Bolivia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Uyuni scores 62/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Uyuni is moderately safe for travelers, with risks primarily related to petty crime and the need for caution regarding road safety and potential civil unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bolivia · Assessed 29 July 2026
62
/ 100
Safer than ~60% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare.”
Updated 2026-07-03T11:47:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Bolivia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowViolent robbery is not a significant reported issue for tourists in Uyuni itself, but general caution is advised.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, particularly in busy tourist spots or on transport.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed but generally positive for tourism
78/100
While some recent reports highlight political unrest and travel warnings for Bolivia, many articles focus on the surreal beauty of Salar de Uyuni and its growing tourism appeal, suggesting that for many visitors, the experience remains positive and worthwhile.
Uyuni is moderately safe for travelers, with risks primarily related to petty crime and the need for caution regarding road safety and potential civil unrest.
While Uyuni itself is a small tourist town with generally low violent crime, the broader safety context of Bolivia, including political instability and higher rates of road accidents, warrants traveler attention. Petty crime is the main concern for visitors in Uyuni.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Uyuni, Bolivia, presents a moderate safety profile for travelers. While the town itself is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning salt flats, visitors should be aware of the broader safety considerations for Bolivia, including potential civil unrest and higher risks associated with road travel. Petty crime is the most likely concern for tourists in Uyuni.
The primary risks for travelers in Uyuni revolve around petty theft. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, particularly in areas frequented by tourists or during transit. While violent crime is not a prominent issue reported for Uyuni specifically, maintaining vigilance and securing personal belongings is crucial. The World Bank's crime index for Bolivia is moderately high, and the UN SDG data indicates that a significant percentage of the population experiences bribery during interactions with public officials, suggesting a general need for caution and awareness.
Recent reports from June 2026 highlight ongoing protests and road blockades in Bolivia, which could potentially cause travel disruptions. While these are often concentrated in specific regions, they underscore the importance of staying informed about the local situation. The Government of Canada and the UK's FCDO advise exercising a high degree of caution in Bolivia, with specific warnings against non-essential travel to certain regions. The CDC has also issued alerts for Chikungunya and watch notices for Dengue and Measles, necessitating adherence to health precautions.
To ensure a safe trip to Uyuni, travelers should prioritize booking tours and accommodations through reputable providers to avoid scams, such as overcharging or fraudulent services. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and avoid displaying expensive items. Given Bolivia's higher road traffic death rate, ensure any transport used for tours is well-maintained and driven by experienced operators. Staying informed about any local demonstrations can help travelers avoid potential disruptions.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Uyuni districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Uyuni safety map.
Uyuni Town CentercautionMain tourist hub, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur.
Remote areas outside UyunicautionLimited services and potential for vehicle breakdown; extreme weather is a significant risk.
Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats)saferGenerally safe when visited with reputable tour operators; extreme weather is the main hazard.
Train CemeterysaferA popular tourist site, generally safe when visited during daylight hours.
Colchani VillagesaferSmall village near the salt flats, generally safe for tourists.
07 · After Dark
53% of people in Bolivia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Violent robbery is not a significant reported issue for tourists in Uyuni itself, but general caution is advised.
After dark, be most careful around Uyuni Town Center, Remote areas outside Uyuni. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Uyuni's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Uyuni is moderately safe for travelers, with risks primarily related to petty crime and the need for caution regarding road safety and potential civil unrest. While Uyuni itself is a small tourist town with generally low violent crime, the broader safety context of Bolivia, including political instability and higher rates of road accidents, warrants traveler attention. Petty crime is the main concern for visitors in Uyuni. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Uyuni ranks #1 of 5 Bolivia destinations we've assessed, scoring 62/100. See the Bolivia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Bolivia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: uyuni.json (CC BY 4.0).
