The State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. The American Citizen Services unit can help in two ways:
- Overseas: consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and help them with the local police and medical systems.
- In the United States: our office of Overseas Citizens Services will stay in touch with family members in the United States, and help provide U.S.-based resources for the victim when possible.
If you are a victim of crime in Bolivia, first, contact the local police to report the incident and get immediate help. You should request a copy of the police report. Second, contact the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or Consular Agency in Santa Cruz immediately. You can send an email to ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov or call us at (591-2) 216-8000. To contact the Department of State in the U.S., call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas).
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional, or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs. Consular officers, consular agents, and local employees of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz and Consular Agency in Santa Cruz can help contact local government agencies and provide resources in Bolivia.
The American Citizen Services Unit can help:
- Replace lost/stolen passports
- Contact family, friends, and/or employer
- Help obtain appropriate medical care
- Provide general information about the criminal justice process
- Obtain information about the status of your case
- Provide general information about local and U.S. resources for victims of crime
- Help obtain information about any existing local or U.S. programs for victims
- Provide a list of local attorneys
The American Citizen Services Unit cannot:
- Investigate crimes
- Provide legal advice or represent you in court
- Serve as official interpreters or translators
- Pay legal, medical, or other fees for you
For more information, click here.
Emergency Contacts
Fire Departments
Cochabamba: 911 | +591 (4)455-8080
La Paz: 119 | +591 (2)228-6683 | +591 720-16641
Santa Cruz: +591 (3)358-4707 | +591 781-11984
Police Stations
Cochabamba: +591 800-140178
La Paz: 110 | +591 (2)228-5384
Santa Cruz: 110 | +591 (3)353-1337 | +591 (3)352-1921
Emergency Contact Information
Regular Business Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Excluding U.S. and Bolivian Holidays
Phone: (591) 2-216-8000
After Hours
Phone: (591) 2-216-8000
Fax: (591) 2-216-8111
Email: ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov