With ongoing unrest in Bolivia following the resignation of president Evo Morales, the UK government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against all but essential travel to the country.
The South American country is popular with travellers who want to see the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, or take an incredible trek to the peaks of the Cordillera Real. However, the country has recently seen protests and unrest following a disputed elected, and Morales has fled to Mexico, according to the BBC.
According to the FCO’s website, 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”. The resulting protests have resulted in violence, including in the capital of La Paz and other towns and cities.
The FCO notes that protests may continue to break out and “turn violent without warning”. Travellers in Bolivia are encouraged to avoid crowds, not to cross blockades and to follow local media for updates on the situation. Flights have also been impacted, particularly at the El Alta airport in La Paz. Anyone travelling through should contact their airline or travel company for more information before heading to the airport.
Tourists have also been advised to avoid travelling between cities by road, as there have been “several attacks against inter-city buses and emergency services have limited capacity to respond in these areas”. The FCO also notes that transport options are limited and land borders could close at short notice. According to the FCO, anyone currently in Bolivia should "keep their departure options under review", and if necessary, contact the British Embassy in La Paz.
The US State Department’s updated advisory asks people to reconsider travel to Bolivia “due to civil unrest”. The Australian government is asking anyone planning a trip to Bolivia to “reconsider your need to travel”. All travellers in Bolivia or scheduled to travel there should check with their relevant government.
