Paraguay Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Paraguay due to crime.

Paraguay is generally a safe destination for travelers. Some areas have increased crime risk. U.S. government employees working in Paraguay need special authorization to travel to some areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using municipal buses in Paraguay because of risk of robbery and assault.

Review the Travel Guidances for Paraguay for additional information on travel.

Exercise Increased Caution in Departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepcion, and San Pedro due to crime.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Paraguay.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Paraguay

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Paraguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Demonstrations and protests

There is often social conflict in Paraguay. Groups may set up blockades as a form of protest along the main roads and in downtown Asunción near government buildings. This disrupts public transport and leads to widespread delays often with little warning.

If this happens, avoid large gatherings, monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are a problem on public transport. Many foreigners choose to use taxis rather than take buses. Keep your bags within sight at all times when travelling, and be wary of anyone offering to help you.

Muggers are occasionally violent and can be armed. Carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery can make you a target. To reduce the risk of attacks:

• use ATMs inside buildings rather than on the street
• call a licensed taxi from a landline or a hotel rather than hailing one in the street
• keep items like mobile phones and wallets out of sight
• keep valuables and passports in a safe place

You might be asked for photo ID if you pay by credit card. Many people choose to carry their photo ID in a money belt under their clothes, to keep it secure.

At night, keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas, including in the downtown areas of major cities.

Organised crime

Criminal organisations carry out drug trafficking and arms smuggling, often in the border regions. They have also carried out isolated violent attacks in Asunción and elsewhere. These attacks have usually been aimed at the Paraguayan security forces and people associated with rival gangs. Tourists have not been the target of such incidents, but bystanders could be affected.

In recent years there has been a small number of high-profile kidnappings. Although foreigners are not routinely targeted, you should be vigilant. See the safety advice for regions of Paraguay.

Reporting crime

To report a crime, go to the nearest police station, or call the tourist police:

• Asunción: (595 21) 446 608 or (595 21) 449 020
• Ciudad del Este: (595 61) 502 715
• Encarnación: (595 71) 204 102
• Salto del Guairá: (595 46) 243 575

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Paraguay-Brazil border

Transnational criminal organisations carry out drug trafficking and arms smuggling along Paraguay’s eastern border with Brazil. Most activity is from Pedro Juan Caballero south to Ciudad del Este, and to the Tri-Border Area where the borders of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina meet.

Violent crime is on the increase in this area – take particular care in the departments (‘departamentos’) that border Brazil:

• Amambay Department
• Concepción Department
• Alto Paraná Department
• San Pedro Department
• Canindeyú Department
• Salto del Guairá Department

A small guerrilla-style group calling itself the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) operates in the north of the Department of San Pedro and the south of the Department of Concepción. The group typically targets police and the military. They attack the ranches of major landowners, often stealing large numbers of cattle. Their attacks can be violent, and include the use of explosives and firearms. In the last decade, they have kidnapped several high-profile people for ransom, most recently in 2022. Three people are still in captivity.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Paraguay - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Paraguay due to increasing crime.

Crime

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across the country.

Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals at ATMs.

Crime rates are higher in Asunción and greater Asunción neighbourhoods of:

• Chacarita
• Fernando de la Mora
• Limpio
• Luque
• Mariano Roque Alonso
• Nemby
• San Lorenzo
• Villa Elisa

During your trip:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of wealth
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid walking alone after dark
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• if you're robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance
• don't leave bags, luggage or other valuable items in the car, and never in plain view
• keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked at all times, especially if stopped

Violent crime

Violent crime is known to occur.

Incidents include, namely:

• armed robberies
• burglary
• car jacking

Muggings by armed motorcyclists can occur day or night.

Robbers sometimes dress as service people to gain access to homes. Do not let servicepeople in unless you have a confirmed appointment.

Illegal armed groups

Violent crime by illegal armed groups has increased throughout the country in recent years.

Drug and arms trafficking operate along the Tri-border area of:

• Paraguay
• Brazil, especially from Pedro Juan Caballero to Ciudad del Este along Paraguay’s eastern border
• Argentina

Drugs and arms smuggling pose security threats in the departments of:

• Amambay
• Altó Paraná
• Canindeyú

A small armed guerrilla group known as Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo (Paraguayan people’s army - EPP) has kidnapped for a ransom. It operates in:

• the northern part of the department of San Pedro
• the southern part of the department of Concepción
• Canindeyú and Amambay departments in the east

Although the EPP typically targets residents rather than visitors, be extra cautious if you travel to these areas.

Illegal armed groups pose a risk to travellers. Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

巴拉圭风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在巴拉圭中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻圣保罗总领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。