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Aggregating global travel advisories

Travel Advisory for Paraguay

This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Paraguay from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Paraguay.

The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-10-08

AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level

Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

Risk Level Evolution

The aggregated advisory level for Paraguay has remained stable at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution since tracking began.

Overview

Paraguay is a destination requiring a high degree of caution due to persistent crime rates, particularly in border regions and urban centers. Travelers should exercise vigilance regarding personal security and infrastructure limitations while enjoying the country's unique natural landscapes.

Risk Level Summary by Government Source

Source Risk Level Updated Official Link
Global Affairs Canada
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-10-01 View Source →
U.S. Department of State
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-09-16 View Source →
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-01 View Source →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-10-01 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-05-18 View Source →
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-08-02 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-02-24 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affair / 外務省
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-07 View Source →
Auswärtiges Amt
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-07-09 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs / SafeTravel
Unknown 2026-03-01 View Source →
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-08-10 View Source →
Utenriksdepartementet / Regjeringen
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-06-01 View Source →
Nederland Wereldwijd
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-10-09 View Source →
Viaggiare Sicuri
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-03-03 View Source →
BMEIA
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-10-01 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs / 0404
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-08-04 View Source →
Ministry for Foreign Affairs / Ulkoministeriö
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-07-20 View Source →

Safety and Security Analysis

Civil Security & Crime

Risk: Armed robberies and petty crime are frequent, especially near ATMs and in urban centers.

Recommended precaution: Avoid displaying signs of wealth and always use ATMs located inside secure buildings.

Risk: Organized criminal groups operate along the northeastern borders.

Recommended precaution: Strictly avoid travel to remote areas in the departments of Amambay, Canindeyú, and Concepción.

Nature & Environment

Risk: The Chaco wilderness is a harsh environment prone to extreme temperatures and lack of resources.

Recommended precaution: Carry sufficient water, fuel, and supplies when traveling through isolated regions.

Health & Hygiene

Risk: Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Zika are prevalent throughout the year.

Recommended precaution: Apply effective insect repellent and wear protective clothing during outdoor activities.

Transport & Mobility

Risk: Poor road conditions and lack of lighting make night driving highly hazardous.

Recommended precaution: Avoid all non-essential night driving on intercity roads and highways.

Digital & Cyber

Risk: Criminals use social media and phone calls to conduct virtual kidnapping scams.

Recommended precaution: Never disclose personal information or travel plans to strangers online or over the phone.

Economic & Operational

Risk: Fake bank notes are common and cash is limited in rural areas.

Recommended precaution: Use only registered banks or official exchange bureaus for currency transactions.

Social & Cultural

Risk: Public displays of affection are often frowned upon due to conservative social norms.

Recommended precaution: Maintain a discreet demeanor in public spaces to respect local cultural sensitivities.

Detailed Advisory Summary

Paraguay offers a raw, authentic travel experience for those willing to navigate its complex security landscape. While the country is generally welcoming, travelers must prioritize safety by avoiding isolated areas, particularly in the northeastern departments bordering Brazil, where transnational criminal organizations operate. The infrastructure, especially in the remote Chaco region, is challenging, requiring robust preparation, reliable vehicles, and self-sufficiency. Urban areas like Asunción have improved in safety, yet petty crime remains a persistent issue; maintaining situational awareness is non-negotiable. Visitors should be mindful of local customs, such as the social stigma surrounding public displays of affection, and the necessity of carrying identification at all times. Natural hazards, including seasonal flooding and extreme heat, require careful itinerary planning. Engaging with reputable local guides and staying informed through reliable media sources will significantly enhance the safety and quality of your journey through this heart of South America.

Vaccination Information

Required Vaccines

  • Yellow Fever (if arriving from high-risk countries)

Recommended for Most Travelers

  • Routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria)

Recommended for Some Travelers

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Typhoid
  • Rabies
Consult a travel clinic at least six weeks before departure to assess specific needs based on your itinerary.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Types

Type Requirement Stay Limit Cost Conditions Details
Tourist Visa-free 90 days N/A Valid passport required for duration of stay.
  • Entry: Visa-free for many nationalities
  • Validity: Passport must be valid for the duration of stay
Business Visa-free 90 days N/A Proof of funds and insurance recommended.
  • Proof: Credit card or bank statement often sufficient
  • Extension: Possible via Immigration Department

Entry & Legal Compliance

  • Passport Validity Needed: 6 months
  • Blank Pages Required: 1
  • Dual Citizenship Policy: Not Recognized
  • Proof Of Onward Travel: Required by immigration
  • Currency Limit Declaration: 10,000 USD
  • Drone Usage Law: Check local aviation authority

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 911
  • Ambulance: 141
  • Fire: 132

Common Scams & Tourist Traps

  • Virtual Kidnapping: Callers claim to have a relative hostage to demand immediate payment.
  • Bogus Service People: Thieves posing as utility workers to gain home access.
  • Police Extortion: Corrupt officials asking for 'fines' for fake traffic violations.

Cultural Etiquette in Paraguay

Do

  • Greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
  • Use registered taxis booked through hotels.

Don't

  • Avoid public displays of affection.
  • Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.

Advice by Traveler Profile

Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate a more favorable assessment. Read the advice for context.

Solo Traveler — 40/100

Solo travel requires high vigilance, especially in cities and at night.

Female Traveler — 45/100

Women should avoid walking alone after dark and remain cautious of verbal harassment.

