Dear Warden:

 Below please find a Warden Message from the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia.  Please share this warden message with any U.S. citizens in Bolivia with whom you have contact.  We hope this information is useful to you.  If we may provide further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
American Citizen Services Unit
U.S. Embassy La Paz, Bolivia

WARDEN MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
September 23, 2008

 

This warden message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia that there are credible reports that several groups of people are approaching the city of Santa Cruz from different departments and cities of Bolivia to concentrate and demonstrate at "Plaza 24 de Septiembre" on September 24th, the anniversary of the founding of the Department of Santa Cruz.  Due to the potential for increased violence, U.S. citizens are encouraged to remain at home or avoid the areas where these mass assemblies are expected to occur.

The Consular Agency in Santa Cruz will be closed on September 24 for the local holiday.  U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance on that day may call the following phone number 591-2-216-8297.  The Agency plans to reopen the following day, but it is recommended that you call the office at 591-3-351-3478 before going in person.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  You are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests.  If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety.  U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events. 

The police will be on a heightened alert for potential civil unrest.  Traffic is expected to be congested.  Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal municipal patrols.  As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims.  Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and car thefts are the most common street crimes during such periods.  Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other valuables.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Bolivia are encouraged to register and update their contact information at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz and/or the U.S. Consular Agencies in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  Registration may be done online and can be done in advance of travel.  Information on registering may be found at the Department of State's Consular Affairs web site: https://travelregistration.state.gov.  

U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Bolivia and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov.  Updated information on travel and security in Bolivia may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.  During regular work hours, the American Citizens Services unit at the Embassy in La Paz may be reached at 591-2-216-8297.  The consular agencies may be reached in Santa Cruz at 591-3-351-3477 and in Cochabamba at 591-4-411-6313.