Published: February 19, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Bolivia Travel Advisory and Bolivia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: 2780 Avenida Arce, La Paz.
Tel: +591 (2) 216-8000.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1730; Friday: 0800 – 1200.
U.S. Consulate: Avenida San Martin, Equipetrol Norte, Edificio Empresarial Equipetrol Calle G x Ave. Salvador (parallel to Avenida San Martin), Santa Cruz.
Tel: +591 (3) 351-3477 or 351-3479
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The OSAC Boliva Country Chapter meets on an ad-hoc basis.
Contact osacamericas@state.gov with any questions.
Bolivia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers to Bolivia should exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk; do not travel to the Chapare region due to crime, and reconsider travel to the Yungas region due to crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed La Paz as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bolivia, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Most reported criminal incidents involve non-confrontational petty crimes that occur in major cities, particularly in markets and commercial districts. Tourists and visitors routinely report pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of jewelry/cell phones. Stay alert for pickpockets when in crowds and aboard public transportation, and be conscious of distractions created to target you.
There have been no reports of residential burglary affecting U.S. citizen residents. Residential burglaries occur, particularly in upscale neighborhoods, and are often considered to be perpetrated by domestic workers or organized criminal elements. There have been reports of residents being restrained by criminals while home-thefts occur. Venezuelans or other foreign nationals are typically blamed. Vehicle vandalism in upscale neighborhoods is occasionally reported.
Violent crimes (e.g. assault, robbery) against foreigners are very uncommon, but they do occur. In 2024, Bolivia’s murder rate was 4.32 per 100,000 people, ranking it 21st in the region. There have been reports of violent crime perpetrated by gangs in El Alto, a poorer city adjacent to La Paz. Travelers in La Paz or the surrounding areas should remain aware of the surroundings, as there is a potential for wrong-place-wrong-time violence.
While organized crime is not a significant driver of violence in Bolivia, Bolivia is a significant transit country for narcotics. Transnational criminal groups are increasingly active in Bolivia; however, their illicit activities rarely impact U.S. travelers.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bolivia.
Unlike neighboring countries in the region, the threat of kidnapping in Bolivia remains low. Express kidnapping and kidnapping for ransom (KFR) in La Paz are almost nonexistent. There is a greater risk of kidnapping in Santa Cruz, although reports of this are also extremely rare.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed La Paz as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bolivia.
There are no serious concerns about terrorism in Bolivia.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed La Paz as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bolivia, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Bolivia held contentious elections in October 2019. Soon after, these election results were annulled due to allegations of election fraud by then President and leader of the Movement Toward Socialism Party (MAS) Evo Morales. These claims of fraud sparked episodes of significant violence throughout the country and a prolonged political crisis. Morales ultimately resigned and fled the country amid ongoing protests after losing support from the police and military, paving the way for an interim government and subsequent elections in 2020. In 2020, the current President of Bolivia, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, a candidate for the MAS, won a presidential election with 55% of the vote.
In 2020, almost a year after his exile, Evo Morales returned to Bolivia and attempted to reclaim his position as head of the MAS party and MAS candidate for President in the 2025 elections, directly challenging Luis Arce. Despite various legal pronouncements ruling Morales ineligible to run for President, Morales continues to challenge the legitimacy of the Arce government, notably by organizing large protests, blockades and marches by his supporters in the Cochabamba Department. Morales continues to have fervent supporters, particularly among coca growers in Cochabamba department and in his stronghold of Chapare province, a known hub for narcotrafficking activity. However, he has lost much of his support in other areas of Bolivia, especially the capital La Paz and neighboring El Alto.
Bolivia will hold general elections in August 2025, and the conflict within MAS is expected to play a significant role.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations are common. The last year has seen ongoing gatherings of supporters of former president Evo Morales, particularly in La Paz and Cochabamba. La Paz has relatively few exit and entry points, so demonstrations have the capability to quickly make a significant impact on access to food and fuel supplies.
Widespread national civil protests occurred for several weeks following the disputed election in October 2019. Protestors burned electoral offices in multiple regions across Bolivia. Armed groups targeted politicians’ homes and vandalized police offices in La Paz and El Alto, causing panic in many neighborhoods. In response, people blocked the streets and buildings with heavy objects to protect stores and houses. Drinking water supplies to some parts of El Alto and La Paz, the second- and third-largest cities in Bolivia, were temporarily unavailable. Schools and workplaces in La Paz closed for public safety. Barricades blocked roads that lead to El Alto International airport (LPB). Because of blockades from various protests surrounding La Paz, some goods were also not able to enter. Food supplies were unavailable for a short period, leading to rationing of some foodstuffs in El Alto and La Paz.
In 2024, Morales’ supporters erected interdepartmental blockades in Cochabamba department from late October to early November 2024 for 24 days in protest of alleged plans to arrest Morales and deny him the ability to stand for re-election. Arce was forced to mobilize a large military and police contingent to clear blockades. Clearing operations resulted in violent clashes that injured several police and led to the arrest of dozens.
As Bolivia’s economic situation worsens, the frequency and intensity of demonstrations, especially in large cities, has increased. Blockades and protests associated with continued fuel shortages and lack of available U.S. Dollars continue throughout the country. A “1,000 Corners Blockade” by the public transport union shut down La Paz for around 12 hours in October 2024. Fuel and currency shortages in La Paz and throughout the country continue, and thus protests are also expected to continue.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western sentiment is espoused by the current MAS party leadership, although is not necessarily representative of the attitude of the average Bolivian citizen. While anti-U.S. rhetoric is common in state-controlled media, the general sentiment of Bolivians towards the U.S. is favorable.
Law Enforcement
The Bolivian National Police (BNP) force numbers approximately 40,000 officers and is responsible for internal security and maintaining law and order. The BNP reports directly to the Minister of Government. The BNP is the only law enforcement organization in Bolivia with police authorities. Municipal police in major cities enforce parking regulations and local laws. Bolivian police are professional and courteous.
Police Response
The police emergency telephone number is 110, but response time can be lengthy. The police have limited resources, particularly outside major cities. In many cases, officers assigned to smaller villages/towns do not have a mechanism to respond to traffic accidents or criminal activity. Even when resources are available, response is extremely slow by U.S. standards. Cooperate with the police if they stop or question you. Prison conditions are extremely poor by U.S. standards.
If you feel that you are a victim of police corruption, bribery, or harassment, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Consular Section maintains a list of attorneys in Bolivia.
U.S. citizens may contact the Consular section at the U.S. Embassy for assistance with police matters.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Bolivia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bolivia.
The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corruption by officials, but the government did not implement the law effectively. There were numerous reports of corruption in Bolivia.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is relatively infrequent and unsophisticated in Bolivia.
Import/Export Restrictions
The largest hurdle with regards to import restrictions in Bolivia applies to motor vehicles. A Bolivian Customs regulation restricts the importation of vehicles to the current model year. Vehicles older than the current year may not be imported into Bolivia. The importation of firearms into Bolivia is also extremely difficult.
There have been no reported issues regarding the import of personal satellite phones into Bolivia. Travelers with personal medication should carry all medication in its original packaging, with prescriptions on hand. Bolivian National Police Narcotics units inspect personal luggage upon entry/exit into the country.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
