Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel to Bolivia

A travel ban to Bolivia has been imposed following escalating political unrest in the South American country.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office now advises against all but essential travel to Bolivia.

“If you’re in Bolivia, you should keep your departure options under review,” the FCO added in updated travel advice.

“The political and security situation is very uncertain across Bolivia following the resignation of the president and senior public officials on 10 November, following an extended and ongoing period of wide-scale political demonstrations and civil unrest across the country since disputed elections in October 2019.

“Many demonstrations have resulted in violence, including in La Paz city centre and other major towns and cities.

“Further protests are likely to occur at short notice and may turn violent without warning.”

British travellers are urged to avoid large crowds and public demonstrations.

“There has been disruption to flights and access to airports in recent weeks, particularly at El Alto airport in La Paz, and increased levels of disruption are possible,” the FCO warned.

“If you’re planning to travel to or from El Alto airport, contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before you leave for the airport and check with the authorities on arrival that ground transport is functioning normally before leaving the terminal.

“You should avoid inter-city travel by road wherever possible. There have been several attacks against inter-city buses and emergency services have limited capacity to respond in these areas.

“If you decide to travel within Bolivia, you should plan your travel carefully, regularly check the viability of your plans and be prepared to change them at short notice.

“Transport options are extremely limited, road journeys and land border crossings may take a lot longer than planned, and there may be disruption to supply of goods in parts of the country.

“Land borders are subject to closure at short notice.”

The FCO added: “If you need urgent consular assistance, contact the British Embassy La Paz on (591 2) 2433424. The British Embassy’s ability to travel to deliver consular services is very limited at this time.”