In Brazil, travel to the Amazonas State and surrounding riverine zones has been flagged due to limited access and challenging topography. The FCDO recommends avoiding non-essential travel to areas along the Amazon, Rio Negro, Itaquaí, and Japurá rivers.
Tourism in Brazil’s rainforest remains a logistical challenge, with poor connectivity, flash flooding, and sparse emergency services. The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) has also reported abnormal rainfall in central Brazil, compounding concerns.
British nationals considering an Amazon adventure are urged to opt for guided, licensed tours, verify regional updates, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance.
🇧🇴 Bolivia: Risk in Chapare and Civil Discontent
The Chapare region in Cochabamba Department is designated as a high-risk area due to a mixture of drug trafficking routes, political unrest, and limited governance. The FCDO explicitly advises against visiting towns like Villa Tunari or routes connecting them.
Although popular tourist spots such as La Paz, Sucre, and Salar de Uyuni remain safe, caution is advised when traveling by land. Bolivia has also witnessed sporadic protests and roadblocks that can affect travel plans without notice.
🇨🇱 Chile: Seismic Awareness Remains Crucial
Although tsunami warnings after the Kamchatka earthquake have been lifted, the Chilean coast remains seismically active. The FCDO notes that while tourism in Santiago, Atacama Desert, and Patagonia is largely unaffected, travelers should remain aware of earthquake protocols.
Tourists headed to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) should also watch for weather-related disruptions, particularly during the rainy season.
Chile’s Oficina Nacional de Emergencia (ONEMI) offers real-time alerts, and visitors are encouraged to enroll in their notification system during their stay.
🇨🇴 Colombia: Armed Activity Near Borders
Security conditions in Colombia’s border zones have prompted the FCDO to expand its caution zones. The departments of Arauca, Norte de Santander, and Vichada—close to Venezuela and Ecuador—are marked unsafe due to armed group activity and civil conflicts.
Additionally, Chocó, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca on the Pacific coast are regions of concern due to guerrilla presence and recent clashes. While Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena continue to attract global tourists, rural and peripheral areas should be avoided.
🇦🇷 Argentina: Visa Updates for Business Travelers
The FCDO clarified that business travelers to Argentina must confirm their visa eligibility and documentation before departure. While politically stable, Buenos Aires and Córdoba occasionally witness protests and strikes, so travelers are advised to monitor local news.
Argentina’s overall safety remains favorable, though pickpocketing and petty theft are concerns in tourist-heavy zones.
🇵🇾 Paraguay: Stable but Weather-Vulnerable
Paraguay remains relatively calm but vulnerable to flash flooding during the rainy season, particularly near the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers. The FCDO urges travelers to stay updated on weather bulletins from Dirección de Meteorología e Hidrología.
Road infrastructure in rural areas may become impassable, making it vital to confirm accessibility before venturing outside Asunción or major urban centers.
🇵🇪 Peru: VRAEM Still Unsafe
Travel to Peru’s VRAEM region (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) is discouraged due to internal unrest, crime, and drug trafficking networks. Similarly, the Loreto department near the Colombia border remains restricted.
Air travel is recommended over land routes, especially during Landslide Season (December–April), which frequently renders roads unusable.
🇻🇪 Venezuela: Travel Strongly Discouraged in Border Regions
Venezuela continues to top the FCDO’s “Avoid All Travel” list, especially within 80 km of Colombia and 40 km of Brazil’s border. Issues include militia groups, fuel shortages, and civil instability.
Zulia, Apure, and Táchira states are particularly unstable, with residents facing blackouts, water cuts, and crime.
🌍 Travel Smart: Stay Alert and Plan Ahead
Given the worsening weather patterns and civil unrest across South America, UK travelers should:
- Register with the UK FCDO alert system
- Monitor local government advisories (e.g., INMET, SNGRE, ONEMI)
- Carry comprehensive travel insurance
- Avoid risky regions even if borders are open
- Consider air travel where possible during flood seasons
While much of South America remains open for tourism, smart planning and awareness are now more critical than ever for British travelers.
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