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