Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Paraguay is a landlocked South American country that is generally calm for visitors. Exercise normal caution against petty crime in Asunción and check current advice for parts of the north.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; most tourist areas are calm
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing and bag theft in urban centres
- Emergency number
- 911 (unified)
- Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free. Take normal precautions in central Asunción and Ciudad del Este, and consult the latest government advice before travelling to northern departments such as San Pedro and Concepción.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Main tourist areas are calm. Some northern departments near the Brazilian border warrant extra care; check the latest government advice.
- Extra caution
- Parts of San Pedro, Concepción and Amambay departments
- At night
- Some outer districts of Asunción and Ciudad del Este
- Northern departments near the Brazilian border see occasional security operations and criminal activity. Central tourist areas and the main sights are generally calm; consult current official advice before travelling north.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Natural disaster risk is moderate. Prepare for intense summer heat (December to February), seasonal rains and river flooding, especially along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers.
- Summer
- Extreme heat and humidity from December to February
- Rainy season
- Flooding risk near rivers and low-lying areas
- Seismic risk
- Very low
- Summers can be very hot; stay hydrated and avoid the midday sun. Heavy rains can cause flooding along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers and in parts of Asunción; follow local weather warnings.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is better in Asunción than in rural areas. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur; take bite-prevention measures and drink safe water.
- Healthcare
- Best in Asunción; limited in remote areas
- Mosquitoes
- Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses
- Water
- Prefer bottled or treated water outside cities
- Check recommended vaccinations before travel. Use insect repellent and protect against mosquito bites. Drink bottled or boiled water in rural areas, and carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing and bag theft occur in central Asunción, markets and bus terminals. Keep valuables out of sight and stay alert in crowds.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Markets, bus terminals, busy city streets
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying cash
- Thieves target distracted travellers in busy places. Keep bags closed and in front of you, avoid displaying valuables, and use registered taxis or trusted ride apps at night.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Paraguay is a presidential republic and a stable democracy. Occasional demonstrations occur in Asunción; they are usually peaceful.
- Government
- Presidential republic and democracy
- Demonstrations
- Occasional, mostly peaceful in the capital
- Political demonstrations sometimes take place around government buildings in central Asunción and can disrupt traffic. Avoid large gatherings and follow local news and any official advice.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Traffic drives on the right. Carry ID, obey drug laws strictly, and respect local Catholic and Guaraní customs. Tereré (cold mate) is a national drink often shared socially.
- Driving
- Right-hand side; carry your licence and documents
- Drugs
- Severe penalties for possession and trafficking
- ID
- Carry a copy of your passport
- Penalties for drug offences are severe. Both Spanish and Guaraní are widely spoken. Society is largely Catholic with strong Guaraní traditions; dress and behave respectfully at religious and cultural sites.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for emergencies (police, ambulance and fire). English-speaking operators may be limited, so learn basic Spanish phrases.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Police
- 911
- Country code
- +595
- 911 is the unified emergency line for police, ambulance and fire. Operators mainly speak Spanish; keep your accommodation and embassy contacts handy.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended, as private clinics may require upfront payment.
- Cover
- Medical treatment and repatriation
- Payment
- Private clinics may ask for payment upfront
- Include
- Adventure activities if you plan them
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation. Keep insurance documents and emergency assistance numbers accessible, and add cover for any adventure or rural activities.