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
April 28, 2008

This Warden message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia that there is a higher potential for civil unrest, demonstrations, and blockades from Thursday, May 1, to Sunday, May 4, when an autonomy referendum is scheduled in Santa Cruz. 

The Regional Security Office (RSO) La Paz is urging all official American employees and their family members to take extra precautions over these dates and is not authorizing travel (overland) outside La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz from May 1 to May 4, 2008. 

Demonstrations or large gatherings may take place in major cities on May 1 and May 4. American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between security forces, demonstrators, and bystanders, and escalate into violence.  Americans 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.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events. 

In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers.  You could become a convenient target of opportunity.  Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor. 

The police will be on a heightened alert for potential civil unrest.  Traffic is expected to be congested throughout all major cities.  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 ruse or 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 portable valuables.

American citizens may wish to access tips on emergency preparedness through the Department of Homeland Security’s web site at http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm.

Americans 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 591-3-425-6714. 

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