Bolivia Travel Risk

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.

Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime.

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 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.

State of Emergency

A State of Emergency has been declared in Bolivia, giving police and armed forces powers to remove roadblocks, disrupt protests and detain those not complying with the new measures for up to 8 hours without charge. Follow the advice of local authorities, be wary of unverified or unofficial information, stay alert and keep away from protests and roadblocks.

Protests and roadblocks

Do not try to cross roadblocks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate without warning. Allow extra time to reach your destination and 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.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Bolivia

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bolivia, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Bolivia is experiencing an economic crisis and dollar shortage which has led to an increase in crime rates. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, in other popular tourist destinations, on buses and in crowded areas. Do not leave your bag or other belongings unattended. Always keep your passport, money and other valuable items in a safe place. On night buses, use a money belt under your clothes for important documents and credit cards; theft can occur when you are asleep.

Criminals impersonating Police Officers

Thieves can impersonate police officers. They have used fake police ID cards, uniforms and even police stations to fool victims. They may ask to check your documents and your bags and take your belongings.

You should not get into an unmarked police car under any circumstances. The police cannot stop or search you on the street without a written order from a state prosecutor.

Violent crime

There has been an increase in robberies from people taking taxis in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Rurrenabaque. If you use a taxi:

• seek local advice and use established companies
• order the taxi by phone – ‘radio taxis’ have the telephone number and the name of the taxi company on the roof
• check for a sticker on the windscreen or windows – registered taxis should display one
• do not get into a taxi already carrying other passengers

Ignore anyone offering help at taxi stands and bus terminals and watch your belongings. Thieves work in teams to distract their victims.

Political Situation

Protests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice. If they occur, you should move away from the area and remain in a safe place. Stay alert to developments and pay attention to instructions from local authorities.

Protestors may block roads. Do not attempt to cross blockades in a motor vehicle or on a motorbike. Recent blockades have led to fuel and fresh food shortages in some areas.

To reduce any risk:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• 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

Criminal Kidnap

Tourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of ‘express kidnapping’ in Bolivia. These are short-term, opportunistic abductions aimed at extracting cash from the victim. Victims may be held hostage for up to several days while criminals use stolen bank or credit cards.

Foreign visitors are particularly vulnerable when entering Bolivia at overland border points with Peru, Chile and Argentina. If you’re travelling from the town of Copacabana to La Paz, try to use a direct bus.

There have been several incidents at the Cementerio General and the Sopocachi areas of La Paz.

Express kidnappers sometimes impersonate police officers to target foreigners. They have used fake police ID cards, uniforms and even police stations to fool victims.

The police cannot stop or search you on the street without a written order from a state prosecutor.

Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts, especially after dark. If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.

Sexual assault

There have been rape and sexual assault incidents at clubs and hostels. Be cautious if you’re approached by strangers. Lock your room when you return to your hotel or hostel.

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Prison tours

Avoid prison tours. They’re illegal and unsafe. There are no guarantees for your safety inside prisons.

This section has safety advice for regions of Bolivia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Chapare Region of Cochabamba Department

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department. This includes Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare. This is due to a high level of gang-related violent crime predominantly linked to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

It is difficult for the British Embassy to provide in-person emergency or consular support in these areas. Local authorities may also be very limited in the help they can provide.

Risk level

Bolivia - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the possibility of demonstrations, localized roadblocks, crime, and travel disruptions related to ongoing political and social tensions.

Regional risks

Chapare Region - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Chapare Region, including Villa Tunari and major highway routes crossing the area, due to the unstable security situation, anti-foreigner sentiment, elevated civil unrest, restrictions on movement, and criminal activity such as drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.

State of emergency

In the spring of 2026, several weeks of protests and roadblocks interrupted fuel, food, and medical supply chains, leading to humanitarian concerns in parts of Bolivia.

On June 20, 2026, a 90‑day nationwide state of emergency was declared to enable security forces to clear roadblocks and stabilize the security situation. The state of emergency does not impose a curfew nor include general restrictions on freedom of movement. Localized restrictions may be introduced in areas where security operations are underway, including limits on movement or commercial activity.

Although the security situation has since improved and most major transportation routes have reopened, the situation could worsen quickly and without warning. In addition, some roads may be damaged due to recent blockades. Road conditions and accessibility may change with little notice.

Avoid all protests and roadblocks, new or existing, particularly around government buildings and central La Paz, including Plaza Murillo.

If you plan to enter Bolivia via a land border crossing, travel by road to El Alto International Airport, or travel by road within the country, particularly to destinations such as Lake Titicaca, Uyuni, Potosí or Tiwanaku, you should:

• confirm the status of your route before your departure
• be prepared for delays, detours or disruptions
• carry an adequate supply of prescription medication in case of disruptions
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service to receive important updates and information relevant to your location

玻利维亚风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

因当地示威封路游行事件频发，驻玻使领馆提醒在玻公民，密切关注当地安全形势，勿前往游行游行区域，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻玻使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻玻使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。