Bolivia

South America · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Chikungunya in Bolivia

CDC has issued a Level 2 notice for a chikungunya outbreak in the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments. Travellers should prevent mosquito bites and consider chikungunya vaccination.

Current alert — Global Measles

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.

Planning a trip to Bolivia? Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and CDC recommends hepatitis A for most travellers, with hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and chikungunya suggested for some travellers. Malaria is a risk below 2,500 m. See a travel health professional 4–6 weeks before departure.

Malaria occurs in areas below 2,500 m (no risk in La Paz), and a chikungunya outbreak is ongoing in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.

Required for entry

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Bolivia.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Malaria transmission occurs in all areas below 2,500 m elevation, with no risk in La Paz. Chloroquine-resistant P. vivax and P. falciparum are present; chemoprophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine or tafenoquine is recommended for risk areas.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateRequired

Practise food and water safety, prevent bug bites and take care around animals due to rabies risk from dogs and bats. Avoid contaminated water.

Also in South America

PeruBrazilArgentinaChile

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Bolivia.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.