Bolivia
Warnings and insurance
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.
Disruption in Central La PazPaz
There has been serious disruption and violence inand violence in central La Paz, particularly near government buildings. British nationals staying near Plaza Murillo or the city centre should: should:
-
stay away from
demonstrationsdemonstrations -
remain inside accommodation and stay away from windows and balconies where
possiblepossible -
avoid travelling by road, especially at
nightnight -
keep phones
chargedcharged -
monitor
local media,local media,and followand follow instructions from localauthoritiesauthorities
Do not attempt tonot attempt to cross roadblocks or approach crowds. If violence occurs nearby, shelter in place and contact the British Embassy if you need urgent assistance.urgent assistance.
Protests and road blockades blockades
Protests and road blockades are alsoalso impacting the impacting the department of La Paz, with the risk of them becoming violent. Follow the advice of local authorities and do not cross blockades. blockades.
The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Makewarning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed.needed.
Any British national who becomes stuck in a road blockade, or 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 RoadRoad
Due to the road blockades, if you purchase ayou purchase a bus ticket ‘condicionado’ it means the bus company may not be able to guarantee arrival to your destination. When travelling, do not use the roads on following routes until further notice: notice:
betweenbetween La
LaPaz and Copacabana (LakeTiticaca)Titicaca)-
between La Paz and
OruroOruro -
between La Paz and
Uyuni via OruroUyuni via Oruro -
between La Paz
and Rurrenabaqueand Rurrenabaque
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 accommodation along these routes, remain there and follow the advice of the local authorities. authorities.
Leaving BoliviaBolivia
If youyour arepresence tryingin toLa leavePaz Bolivia, check foris messagingnot fromessential, yourconsider departing now airline orif touryou operatorjudge for up-to-date information. Ensureyou yourcan travelaccess travel options documents remain validsafely. andIf confirm you haveare anytravelling requiredto visasthe forairport onwardby travel.
Anytaxi, Britishofficial nationalRadio whoTaxis isare currentlythe stuckmost inreliable option, your accommodation can help you find a roadtaxi. blockade,Check for the latest updates from your airline or who requires urgenttour consular assistance,operator, shouldas contactwell usas bythe phoneinstructions on +44from (0)20local 7008media 5000,and selectingauthorities. the option:Land ‘Consularborders servicescan forclose British nationals’.at short notice.
IfEnsure youyour aretravel indocuments remain valid Bolivia and usingconfirm ayou phonehave withany arequired local SIM please call +591visas 2-2010020 andfor selectonward option 2.travel.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates
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