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 all but essential 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.
Protests and road blockades
There are ongoing protests and road blockades in the department of La Paz, including the city of La Paz, with the risk of them becoming violent. Follow the advice of local authorities and do not cross blockades.
The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. If you are trying to leave Bolivia, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel.
Due to the road blockades, if you 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:
-
between La Paz and Copacabana (Lake Titicaca)
-
between La Paz and Oruro
-
between La Paz and Uyuni via Oruro
-
between La Paz and 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, you should remain there and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Any British national who is currently 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’. You’ll be put through to our 24/7 Consular team in our Consular Contact Centre. If you are in Bolivia and using a phone with a local SIM please call +591 2-2010020 and select option 2.
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
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO: