Bolivia's Safety Status: Is It Dangerous To Visit?

Bolivia is a beautiful country in western-central South America, with a diverse geography and ethnic population. However, it has its dangers, and tourists should be aware of the risks before planning a trip. The country has a history of civil unrest and political tension, which can lead to frequent roadblocks and demonstrations that turn violent. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common, especially in tourist hotspots and on public transportation. Violent crime, including muggings and kidnappings, also occurs, with criminals targeting foreigners and taking them hostage to withdraw money from ATMs. Scams are also prevalent, with fake police officers and false tourists looking to extort money. The country also faces drug-related issues, with strict laws and penalties for possession and trafficking. While Bolivia has the lowest crime rates in South America, and its people are friendly, tourists should still exercise caution and stay vigilant.

Civil unrest and political demonstrations

The roots of the 2019 crisis date back to February 2016, when Morales ignored the results of a referendum that banned him from running for president again. Morales' efforts to extend term limits have been perceived by some analysts as an authoritarian bid to hold onto power. Since 2019, demonstrations over government abuses of power have increased in the country, with approximately 70% of all demonstrations recorded in Bolivia during 2019 occurring in the immediate aftermath of the October elections.

The political unrest has been aggravated by an unprecedented economic crisis amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. In the midst of this turmoil, municipal elections were carried out on 7 March 2021. Preliminary results indicate that MAS candidates are behind in at least 10 large cities.

The 2020 presidential election saw Luis Arce, Bolivia's former Economics and Finance Minister and the MAS candidate, win with 55% of the vote. Arce's victory was met with dissatisfaction by citizens who opposed MAS in several departments, including Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and La Paz—the three most populous of the country's nine departments. Citizens opposing MAS's return to power demanded an audit of the election process to verify Arce was the legitimate winner. Demonstrations over the results of the 2020 election peaked between June and August of that year.

In the first week of November 2020, most demonstrations were carried out in the aforementioned regions, accounting for approximately 50% of the events registered during the month. While Cochabamba is a long-time stronghold of MAS, the department where the party originated, the population in Santa Cruz is known to oppose MAS. Santa Cruz is also where the headquarters of the main right-wing political alliance, the 'We Believe' coalition, is located. Meanwhile, La Paz, the administrative capital of the country, tends to lean towards left-wing parties, including MAS and the 'Civic Community' coalition. The main demand of protesters across departments was transparency in the political and electoral processes. They claimed they would not accept results without an audit. Nevertheless, the audit was not approved by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and Arce's victory was ultimately backed by the institution.

In addition to the political demonstrations, there have also been protests by workers' unions seeking to take control of the management of social and workers' funds, which they claimed should be managed by members of their political party and not by people chosen during the previous Añez government. These public funds work as social and health insurance for unionized workers who financially contribute to the funds' local offices. They are often managed by appointees from the government, which can lead to disputes on the grounds that they favor whoever is in power. Workers, therefore, have a serious incentive to participate in the decision-making process and management of these institutions.

There have been attempts, mainly led by MAS supporters, to take over the control of the offices of several public funds, including the Coca Producers Department Association (ADEPCOCA), the Oil Industry Health Fund of Santa Cruz, and the Health Fund of Roads offices. The occupations were often violent, with rioters trying to occupy ADEPCOCA offices by force several times without success. The occupation attempts were repudiated by those opposed to MAS, which included some of the managers in charge of the funds. The riots to occupy public funds offices accounted for approximately 11% of all riot events reported in the country from November 2020 to February 2021.

Kidnappings and violent crime

Bolivia has a homicide rate of 63 murders per 1,000,000 people. Violent crime exists on the streets, and tourists are often the targets of armed robberies and assaults at destinations frequented by visitors.

One of the more violent crimes in Bolivia is express kidnappings, which typically involve criminals targeting a foreigner, taking them hostage, and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. These kidnappings are most likely to occur in La Paz, including Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humbolt, Plaza Isabel La Catolica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano, as well as the downtown area of the city.

