Emergency Services

Arrests

The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in La Paz provide assistance to U.S. citizens arrested and incarcerated abroad within the limits of our authority under international law.

A U.S. consular officer cannot get you out of jail, since you are subject to Bolivian laws, but we can monitor your condition while incarceration.

If you are arrested, insist the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. They are required to notify a U.S. consular officer of your arrest unless you choose not to do so. In limited circumstances, consular officers can serve as liaison between you and your family. We will provide you with a list of local attorneys and we can coordinate the transfer of money from your family or friends to pay attorney’s fees and for your upkeep. If you are imprisoned for a lengthy period, a consular officer will visit you periodically, at least once every three to four months.

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