Security Overview for Bolivia

Pro- and anti-government demonstrations and roadblocks are very common in Bolivia. Long-term roadblocks and protests by civic groups have severely affected travel and resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces. The cities of La Paz and El Alto have often been cut off by these protests and roadblocks in recent years. Demonstrations and strikes severely affect daily life in Bolivia and have turned violent. The government's coca eradication program has also spurred violent unrest in the Yungas and Chapare regions. During strikes and demonstrations, limit overland travel.

The rate and severity of crime in Bolivia is moderate compared to most countries in South America. Robberies, vehicle thefts and break-ins, purse snatchings and similar acts are on the rise and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Violent crime, such as rape, battery and homicide is not very common, especially outside major urban areas, but some foreigners have been victims of serious crimes in recent years. Urban areas such as La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Oruro and Santa Cruz have higher rates of crime than rural areas. In La Paz, use caution in the downtown areas of Calle Sagarnaga and Cementerio. Avoid hiking alone in the Illampu.

Avoid public transportation within urban areas due to the inherent inconveniences and risk of petty crime. For in-town travel, use radio-dispatched cabs, arranged through hotels or offices, that can be retained for return trips. A privately hired and/or corporate-provided vehicle operated by an experienced and trusted driver is the safest means of urban transportation. Visitors or residents who opt to self-drive can do so with a reasonable degree of safety but should drive defensively. When traveling on city streets, keep doors locked and windows closed to deter snatch-and-grab thefts at intersections. After dark, many local residents will roll through stoplights as a deterrent to carjackings (which are unlikely).

Until recent years, Bolivia's domestic terrorist organizations posed a significant risk to foreign businesspeople. Because of aggressive government counterinsurgency campaigns in the early to mid 1990s, however, the threat from such groups has diminished; the current risk is relatively low. Nevertheless, the high levels of civil unrest leaves open the possibility that bombings, kidnappings and other politically driven terrorist acts may still occur.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.