The typical scenario involves the unsuspecting victim boarding a taxi, in which the driver is an accomplice. The criminals then also get into the taxi, robbing, assaulting, and holding the victim hostage. Tourists are advised to always use reputable cab companies to avoid this.

The tourist site of Rurrenabaque has also become a popular site for thieves to target lone travelers taking motorbike taxis, so visitors are advised to be vigilant when visiting this area.

Scams and theft

Bolivia is a popular destination for backpackers travelling through South America, but it has a high rate of petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft. Tourists are often targeted in restaurants, shops, and on public transportation. To avoid becoming a victim of theft, it is recommended that you keep your belongings secure at all times, be cautious of strangers approaching you, and remain alert to your surroundings. It is also advised that you avoid carrying large sums of money and try not to display signs of wealth.

There are several common scams that tourists should be aware of in Bolivia. One scam involves criminals throwing or spilling something on you and then offering to help clean it up while also stealing your valuables. Another scam involves criminals impersonating police officers and demanding to see your passport or requesting that you pay a fine. In some cases, these fake police officers may even take you to a fake police station. It is important to remain vigilant and only hand over your documentation if you are certain the individual is a legitimate police officer. Additionally, it is recommended that you use reputable taxi companies and avoid hailing taxis on the street, as there have been reports of theft and kidnapping by criminal taxi drivers.

Credit card and ATM fraud are also common in Bolivia. To protect yourself, it is advised that you only use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks and that you cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Drug crime

Drug-related crime is a significant issue in Bolivia, with the country being the third-largest grower of coca bushes in the world. Coca leaves are processed into cocaine, and in the 1980s, Bolivia supplied approximately 15% of the US cocaine market. While government efforts to eradicate coca cultivation have been in place since 1983, they have had limited success, and Bolivia remains a key player in the international drug trade.

The country's position in South America places it at the heart of the continent's narcotics trade. Bolivia borders Peru, the world's largest producer of cocaine, and Paraguay, the primary producer of marijuana in South America. Additionally, Bolivia's neighbour, Brazil, is the second-largest consumer of illegal drugs globally. Bolivia's proximity to these countries facilitates the cross-border movement of drugs and provides criminal organisations with ample opportunities for trafficking.

Within Bolivia, the production and trade of illegal drugs are concentrated in specific regions. The Yungas and Chapare areas are known for coca bush cultivation, while the city of Santa Cruz is a centre for coca base production, with several sophisticated drug clans operating in the region. The city has also witnessed an increase in drug-related killings, indicating the growing presence of transnational organised crime.

The Bolivian government has collaborated with international organisations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to address the drug issue. These efforts focus on providing alternative development programmes for farmers to reduce their dependence on coca bush cultivation. However, the resources deployed by the Bolivian state against transnational organised crime are limited compared to the potential profits in the drug trade, making it an uneven contest.

Drug-related violence and crime pose risks to tourists and locals in specific regions of Bolivia, including the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, the Yungas region northeast of La Paz, and border areas with neighbouring countries. Additionally, scams involving illegal drugs have been reported, where travellers are asked to transport drugs hidden in their luggage by acquaintances or through dating websites.

Natural disasters

Bolivia is prone to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. During this time, heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas. These natural disasters can be dangerous and disrupt travel, with roads becoming impassable and bridges damaged.

In February 2020, the Bolivia Government Information Agency reported heavy rain and flooding in the town of Yuracarés, Cochabamba Department, affecting at least 872 families and 21 indigenous communities. The same month, the Luribay Municipality in the La Paz Department was declared a disaster zone due to heavy rain and river flooding, impacting 500 families, 30 households, and 1,050 hectares of agricultural land.

Indigenous groups such as the Yuracarés and Yuquis, who have established communities in lowland areas, are at high risk of flooding. Overall, the rainy season in 2020 affected eight out of nine regions in Bolivia, with 6,423 families suffering injuries and 17 deaths reported.

Forest fires are also a risk during the dry season, from July to October, and can cause air quality deterioration in nearby areas. Bolivia is also in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes, particularly in the centre and southwest areas, which can trigger dangerous landslides.

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