The United States has increased pressure on the sectors pushing for a coup against the constitutional government of Rodrigo Paz by warning that those involved in violent acts could lose their visas or have future entry requests to the country denied. The warning was disseminated by the U.S. embassy in Bolivia through its social media under the message: "Don't risk your visa".
The diplomatic representation was emphatic in stating that participating in acts of violence can lead to the revocation or denial of U.S. visas. The message was accompanied by images of disturbances recorded in recent weeks, showing protesters carrying blunt objects and even makeshift weapons.
The former dictator Evo Morales
The decision comes amid one of the greatest political and social crises Bolivia has faced in decades. The country has endured more than 40 days of roadblocks, protests, and clashes by supporters of Evo Morales demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. The roadblocks have caused shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, particularly affecting La Paz and El Alto.
According to reports cited by authorities, the crisis has already resulted in at least ten fatalities. Seven of those deaths are linked to the inability to receive timely medical attention due to the blockades, while others occurred during episodes of violence related to the conflict.
Washington's warning also reflects the strong support that the Donald Trump administration has provided to Rodrigo Paz's government since the onset of the crisis. In recent weeks, both the State Department and the Pentagon have publicly expressed their support for the Bolivian leader and denounced attempts at destabilization driven by opposition sectors and groups linked to former President Evo Morales.
Bolivians protesting against the Evo Morales blockades
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth even stated that Washington rejects any attempt to overthrow the legitimate government of Bolivia and warned of the risk that the country could fall back under the influence of structures linked to drug trafficking.
The warning regarding visas represents one of the most direct signals sent so far by the United States. For many observers, it demonstrates that the White House is willing to use diplomatic and immigration tools to support Rodrigo Paz and discourage participation in violent actions that deepen the Bolivian crisis.
