Travel advice for Bolivia

Exercise increased caution in Bolivia because of crime, unrest and health risks. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist areas, while demonstrations can block transport and essential services, so avoid crowds and be ready to adjust plans. Do not travel to Chapare Province because of crime, and pay extra attention to your surroundings in El Alto.

Avoid all travel to Chapare province in northern Cochabamba because of the continuing risk of sporadic violent protests. Elsewhere in Bolivia, no travel is advised against, but be alert, particularly in major cities, tourist centres and routes between La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Potosí, Uyuni and the Peruvian border, where roadblocks and demonstrations have left conditions unstable. Avoid large gatherings, follow authorities’ instructions and never force roadblocks.

Sweden advises against all travel to Chapare province, including tourist and visiting trips, work trips and all other types of travel. Travel to the rest of Bolivia is not subject to a general advisory against travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to Bolivia and exercise high caution if travel is essential. Protest groups may block roads without warning, particularly near Uyuni, so avoid crowds and monitor local media. Violent crime, abductions, fake police and taxi theft are risks, with extra caution needed on border routes, around La Paz neighbourhoods and on buses. Protect yourself against mosquitoes because yellow fever, Zika, dengue and chikungunya are present.

Avoid non-essential travel to Bolivia amid political and social tension, shortages, inflation, protests, strikes and violent clashes. Avoid non-essential travel to Cochabamba, El Alto, La Paz and Santa Cruz, rated security level 3, while the rest of the country is level 2. Armed robberies, kidnapping and theft are concerns; avoid crowds and unofficial transport. Chikungunya infections have increased in Santa Cruz and possibly Cochabamba, so use mosquito protection.

Strikes and demonstrations can block roads and cause shortages, while airports, highways and border crossings may close; travel with caution. Travel only if essential to Chapare east of Cochabamba, where coca cultivation and drug trafficking can cause violent confrontations; stay on main roads, use a local guide for national parks and remain alert in Villa Tunari. Elsewhere, guard against armed robbery, natural hazards and traffic accidents, and use official taxis.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Bolivia. Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the country, including La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Public healthcare has inconsistent response times and quality, while emergency medical assistance is limited in remote areas.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Bolivia.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Bolivia because demonstrations, roadblocks, crime and political tensions can disrupt travel. Avoid all travel to the Chapare Region, including Villa Tunari and major highways, because of civil unrest, anti-foreigner sentiment, movement restrictions, drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion. Avoid protests and roadblocks, especially in central La Paz and at Plaza Murillo, and take care with petty crime in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Travellers to Bolivia should exercise increased caution because of the country's severe social and economic situation and a state of emergency declared nationwide. The named risks include strikes, anti-government protests, road blockades, shortages of food, medicine and fuel, and possible violent confrontations with police and the military. Remain alert and follow local media reports.

Hungary advises a high degree of caution for Bolivia.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Bolivia because demonstrations and strikes can disrupt travel, and indiscriminate terrorist attacks could target civilians despite a low overall threat. Guard belongings in central La Paz and crowded areas, and remain especially vigilant because foreign nationals have been attacked, robbed, assaulted and murdered. If driving, be extremely careful because many roads are unpaved and rough.

Exercise a high degree of caution and remain vigilant throughout Bolivia because protests and road blockades have been reported in La Paz and other areas, with shortages of food, fuel and medicines. Avoid large crowds, protests and demonstrations, monitor local news and follow local authorities. Take precautions against crime, use official taxis and reputable operators or guides, and prepare for rainy-season flooding and landslides.

Take normal precautions in Bolivia, but take sufficient care in La Paz, El Alto, Santa Cruz, Chapare, Carrasco and border zones with Brazil and Paraguay. Protests and roadblocks are frequent amid economic and political unrest, while robbery and theft increase. Cartels fight in Santa Cruz Department, and armed groups tied to illegal coca cultivation and drug trafficking operate amid weak government control. Murders and kidnappings are reported in border areas.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Bolivia. Estonia has no embassy there, so consult other countries’ travel information and seek consular assistance through the honorary consul in La Paz or another EU member state’s representation. Estonian citizens may stay without a visa for up to 90 days at a time, but entry and stay conditions can change, so check current requirements before travel.

Germany advises normal precautions for Bolivia.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Bolivia.