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
October 18, 2007
 
This Warden Message is being issued to notify American citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia to the possibility of increased political and social tensions and potential violence, with specific reference to the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

The Bolivian press is reporting that Bolivian military forces took control of the Viru Viru international airport in Santa Cruz on the morning of October 18, and are only allowing ticketed passengers to enter the airport premises.  The media is also reporting that social groups in Santa Cruz opposed to this action plan to march on the airport in protest on the afternoon of October 18. 

*   We recommend that American Citizens exercise caution and stay away from any related marches or demonstrations, as press reports indicate there is the potential for confrontations between opposing groups.  Since the timing and routes of marches, protests and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence at any time. American citizens are encouraged to avoid the areas where mass assemblies and demonstrations are expected to occur.

*   American citizens should also be aware of frequent demonstrations and blockades in Bolivia, and are encouraged to contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions.  Roadblocks may affect the route to and from airports and in and out of cities with little or no prior notice.  Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.    Additional information is available in the Consular Information Sheet for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov and on the Embassy web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.

Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov .

U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours or (591-2) 216-8500 after hours and on weekends.  The Consular Section is located in the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La Paz, Bolivia.  The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.