On September 1st, Bolivia has reopened air borders and is once again allowing international commercial flights to operate.
Since they first closed their borders on March 17th to help combat the spread of the virus, the nation has seen many lockdowns and curfews imposed on its citizens. The Bolivian government just extended the current national quarantine and curfew for another month, until September 30th, but also made the contradictory decision to resume international flights.
While not officially reopen for tourism due to strict quarantine and curfew regulations in place, some categories of foreigners (like foreigners with dual citizenship, diplomats, spouses of nationals, etc) can once again enter Bolivia by air. Land borders remain closed.
PCR testing required
All approved foreigners and Bolivian citizens returning home are required to bring a negative PCR test with them, taken no longer than 7 days prior to arrival in Bolivia. If the passenger is a foreigner, they will need to have the test endorsed or certified by a Bolivian consulate before arriving.
This means that any approved foreigner will need to get the test performed, receive the results, and then send it to a Bolivian consulate and get a response/approval back, before they can fly into the country, all within a 7-day period.
Approved passengers entering Bolivia will also have to fill out a health affidavit form and agree to a screening upon arrival, which included temperature checks. Any temperature over 38c will results in a medical exam which may include testing.
Not Ready For Tourism
Foreigners entering Bolivia should be aware that most of the nation is still under movement restrictions, curfews, quarantines and many other regulations. Social distancing and the use of masks in public is required by law and can be fined for non-compliance.
Monday to Friday vehicle and foot traffic is not permitted between 8:00pm and 5:00am. Saturday and Sunday the banned hours are 4:00pm to 5:00am. Shops and markets are only allowed to open on weekends until 4:00pm.
Flights Resuming to Bolivia
Commercial flights are already starting to resume to Bolivia. Here are some that have rescheduled/resumed:
- Miami on BoA, already resumed
- Sao Paulo on BoA, already resumed
- Lima on Latam, resuming Oct 1
- Panama on Copa, resuming Oct 2
- Madrid on Air Europa, resuming Oct 2
- Buenos Aires on Aerolineas, resuming Oct 2
- Santiago on Latam, resuming Oct 3
- Bogota on Avianca, resuming Oct 25
As the announcement of airspace reopening is quite new, more flights might be added or earlier dates might open up as airlines start to reschedule.
Other than Brazil, Ecuador and Uruguay, Bolivia has been the only other country in South America to show some signs of reopening.
Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Chile all had their current border closure policies set to expire on August 31st, but have all been extended.
Read More: See which countries in all of Latin America are reopen for tourism, which countries are currently allowing Canadian and American tourists, and which companies offer travel insurance that covers covid.
The Embassy of Canada to Bolivia reached out to us after the publishing of this article with recommendations that any general tourist does not interpret the re-opening of airspace to signal tourism returning. Travel to Bolivia is not recommended at this time.
Sources: periodicobolvia / osac.gov / bo.usembassy.gov / gacataoficialdebolivia.bob.bo /
For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions:
↓ Join Our Facebook Community
allen
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
HI @Kashlee Kucheran Can you please confirm the latest requirements to Bolivia? I am having difficulty finding this online.
allen
Wednesday 27th of April 2022
@Kashlee Kucheran,
I am reading also proof of insurance but having difficulty understanding what is needed and the amount of coverage.
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
Current rules - If vaccinated, proof of vax + a 72 hour PCR
liz
Thursday 7th of October 2021
any rules regarding transiting via Vivu Vivu airport. I am considering a flight with a 7 hour layover there
gitmaniac
Monday 21st of September 2020
I was just told that the COVID certificate does not need to be certified anymore by any consulate..please confirm this and update.