South American Travel Warning

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) – The U.S. State Department is warning American citizens against traveling to Bolivia because of the unrest that has gripped the Andean nation since a disputed presidential election last month.

Its notice says non-emergency U.S. government employees were authorized to leave Bolivia as of Tuesday because of the political instability accompanying civil discord that led to the resignation of President Evo Morales. All family members of U.S. employees were ordered to leave.

The department notes there are “recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in Bolivia” that have hampered access to banks, transportation hubs and other services. It also notes “some protests have resulted in violent confrontations.”