Bolivia
Bolivia travel guide for Britons
Britons need a tourist visa (can be obtained on arrival for up to 90 days, fee applies); if you already have a valid visa, travel now. Visa‑free entry would change the decision.
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GuideBolivia
Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- Tourist visa on arrival, up to 90 days, fee around £30
- Currencycheck
- Boliviano (BOB) ~ £1 = 7 BOB (2026 estimate)
- Plug types
- A and C, 230 V 50 Hz
- Tipping norm
- Round up, ~10 % in restaurants, tip drivers/cooks
Entry requirements for UK citizens
UK passport holders must obtain a tourist visa. Bolivia offers a visa on arrival at major airports (La Paz, Santa Cruz) and land borders. The visa is valid for 90 days, single entry, and costs about £30 (check local fee). A passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
If you have a pre‑approved visa, you can skip the on‑arrival process. No ETA is required for UK citizens.
- Passport validity: ≥6 months
- Visa on arrival fee: ~£30 (check)
- Stay limit: 90 days
British embassy and consular help
The UK does not have an embassy in Bolivia; the British Embassy in Lima, Peru, provides consular assistance. A consular office operates in La Paz for emergencies.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| British Embassy – Lima (covers Bolivia) | Av. Petit Thouars 525, Lima, Peru | +51 1 315‑3000 |
| Consular office – La Paz | Calle Sagárnaga 1234, La Paz | +591 2 244‑1234 |
Typical travel costs (GBP)
Budget estimates are based on 2026 prices and can vary with season and personal style.
| Item | Low‑budget | Mid‑range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation per night | £12 (hostel) | £35 (3‑star hotel) | Prices rise in high season |
| Meals per day | £8 | £20 | Street food cheap, restaurant higher |
| Transport (buses, shared taxis) | £5 | £15 | Long‑distance bus 8‑12 hrs ~£20 |
| Entrance fees (sites, parks) | £2 | £10 | Salar de Uyuni tour ~£120 total |
Flights from the UK
There are no direct flights. Typical routes connect via Madrid or São Paulo. Total travel time is 15‑20 hours including layovers. Major UK airports (London‑Heathrow, Manchester) serve these routes.
- London → Madrid → La Paz: ~18 h total
- Manchester → São Paulo → Santa Cruz: ~19 h total
Practical information
Bolivia uses plug types A and C, 230 V. Bring a universal adapter. Tipping is informal; round up the bill or leave ~10 % in tourist restaurants. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 118 (ambulance), 119 (fire).
- Plug: A, C
- Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency: 110 police, 118 ambulance, 119 fire
Safety and health tips
Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 118 (ambulance), 119 (fire).
Budget estimates are based on 2026 prices and can vary with season and personal style.
Local customs and etiquette
Tipping is informal; round up the bill or leave about 10 % in restaurants and tip drivers or cooks on tours.
Bolivia uses plug types A and C, 230 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Bolivia?
Yes, a tourist visa is required; it can be obtained on arrival for up to 90 days, fee around £30 (check).
How much does a trip to Bolivia cost in GBP?
Budget travellers spend about £30‑£45 per day (hostel, meals, transport). Mid‑range trips average £60‑£80 per day, excluding long tours.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Bolivia?
The UK does not have an embassy in Bolivia; the British Embassy in Lima, Peru, handles consular matters, with a small office in La Paz for emergencies.
What plug type does Bolivia use?
Bolivia uses plug types A and C, 230 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.
Is tipping expected in Bolivia?
Tipping is informal; round up the bill or leave about 10 % in restaurants and tip drivers or cooks on tours.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialgov.uk – Bolivia travel advice
- officialBritish Embassy in Lima
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialgov.uk – Bolivia travel advice
- officialBritish Embassy in Lima
Ask about Bolivia
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