Bolivia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving in Bolivia in 2026, your duty-free allowance for personal goods is USD 800. Cash over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Strict prohibitions include narcotics, unprocessed animal products from foot-and-mouth disease affected regions, and certain agricultural items without a phytosanitary certificate.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (or equivalent in BOB) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except for authorized medical use with a prescription)
  • Unprocessed animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) from foot-and-mouth disease affected regions
  • Plants, seeds, and soil without a phytosanitary certificate
  • Firearms and ammunition without prior authorization from the Bolivian Ministry of Defense
  • Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials
  • Pornographic material and items promoting violence or racial hatred

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use: must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (in Spanish or translated) for quantities exceeding 3 months' supply
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: require prior registration with the Bolivian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC)
  • Satellite phones and cryptographic equipment: require a permit from the Bolivian Telecommunications Authority (ATT)
  • Cultural property and antiques: export/import requires authorization from the Ministry of Cultures
  • Pets: dogs and cats require a health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and an import permit from SENASAG

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration mandatory

Any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in BOB or other currencies) must be declared on the customs form. There is no limit on the amount you can bring in, but undeclared amounts can be confiscated.

Agricultural inspection at entry

All travelers must pass through agricultural inspection (SENASAG) upon arrival. Any food items, plants, or animal products must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Duty-free goods for personal use only

The USD 800 duty-free allowance is strictly for personal use and not for resale. Customs officers may ask to see items and verify their nature. Commercial quantities are subject to full duties.

Temporary import of vehicles

If entering by land with a vehicle, you must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) valid for up to 90 days. A deposit or bond may be required. The vehicle must leave the country within the permit period.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones for your own use are generally not counted toward the USD 800 duty-free allowance, as long as they are clearly for personal use and not for resale.
Yes, but only processed, commercially packaged food items. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. All food must be declared at agricultural inspection.
Undeclared cash over USD 10,000 can be seized by customs, and you may face fines or legal proceedings. Always declare amounts above the threshold on the customs form.
Yes, the duty-free alcohol allowance is only for travelers aged 18 and over. Minors cannot bring alcohol duty-free and may have it confiscated.
Yes, but bring a doctor's prescription in Spanish or with a certified translation. For more than a 3-month supply, you need prior authorization from the Bolivian Ministry of Health. Keep medicines in original packaging.
Gifts are included in your personal goods allowance of USD 800. If the total value of all gifts and personal items exceeds USD 800, you will pay duty on the excess. Gifts must be for personal use, not for resale.

Official source

Bolivian National Customs and Tax Service (Aduana Nacional de Bolivia)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Bolivian National Customs and Tax Service (Aduana Nacional de Bolivia) before travelling.