| I traveled throughout the world for many | | | | break out with little or no notice, U.S. |
| years as a Tour Host for a major travel | | | | citizens in Bolivia should monitor local |
| company. At times our tour plans were | | | | media sources for the latest |
| altered based on information from The US | | | | developments, according to the State |
| State Department or CIA. Wise | | | | Department. If you are now in Bolivia, |
| international travelers have learned to | | | | or any foreign country, use common sense |
| follow these government briefings and | | | | and avoid all demonstrations. |
| bulletins. | | | | Strikes and road blockades are a |
| Recently my youngest son traveled to | | | | constant risk in Bolivia and are likely |
| Peru for a study program through NC | | | | to disrupt transportation at the local |
| State University. There were some mildly | | | | and regional levels. A traveler should |
| disruptive issues in that area of South | | | | never attempt to cross a blockade. In |
| America, including nearby Bolivia. If | | | | addition to affecting transportation, |
| you are planning a Bolivian or South | | | | blockades and strikes may limit access |
| American trip be sure to get the latest | | | | to important services and desirable |
| information and alerts concerning the | | | | amenities. |
| countries you plan to visit. | | | | During this time, the Santa Cruz |
| At the time of this writing there are | | | | Administration and Auxiliary Services of |
| somewhat escalated political and social | | | | Aerial Navigation have suspended |
| tensions in Bolivia. These are | | | | services in and out of Viru Viru |
| reportedly due to the highly polarized | | | | International Airport. All domestic and |
| nature of the Bolivia Constituent | | | | international flights were cancelled for |
| Assembly process. | | | | a period. As a potential traveler you |
| Recent protests and demonstrations have | | | | should contact your airline and/or tour |
| led to numerous violent clashes. These | | | | operators before travel for the latest |
| skirmishes have resulted in casualties | | | | updates and information. |
| and mass injuries at various locations | | | | U.S. citizens living or traveling in |
| throughout Bolivia. The US State | | | | Bolivia are encouraged by the State |
| Department recommends that U.S. citizens | | | | Department to register with the U.S. |
| hold off non-essential travel to Bolivia | | | | Embassy in La Paz or the U.S. Consular |
| at this time until tension eases a bit. | | | | Agencies in Cochabamba or Santa Cruz, |
| Even the U.S. Embassy La Paz is | | | | Bolivia . |
| restricting the official travel of U.S. | | | | Registration may even be done online and |
| Government employees to Bolivia during | | | | in advance of travel. Travel can be a |
| this period. | | | | great adventure, especially when |
| Since protests and demonstrations can | | | | traveling smart and safely. |