Bolivia roadblocks and crime trigger Level 2 travel advisory

The U.S. State Department keeps Bolivia at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution after reissuing its advisory on April 28, 2026. The warning cites civil unrest, crime and frequent roadblocks, while the Chapare region remains under a don't Travel advisory because of violent crime tied to drug trafficking.

Recent strikes have kept pressure on travel. Transportation workers staged a nationwide stoppage on May 5 and unions called an indefinite strike on May 1 over wages, fuel prices and the wider economic squeeze.

Who feels the disruption

All travelers face the same basic risks, including tourists, expats and digital nomads. Roadblocks can cut off traffic for days, while domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled without much notice.

Petty theft is common in tourist areas and emergency help can be limited during demonstrations. That makes even short trips more brittle than usual, especially if plans depend on moving between cities or crossing protest zones.

What travelers should do now

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and keep checking local media before heading out. Travelers should avoid demonstrations and crowds, confirm airline schedules before departure and build a backup plan for road closures or cancellations.

Health matters, too. A Level 2 chikungunya outbreak in Santa Cruz has reported 4,283 confirmed cases through March and officials recommend hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines for some regions. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz can be reached at +591 (2) 216-8000 or ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov.

Read our full Bolivia guide for the complete picture and check our nomad news updates before you go.