State Department Warns Against Travel to Bolivia's Chapare Province

The State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia on April 28, urging Americans to exercise increased caution.

The advisory added a do-not-travel warning for Chapare Province, telling tourists to avoid the area for any reason. Significant amounts of coca are produced illegally there, local police presence is limited, and violent crime linked to narco-trafficking is more common.

U.S. government employees require special authorization to travel to Chapare Province. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to citizens in the province.

Petty crime is common across Bolivia, especially in popular tourist spots. Officials advise people to stay aware of their surroundings.

Large demonstrations about local politics and the economic situation can happen with little warning. They may block transportation and other essential services.

U.S. government employees in El Alto, Bolivia's second-largest city, are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings due to petty crime.

Americans visiting Bolivia should stay vigilant, avoid crowds, follow local updates, travel with insurance and have emergency plans.

Bolivia, a South American country bordering Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile and Paraguay, draws tourists to its administrative capital La Paz and Lake Titicaca, which sits between Bolivia and Peru.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. State Department for additional comment.