See our Current Issues page for information on security during the Summit of South American Nations that will be held in Cochabamba on December 8 and 9, 2006.
Large-scale demonstrationsagainst the government, that may involve
acts of violence, are
occurring
mainly
in the Eastern part of Bolivia. Canadians travelling to Bolivia should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, monitor local news reports and be prepared to use alternative routes should roads become blocked due to protests. Canadians requiring consular assistance should contact the Consulate of Canada in Bolivia or the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (call collect).
Travellers should be aware of an increased incidence of “express kidnappings,” often involving sophisticated scenarios and criminals posing as police officers. Canadians residing in Bolivia should also be aware of the reported increase in home invasion crimes. Canadians are advised to be alert to these possible situations and ask to contact the Consulate of Canada should they be affected. Please see important information about this crime in section 3, below.
There is currently a shortage of jet fuel in Bolivia that has affected several flights operated by local airlines (LAB and Aerosur). This shortage is expected to continue as there are no quick solutions to the supply problem.
While most demonstrations in Bolivia are peaceful, some do turn violent. It is possible that demonstrations, roadblocks and marches occur on main roads at any time and with little or no notice. For more information please see our Current Issue.
La Paz’s airport is located in El Alto and the roads leading from the airport to downtown are particularly vulnerable to blockades. Canadians should avoid demonstrations at all times and not attempt to pass through roadblocks.Blockades are common during times of protest, affecting transportation and limiting access to services and amenities.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
Imprisoned individuals may have to wait up to two years for their trial. Jail conditions are primitive, and prisoners have to pay for their cells.
Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Travellers should not under any circumstance carry a stranger's baggage. Travellers visiting non-tourist locations, especially coca-growing areas, must exercise great vigilance and not carry a camera or binoculars.
It is illegal to remove any item that the Bolivian government considers to be a national treasure (e.g., pre-Columbian artifacts, certain historical paintings, items of Spanish colonial architecture and history, some native textiles, and certain flora, fauna, and fossils). Any type of excavation for fossils or collecting fossils without prior written authorization is illegal.
The Embassy of Canada in Lima, Peru, has consular responsibility for Bolivia.
Peru - LIMA, Embassy of Canada Address: Calle Libertad 130, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru Postal Address: P.O. Box 18-1126, Lima, Peru Tel.: 51 (1) 444-4015 Fax: 51 (1) 242-4050 E-mail:lima@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.lima.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in La Paz and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Bolivia is 800-10-0101, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bolivia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
Travellers staying for more than 30 days may obtain a tourist visa for approximately US$30. This type of visa can only be obtained twice.
Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 30 days) Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
A departure tax of 15 bolivianos is charged for internal travel. For international destinations a travellers tax of US$25 is charged. The departure tax for international destinations must be paid in U.S. currency. Travellers who have Bolivian citizenship or residency must pay an additional fee upon departure.
Tourists entering Bolivia do not require a yellow fever certificate to enter the country. However, local authorities recommend that tourists get a yellow fever vaccination if they are travelling to tropical regions, such as Los Yungas, El Chapare, Beni and Pando, as well as the rural areas of Santa Cruz.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Bolivia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.