# Canada Updates Bolivia Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Departure
If you’re an Ottawa traveller planning a trip to Bolivia, the Government of Canada has just updated its travel advisory—and there are important safety updates you need to know before you pack your bags. The current advisory is **Level 2 — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**, with some regions requiring even greater vigilance.
The latest update, issued March 19, 2026, highlights upcoming departmental and municipal elections scheduled for March 22, along with continuing political tensions and transport strikes causing roadblocks across the country. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy during your Bolivian adventure.
## What’s Changed and What It Means
The most recent update warns about country-wide elections taking place on March 22, 2026. Bolivian authorities will enforce strict restrictions including a ban on public demonstrations from midnight March 19 until 6 p.m. March 22, and alcohol sales will be prohibited from midnight March 20 until noon March 23. Perhaps most disruptive for travellers: all domestic flights, public transportation, and most vehicle traffic will be suspended on election day itself.
Even international flights will face challenges, with only limited taxis authorized to operate to and from airports. If you’re travelling during this period, expect significant delays and plan accordingly.
## Ongoing Safety Concerns
Beyond the election-related restrictions, Bolivia continues to experience widespread roadblocks due to transport strikes and demonstrations, particularly affecting La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. These blockades can strand travellers for hours or even days, disrupting carefully planned itineraries.
The Chapare Region in Cochabamba Department remains under an “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” advisory due to serious criminal activity including drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
## Health Preparation Is Essential
For Ottawa travellers heading to Bolivia, proper health preparation is just as critical as understanding safety risks. Bolivia’s high-altitude cities like La Paz (elevation 3,640 metres) pose serious altitude sickness risks. Yellow fever transmission occurs in certain regions, and many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Bolivia.
Beyond altitude concerns, travellers should be prepared for travellers’ diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and in some areas, malaria. A comprehensive travel health consultation ensures you receive the appropriate vaccinations and medications—including altitude sickness prevention—tailored to your specific itinerary.
## Get Prepared Before You Go
Don’t wait until the last minute. Travel health consultations should ideally occur 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines to provide full protection. A qualified travel health professional can also advise on assembling a medical kit appropriate for Bolivia’s remote regions where healthcare access may be limited.
Travelling to Bolivia? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.