Published: May 27, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Paraguay Travel Advisory and Paraguay Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asunción
Tel: +595 (21) 213-715; After-hours Emergency: +(595) (21) 229-581.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Paraguay has an active Country Chapter that meets in Asunción.
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Paraguay Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that that travelers should exercise normal precautions. Exercise increased caution in Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyu, San Pedro, and Concepcion departments due to crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Asuncion as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Criminal activity offers an attractive alternative to youth who lack job-related skills and legitimate employment opportunities. Crime is generally non-violent, but the common use of edged weapons and firearms during robberies and street crime creates the possibility of serious harm. Recent statistics and high-profile incidents indicate a growing willingness by criminals to use firearms. Criminals target those they believe to be wealthy, including expatriates.
After a period of rising crime between 2021 and 2023, which saw robberies climb by 31%, aggravated theft by 84%, and general thefts by 87%, 2024 brought a slight decrease in these areas. Robberies fell by 11%, aggravated theft by 16%, and thefts by 15%. Despite this positive change, other serious crimes continued to trend upward. The homicide rate, which is often attributed to excessive alcohol consumption, robberies, or personal disputes, increased by 4%, and fatalities from negligent auto collisions rose by 11%. Particularly troubling is the steady rise in sexual assault, which has increased by a significant 57% since 2021.
Perpetrators on motorcycles, known locally as "motochorros," target individuals in both daylight and after dark, and there have been instances where victims who resisted or tried to escape were injured or fatally harmed. The Paraguayan National Police (PNP) recognize that the actual number of crimes is likely higher than reported, as many individuals do not report incidents due to a lack of faith in the legal system.
Thieves have posed as service people (e.g. mail carriers, reporters, water meter readers, electrical technicians, delivery persons, maintenance personnel) to gain access to homes. They sometimes wear uniforms and travel in vans or automobiles with markings that make the vehicle appear official. Do not let such people inside your home unless you have contacted the service provider directly to verify the appointment.
There have been instances of bank employees working with organized criminal groups to identify and rob individuals after they withdraw large amounts of cash. In addition, organized criminal groups have targeted armored bank trucks in transit or while conducting money pickups at banks.
In the border regions of Paraguay, instances of contract killing are more commonly observed, often associated with, but not restricted to, drug trafficking activities. Contract killings have varied over the years but decreased in the last two years with 110 recorded contract killings in 2019, 77 in 2020, 117 in 2021, 71 in 2022, 23 in 2023, and 18 in 2024. According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime’s 2023 Global Organized Crime Index, Paraguay ranks among the top countries globally for organized criminal activity, placing fourth out of 193 UN member states. Its criminality score surged from 6.70 in 2021 to 7.52 in 2023—one of the largest increases worldwide—and was 4.74 times higher than the Western Hemisphere average. This sharp rise outpaced even those seen in countries with higher overall scores, such as Myanmar, Colombia, and Mexico. Paraguay’s strategic location, particularly the Tri-Border Area it shares with Brazil and Argentina, has made it a key hub for transnational illicit markets. These include drug trafficking—serving as both a major cannabis producer and a transit point for cocaine—along with arms trafficking fueled by corruption and weak oversight. Paraguay is also a leading source of illicit tobacco products smuggled throughout the region and plays a central role in the counterfeit goods trade. Additionally, the country faces severe environmental crimes, notably illegal logging and timber trafficking, often facilitated by complicit officials.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay.
Since 2008, persons claiming to be part of the Paraguayan People’s Army (EPP) have been dedicated to a socialist revolution in Paraguay. The EPP is a relatively small group but often has local support. This group has been involved in violence meant to extort and intimidate the population and local governments in the northern departments of Concepcion, San Pedro, and Amambay. In September 2020, EPP representatives claimed responsibility for kidnapping former Vice President Oscar Denis, and made ransom demands including the release of two EPP leaders. Denis remains missing. Authorities believe the Mariscal Lopez Army (EML, an EPP offshoot) continues to hold three people hostage. In 2022, the EPP’s leader, Osvaldo Villalba died, which has degraded the organization’s capacities. It is estimated the group currently contains fewer than 20 members.
Local experts suggest that most kidnappings go unreported. Kidnappings are often linked to extortion or organized criminal rivalries. Family members of the victims manage them independently. There have been no U.S. citizens reported kidnapped in Paraguay since 2011.
In recent years, there has been an increase in virtual kidnapping. Virtual kidnapping schemes typically involve an individual or criminal organization who contact a victim via telephone and demand payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or friend. While no actual kidnapping has taken place, and no physical danger exists, the callers often use co-conspirators to convince their victims of the legitimacy of the threat. Most schemes use various techniques to instill a sense of fear, panic, and urgency to force the victim into making a hasty decision.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Asuncion as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay.
There is no history of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in Paraguay.
Paraguay continues to face challenges of ineffective immigration, customs, and law enforcement controls along its porous borders, particularly along the Tri-border area (TBA). Illicit activities in the TBA remain potential funding sources for terrorist organizations, most notably, Hizb’allah. In April 2025, the Paraguayan government broadened its 2019 designations of Hamas and Hizballah to include all political, military, and social components of both organizations. It also designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization—the first Latin American country to do so.
EPP is active in the departments of Concepción, San Pedro, and Amambay. EPP activity consists largely of isolated attacks against remote police and army posts, or against ranchers and peasants accused of collaborating with Paraguayan security services. Authorities attribute extortions, kidnappings, and murders in northern San Pedro and southern Concepción to the EPP. EPP uses terrorist tactics for political purposes, but Paraguayan authorities still officially consider it an organized crime group.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Asuncion as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Paraguay is a multiparty, constitutional republic. Paraguay held elections in April 2023. Santiago Pena from the incumbent Colorado Party won the election and succeeded former president Mario Abdo Benitez. The election was accompanied by some demonstrations and allegations of fraud, but the transition of power occurred without incident.
The next elections in Paraguay are scheduled to take place in 2028.
Protests & Demonstrations
Public demonstrations are common. Land invasions, marches, and organized protests occur. There are political protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks by civil society groups, including peasant organizations, students, unions, and government employees. Demonstrations are typically peaceful and coordinated with authorities. However, there have been incidents of violence.
Demonstrations typically occur in the downtown area near Paraguayan government buildings and near the Paraguayan presidential residence, situated directly across the street from the U.S. Embassy. In Asunción, protestors generally gather in downtown public squares and parks. Outside of the capital, protestors’ most common tactic is to congregate on major roadways to block traffic and disrupt normal traffic flow to Asunción or Ciudad del Este.
In 2024, there were multiple demonstrations that caused significant transit delays in and around Asuncion. Many of these protests were sparked by government action, but they remained mostly peaceful.
Avoid locations where crowds have gathered to protest. Upon encountering a roadblock, avoid going through it and either wait for the roadblock to end or find an alternate route.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment appears only on rare occasions.
Law Enforcement
The U.S. Embassy maintains strong relationships with Paraguayan security services and provides capacity building and training. The Paraguayan government continues to cooperate with the U.S. on counterterrorism matters. The Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the International Law Enforcement Academy in El Salvador all have contributed to building Paraguay’s law enforcement counterterrorism capacity.
PNP, under the Internal Affairs Ministry, is responsible for preserving public order, protecting the rights and safety of persons and entities and their property, preventing and investigating crimes, and implementing orders given by the judiciary and public officials. Civilian authorities at times have not maintained effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
Police Response
The PNP suffers from a serious, ongoing lack of resources and training. Although the 911 emergency response system is operational, police response times vary and investigations rarely result in successful apprehension. There have been credible reports that police have collaborated with criminal elements. Due to low pay and lack of disciplinary measures, corruption remains endemic within PNP ranks. The U.S. government continues to assist the PNP and the Interior Ministry with equipment and training, but progress is slow.
If police demand a bribe during a traffic stop or other detention, visitors should refuse to pay.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Paraguay, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay.
Corruption and impunity remain the greatest obstacles to achieving sustainable, equitable economic development and healthy democratic governance in Paraguay. Paraguay struggles with corruption broadly and judicial corruption specifically. U.S. businesses and international organizations cite this as a key factor inhibiting Paraguayan growth and international investment; few U.S. companies traditionally seek to participate in Paraguayan government tenders for these reasons.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government generally did not implement the law effectively. There have been widespread reports of government corruption in all branches and at all levels of government, with investigative journalists and NGOs reporting on hundreds of cases of embezzlement, tax evasion, illicit enrichment, breach of public confidence, false documents, and criminal association.
Since 2020, the U.S. has significantly sanctioned Paraguayan officials for corruption, primarily leveraging the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. These actions aim to combat systemic corruption and bolster democratic institutions. Notable sanctions include those against former President Horacio Manuel Cartes, designated for widespread bribery and leveraging illicit influence; his designation by the Department of State in 2022 led to visa restrictions, followed by OFAC sanctions in 2023. OFAC further sanctioned entities providing him financial support. Additionally, then-Vice President Hugo Adalberto Velazquez Moreno was sanctioned alongside Cartes in 2023 for extensive corrupt practices, including influence peddling and obstructing investigations.
Cybersecurity
Free Wi-Fi hot spots and internet cafes are commonly available at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, and other areas. Many of these networks are not secure and may be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Avoid conducting sensitive conversations and/or financial transactions when using public, unsecured networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
Paraguay prohibits the import of used cars over ten years old, as well as used clothing. In addition, there are seasonal restrictions on some vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, bell peppers, onions). There are no known restrictions on the import of personal satellite phones. Personal medication can be imported, but it must remain in its original packaging and be accompanied by an original prescription document.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
