Orientation briefing in Paraguay

Several Indigenous groups, principally belonging to the Guarani language family, inhabited the area of modern Paraguay before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century, when the territory was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811 with the help of neighboring states. In the aftermath of independence, a series of military dictators ruled the country until 1870. During the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1864-70) -- fought against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay -- Paraguay lost two thirds of its adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half-century and experienced a tumultuous series of political regimes. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since the country's return to democracy.

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.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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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. There have been calls for demonstrations, which may take place at short notice and cause travel disruption. Demonstrations can occur in any part of the country, including downtown Asuncion, Ciudad del Este and near government buildings, often with little warning. Groups may also set up blockades as a form of protest along the main roads, which can disrupt public transport and lead to widespread delays.

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

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry ID. Carry a copy or printout of the photo page of your passport, and a copy of your entry stamp.

If you are resident in Paraguay, the authorities will issue you with an identity card.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for trafficking and possession of illegal drugs. If you are caught in possession of or trafficking drugs, you may get a prison sentence, without bail. Prison standards are poor.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal and there is a small, active LGBT+ community in Asunción. Same-sex marriages are not recognised in Paraguay. People are likely to disapprove of same-sex couples showing affection in public. Find more information on the websites of LGBT+ organisations like Aireana, Panambi and SOMOSGAY.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Risks at public venues

Safety regulations at public venues may be non-existent or poorly enforced.   

Food stalls burning fuel and using power cables with poor electricity standards present a constant fire risk in markets. The risk is heightened because markets are often located in narrow streets and can be crowded.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Many rivers have strong currents which make them dangerous for swimming. The River Paraguay around Asunción is highly polluted and not suitable for swimming.

Check the latest official advice before swimming in Lake Ypacaraí, the tourist destination close to Asunción.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Paraguay, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Paraguay. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

You’ll need to have your driving licence and your passport showing the entry stamp with you in the car.

There are regular police checks nationwide, usually to check the vehicle and driver’s documents (passport, entry stamp, driving licence) and carry out breathalyser tests. Police checks are common in Asunción, its neighbouring cities and the San Pedro and Concepción departments.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. If a police officer suspects you of drink-driving, they can confiscate your licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect a heavy fine. 

Driving standards

Driving standards are poor and there are often traffic accidents, particularly involving motorbikes. Many motorcyclists drive with no crash helmets.

Some vehicles drive with no lights at night. Driving on country roads at night can be particularly dangerous.

Drivers in Paraguay often ignore stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits. In many areas, there are no road signs indicating hazards. Road signs are generally poor and can be confusing.

Paraguay’s network of paved main roads is limited. Minor and rural roads remain unpaved and are often impassable during the rainy season. Even major paved roads, including in Asunción, can be flooded during heavy rain. Large potholes are a hazard on most roads, including in Asunción.

Public transport

Many taxis and buses do not meet European standards and rarely have functioning seat belts.

The ‘Terminal de Omnibus Asunción’ is the main bus terminal for long-distance journeys.

River travel

Many vessels do not meet the health and safety standards that would apply in the UK.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Heavy rainfall and flooding can affect several areas, including some areas of Asunción and neighbouring cities. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Wildfires

During especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately.

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.   

Paraguay-Bolivia border

Illegal cross-border activities are common in this area, centred around drug trafficking.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 141 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Paraguay guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Paraguay, including:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• poor air quality

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

If you need a regular prescription, you should bring enough medication with you.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare in Paraguay

There are some good private medical facilities, but only in the major cities. Hospitals and GPs will expect immediate payment for medical services. Some types of medicines may not be available.

Elsewhere, facilities may not meet UK standards. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Paraguay where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.