How safe is Paraguay for travelers?

Where the risk actually is

• The FCDO does not advise against travel to Paraguay, but it singles out the eastern border with Brazil.
• Violent crime is increasing in the departments bordering Brazil: Amambay, Concepcion, Alto Parana, San Pedro, Canindeyu and Salto del Guaira. Most of the drug trafficking and arms smuggling runs from Pedro Juan Caballero south to Ciudad del Este and the Tri-Border Area.
• A group calling itself the EPP operates in northern San Pedro and southern Concepcion. It targets police, military and large landowners, its attacks have involved explosives and firearms, and it has kidnapped high-profile people, most recently in 2022.
• Tourists have not been targets in the organised-crime attacks, but bystanders can be caught up in them.
• The Bolivian border area is centred on drug trafficking and illegal crossings.

In the cities

• Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are a problem on public transport. Keep bags in sight and be wary of anyone offering to help.
• Muggers are occasionally violent and can be armed. Carrying obvious cash or jewellery makes you a target.
• Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night, including downtown areas of major cities.
• Report crime at the nearest police station or to the tourist police: Asuncion (595 21) 446 608 or 449 020, Ciudad del Este (595 61) 502 715, Encarnacion (595 71) 204 102, Salto del Guaira (595 46) 243 575.

Protests and blockades

• Social conflict is common. Groups set up road blockades along main roads and in downtown Asuncion near government buildings, disrupting transport often with little warning.
• Monitor local media and do not try to cross a blockade.

Driving

• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00 per cent. A police officer who suspects drink-driving can confiscate the licence on the spot, and a conviction brings a heavy fine.
• You must carry the driving licence and the passport showing the entry stamp in the car. Police checks are regular nationwide and routinely include a breathalyser.
• A UK photocard licence is accepted. A paper licence may need an international driving permit alongside it.
• Driving standards are poor, motorbike accidents are frequent, many riders wear no helmet, some vehicles drive without lights at night, and stop signs and lights are often ignored.
• Paved main roads are limited, minor roads are unpaved and often impassable in the rainy season, and even Asuncion floods in heavy rain. Potholes are everywhere.

Two hazards people do not expect

• Markets are a fire risk. Food stalls burning fuel and poor electrical work in crowded narrow streets, with safety regulations poorly enforced or absent.
• Rivers have strong currents and the River Paraguay around Asuncion is highly polluted and not suitable for swimming. Check official advice before swimming in Lake Ypacarai.

Two legal points

• You must always carry ID: a copy of the passport photo page and a copy of the entry stamp.
• Drug penalties are severe, including prison without bail, and prison standards are poor.

LGBT+ travellers

• Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal and there is a small, active LGBT+ community in Asuncion.
• Same-sex marriages are not recognised, and public affection between same-sex couples is likely to draw disapproval.