The US State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia, advising Americans to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to civil unrest.
According to the agency, “Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia [and they] can result in violence.”
Meanwhile, both domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly canceled with little to no notice.
The situation in airports and highways may limit “the flow of goods and services around the country.”
The US government also warned Americans to avoid traveling to the Chapare region due to crime. Consular assistance is limited since US workers need special permits to travel there.
Thus, if you decide to visit that region, make a security plan that does not rely on US government aid.
Bolivia is considered as safe as Spain, England or France. So don’t restrain yourself from visiting this beautiful South American country. But do it safely.
Some key recommendations include monitoring local media outlets for last-minute information regarding demonstrations and crime and consulting your travel agency for current news.
If you see yourself trapped in the middle of a riot, leave the place at your earliest convenience.
And no matter where you go, the State Department always advises you to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updated alerts and news and make it easier to locate you if something wrong happens.
What’s Happening in Bolivia?
Bolivians are known for not letting governments trample on their rights.
This week, truck drives blocked multiple roads in key commercial regions of the country, including some accesses to Oruro, Cochabamba, Potosí, and Santa Cruz.
There are currently ten blockage points: four in Oruro, four in Potosí, one in Cochabamba and one in Santa Cruz, according to the “Translatability” report issued by the Bolivian Road Administrator (ABC).
Bolivians are mostly complaining about the lack of dollars, the food and medicine inflation rate and a worrisome shortage of fuel. Thus, it’s a good idea to bring enough cash.
Truck drivers are not alone in this fight. Hundreds of locals joined them to protest and block roads.
“We are protesting across the country to make our needs visible and for the government to provide us with an economic response,” said Marcelo Cruz, leader of Santa Cruz International Heavy Transport Association.
According to Cruz, the current situation is “disastrous” because drivers can only work one day and the next they can’t because they need to find diesel.