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