Destinations / Bolivia
Driving in Bolivia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bolivia drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your licence for its high-altitude and mountain roads.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bolivia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 80–100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BOB. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | High altitude affects engine and driver performance. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.07% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Bolivia
At the pump
State firm YPFB sells Gasolina Especial (~6.96 Bs/L), Gasolina Premium (~11 Bs/L) and Diesel Oil (~9.80 Bs/L); subsidised local prices are low but foreigners are sometimes charged a higher non-subsidised rate, and many rural stations take cash only.
After a crash
Call the Policia Nacional on 110 (or 911 in some cities) and the ambulance on 118; do not move vehicles until the transit police arrive and a report is filed, as the official accident report is required for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: ypfb.gob.bo · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bolivia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bolivia drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your licence for its high-altitude and mountain roads.
Which translation format is used for Bolivia?
Bolivia uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Bolivia ask for a translation?
La Paz desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for altiplano and mountain routes.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Bolivia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.