The US Department of State has reissued it Travel advice level 2 for Boliviawith Americans being advised to “exercise more caution” due to social unrest.
According to the agency “Demonstrations, strikes and roadblocks can take place at any time in Bolivia [and they] can lead to violence.”
Meanwhile, both Domestic and international flights can be delayed or unexpectedly canceled with little to no notice.
The situation at airports and highways could “restrict the flow of goods and services throughout the country.”
So does the US government warned Americans not to travel to the Chapare region due to crime. Consular assistance is limited because U.S. workers require special permits to travel there.
So if you decide to visit that region, make a safety plan that does not rely on US government support.
Bolivia is considered as safe as Spain, England or France. So don’t let that stop you from visiting this beautiful South American country. But do it safely.
Some key recommendations include monitoring local media outlets for last-minute information on demonstrations and crime and consulting your travel agent for current news.
If you find yourself stuck in the middle of a riot, leave the scene as quickly as possible.
And wherever you go, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 their rights.
A truck is driving this week blocked multiple roads in important commercial regions of the country, including some accesses to Oruro, Cochabamba, Potosí and Santa Cruz.
There are currently ten blockade points: four in Oruro, four in Potosí, one in Cochabamba and one in Santa Cruz. according to the Bolivian Road Administrator (ABC) report ‘Translatability’.
Bolivians mainly complain about the lack of dollars, the inflation of food and medicine and a worrying shortage of fuel. So it’s a good idea to bring enough cash.
Truck drivers are not alone in this battle. Hundreds of locals joined them to protest and block roads.
“We are protesting across the country to make our needs visible and to provide the government with an economic response.” said Marcelo Cruz, leader of the Santa Cruz International Heavy Transport Association.
According to Cruz, the current situation is “disastrous” because drivers can only work one day and not the next because they have to find diesel.
