Bolivia travel guide for Australians

Australians must obtain a tourist e‑visa before arriving in Bolivia. The process is online, costs about AU$70, and the visa is valid for a single entry of up to 90 days.

Apply for a Bolivian e‑visa at the official portal (visa bolivia.gob.bo). Provide a valid passport (at least six months beyond travel), a recent photo, and proof of onward travel. The visa fee is AU$70 (approx. 300 BOB). No visa‑on‑arrival for Australians.

If you already hold a multiple‑entry Schengen or US visa, you may be exempt – verify on the official site.

Australia does not have a resident embassy in Bolivia. The nearest Australian diplomatic mission is the Consulate General in Santiago, Chile. For consular assistance, contact:

Australian Consulate General, Santiago – Phone: +56 2 2260 5000 – Email: [email protected]

Budget estimates for a two‑week trip (mid‑range) are:

- Accommodation: AU$30–50 per night (hostels to 3‑star hotels).

- Meals: AU$10–20 per day if eating at local restaurants.

- Internal transport: AU$5–15 for buses, AU$150–200 for a domestic flight (La Paz ↔ Uyuni).

- Activities: AU$30–80 for tours (e.g., Salar de Uyuni 3‑day tour).

Main international gateways are Viru Viru (Santa Cruz) and El Alto (La Paz). Typical routes:

- Sydney → La Paz: 1‑stop (Santiago or Lima), total time ≈ 13–15 h, price AU$1,200–1,600 (economy).

- Melbourne → Santa Cruz: 1‑stop (Lima), ≈ 14 h, price AU$1,300–1,700.

Use the flight‑time planner tool for exact connections.

Bolivia uses plug types A (flat two‑pin) and C (round two‑pin). Voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz. Most hotels provide both socket types; bring a universal adapter.

Round up restaurant bills or leave about 10 % in tourist establishments. For tours, tip drivers and cooks AU$5–10 per day if service is good.

Police 110, Ambulance 118, Fire 119. The Australian Consular Assistance line (outside office hours) is +61 2 6261 1111.