Bolivia Travel Risk Level

Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to crime , unrest , and health . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings. Unrest Large demonstrations can happen with little warning. Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes connected to narcotrafficking. U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime. U.S. citizens in Bolivia are advised to take the same precautions. Health Hospitals in La Paz are not fully functional and lack medical supplies, including oxygen, due to protest blockades of roads leading to La Paz. Refer to our list of medical providers . Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Bolivia. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited in rural areas. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information. Consider the risk of traveling to high altitude locations in Bolivia. Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime . Reconsider Travel to La Paz due to unrest .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the department of La Paz, including the city of La Paz. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Protests and road blockades There are ongoing protests and road blockades across La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro, Potosí and Chuquisaca. British nationals should: avoid large gatherings and protests not attempt to cross roadblocks stay alert and monitor local media take the advice of local authorities be wary of unverified, unofficial information allow extra time to reach your destination. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. Any British national who requires urgent consular assistance, should contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. If you are in Bolivia and using a phone with a local SIM, please call 2-2010020. Travel by Road Check road status updates from the Bolivian road authority (available inside Bolivia only) to see which roads are blocked. When travelling, do not use the roads on following routes until further notice: between La Paz and Copacabana (Lake Titicaca) between La Paz and Desaguadero between La Paz and Oruro between La Paz and Uyuni via Oruro between La Paz and Cochabamba between La Paz and Potosi between La Paz and Rurrenabaque If you purchase a bus ticket ‘condicionado’ it means the bus company may not be able to guarantee arrival to your destination. Walking on certain roads may be dangerous due to the risk of violence around blockades and the effects of altitude. If you are in safe accommo