13 November 2019
12 November 2019: U.S. Department of State updates travel alert to Bolivia to Level 4: Do
Not Travel, due to civil unrest.
Country Summary: On November 12, 2019, the Department ordered the departure of
family members and authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government
employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia. The U.S. government has limited
ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bolivia.
There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in
Bolivia. Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on main avenues, highways between cities,
and airport access. Protestors in major cities are intermittently occupying or blocking
access to public institutions and infrastructure, denying access to transportation hubs,
banks, and other services. Some protests have resulted in violent confrontations, and local
authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests.
Domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled, and road travel around and
between cities is regularly impeded.
Situation:
President Evo Morales resigned Sunday after being asked to step down by Armed forces, Cmdr. Williams Kaliman for the sake of restoring peace. Morales left the country for political asylum in Mexico Monday night amid running street battles between pro- and anti-Morales protesters.
Senator Jeanine Anez declared herself interim president Tuesday night, despite lack of proper number of members for an official quorum to appoint her as Morales’ leftist supporters were no-shows.
Morales had vowed Sunday to hold new elections after a report published by the Organization of American States (OAS) reported voting irregularities. Protests have raged since the 20 October elections and Morales claiming his win after suspicious vote counts.
Possible Effects:
Increased security presence
Disrupted modes of transportation
Disruptions in deliveries of supplies
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Call the authorities
Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 110
U.S. Embassy at +591 (2) 216-8000
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.