllowed, with limits
🚬SmokingAllowed, with limits
🍺AlcoholRelaxed
❤️Sex & datingAllowed, with limits
👕Dress codeAllowed, with limits
🕌ReligionRelaxed
🚗Driving🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
📷Photo & videoAllowed, with limits
🔪Weapons🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💶FinesAllowed, with limits
🛂Visa & customsAllowed, with limits
🤝BehaviorRelaxed
⛓️Jail riskBanned or serious risk
⚖️ExtraditionAllowed, with limits
📡Internet & VPNRelaxed
🚁DronesAllowed, with limits
💵Cash & currencyRelaxed
🩺Vaccines & healthBanned or serious risk
💻Remote workAllowed, with limits
🗣️Politics & protestAllowed, with limits
How Bolivia compares
With 5 of 23 topics flagged red, Bolivia is stricter than 18 of the 22 other countries in The Americas (regional average: 3.3). Worldwide, Bolivia ranks #65 of 148 for strictness (tied with 9 other countries).
What sets it apart
- Vaccines & health: flagged red here, while only 32 of 148 countries are this strict.
What to watch most in Bolivia
- An International Driving Permit is required or strongly recommended in most non-European countries — get it before leaving, it cannot be issued abroad.
- A few countries do not recognise foreign licences at all and require a local one.
- Rental insurance excesses are often huge; check what a scratch actually costs you.
- You have the right to contact your consulate. Ask immediately, and repeat the request until it happens.
- A consulate cannot get you out, but it can find a lawyer, notify your family and monitor conditions.
- Never sign a statement you cannot read. Demand an interpreter, in writing if possible.
Bolivia at a glance
CapitalLa Paz / Sucre
CurrencyBolivian Boliviano (BOB)
LanguageSpanish, Quechua, Aymara
Emergency number110
Driving sideRight
Mains voltage115 / 230 V
Calling code+591
Time zoneUTC-04:00
Plug typesA · C
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolivia strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Tough. 5 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Driving, Weapons, Jail risk, Vaccines & health), 13 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in Bolivia?
The strictest topics for travellers in Bolivia are: Drugs, Driving, Weapons, Jail risk, Vaccines & health. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for Bolivia?
In LawsTravels: open Bolivia, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in Bolivia?
In Bolivia, dial 110. Capital: La Paz / Sucre. Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). Main language: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Bolivia?
In Bolivia, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 115 / 230 V. Calling code: +591. Time zone: UTC-04:00. Plug types: A · C.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
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