Family Traveler — 50/100

Families should stick to established tourist areas and reputable transport.

Accessibility — 20/100

Infrastructure for accessibility is limited and rarely enforced.

LGBTQ+ Traveler — 35/100

Homosexuality is not illegal, but social acceptance is low; discretion is advised.

Business Traveler — 60/100

Business infrastructure is adequate in Asunción but demands local connections.

Digital Nomad — 50/100

Internet connectivity is stable in urban areas, but security risks persist.

Senior Traveler — 40/100

Limited medical facilities outside major cities make this challenging.

Budget Traveler — 45/100

Affordable, but cost-cutting often leads to using unsafe public transport.

Adventure Traveler — 30/100

Requires professional guides and thorough planning for remote areas.

Luxury Traveler — 70/100

High-end services in Asunción provide a safe, comfortable bubble.

Advisory Comparison by Government Source

Global Affairs Canada

Updated: 2026-10-01
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Canada advises a high degree of caution, highlighting specific neighborhoods in Asunción and the risks of virtual kidnappings. It emphasizes the need for travel insurance and warns against swimming in polluted rivers.

U.S. Department of State

Updated: 2026-09-16
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
The US provides a Level 1 advisory but specifies Level 2 for border departments. It warns against using municipal buses and highlights the lack of reliable first responders outside major cities.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
France notes that the embassy has reduced personnel, shifting consular responsibilities to Buenos Aires. It provides specific warnings about the EPP guerrilla group and the danger of driving during heavy rains.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
The UK stresses the importance of obtaining entry stamps at land borders to avoid fines. It provides detailed advice on the risks of guerrilla activity in the north and the potential for social blockades.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Australia warns of the threat of violent crime and kidnapping, specifically mentioning the EPP in the northeast. It advises against crossing borders after dark and warns of methanol poisoning in alcohol.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Spain notes acceptable general safety levels but warns against tourist complacency in Asunción's historical center and Ciudad del Este. It provides explicit guidelines on yellow fever certificates and notarized minor exit documents.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Ireland rates Paraguay with a high degree of caution, detailing regional smuggling activities, malaria and zika health warnings, and the absolute necessity of retaining physical immigration entry stamps.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Japan maintains specific risk levels for different departments, noting the high crime rate and the necessity of not resisting during armed robberies. It highlights the risk of fake police inspections.

Auswärtiges Amt

Updated: 2026-07-09
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Germany cautions against property investments, noting frequent fraud. It provides detailed medical advice, including the risks of Chagas disease and the limited availability of rabies vaccines.
Unknown
New Zealand does not issue a specific advisory level but strongly recommends comprehensive medical insurance, including provisions for emergency air evacuation due to limited local healthcare.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Switzerland highlights the risk of express kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw cash. It warns that detention conditions are poor and legal processes are often lengthy and opaque.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Norway highlights property crimes and the necessity of comprehensive travel insurance. It notes that English proficiency is low outside tourist hubs and stresses registration requirements for short-term visitors.

Nederland Wereldwijd

Updated: 2026-10-09
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
The Netherlands assigns a yellow code, noting the EPP activity is generally not targeted at tourists. It provides clear links to local weather services to monitor flood risks during the rainy season.

Viaggiare Sicuri

Updated: 2026-03-03
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Italian diplomatic notes highlight rising urban crime, the expansion of the Chikungunya virus epidemic, and strict penalties for drug trafficking. It provides contact details for honorary consulates in Encarnación and Ciudad del Este alongside practical healthcare advice.

BMEIA

Updated: 2026-10-01
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Austrian foreign ministry data sets a security level 2 for the entire country, pointing out high crime rates, border clashes between drug cartels, and poor rural medical standards. It highlights document requirements and local legal particulars.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
South Korea outlines specific urban crime hotspots like Mercado Cuatro and provides detailed contact directories for local hospitals and police precincts. It highlights risks associated with flash floods and lightning strikes.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Finland notes the improvement of security in Asunción but warns of high crime in the border regions. It recommends using four-wheel-drive vehicles for rural travel and warns of venomous reptiles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paraguay

Is Paraguay safe to visit right now?

Based on aggregated official government advisories, Paraguay is currently rated Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution. Review the detailed per-source breakdown on this page before traveling.

What is the current travel advisory level for Paraguay?

The AdvisoryAtlas consensus for Paraguay is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, last analyzed on 2026-10-08, aggregated from multiple official government sources.

Which governments publish travel advisories for Paraguay?

This page compares advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada, U.S. Department of State, Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affair / 外務省, Auswärtiges Amt, Ministry of Foreign Affairs / SafeTravel, Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, Utenriksdepartementet / Regjeringen, Nederland Wereldwijd, Viaggiare Sicuri, BMEIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs / 0404 and Ministry for Foreign Affairs / Ulkoministeriö.

Do I need a visa to travel to Paraguay?

Visa requirements for Paraguay depend on your nationality and travel purpose. See the Visa & Entry Requirements section on this page for entry requirements, stay limits and conditions reported by official sources.

Has the risk level for Paraguay changed recently?

No. The aggregated advisory level for Paraguay has remained stable since tracking began.

Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.

About Travel Advisories for Paraguay

This comprehensive travel advisory page for Paraguay aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from multiple official government sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.

The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Paraguay.

By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Paraguay and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.

Last updated: 2026-10-08