Last Updated: April 15, 2024

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.

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2023 ranks Paraguay 68 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a medium state of peace.

Crime Environment

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.

The crime emergency line in Paraguay is 911. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

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.

Theft-related crimes, including robbery, vehicle theft, break-ins, and sporadic residential intrusions, pose challenges in both city centers and the countryside. In urban zones and on public transportation, incidents such as pickpocketing and muggings are common. Robberies and thefts increased from 2022 to 2023 at the national level and in the capital, Asuncion. In 2022 there were 3,037 reported robberies and 4,735 thefts, which rose to 3,234 robberies and 5,993 thefts in 2023. Asuncion saw similar increases, with 363 robberies and 516 thefts in 2022, rising to 451 robberies and 753 thefts in 2023. 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, and 23 in 2023. Additionally, occurrences of homicide in Paraguay are often attributed to excessive alcohol consumption, robberies, or personal disputes. The overall homicide per 100,000 citizens was 6.14 in 2023, a decrease from 2022 where it was 7.6 per 100,000 residents. In 2023 there were 464 recorded murders. Femicides also decreased from 2022 to 2023, dropping from 40 to 31.

The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Paraguay 4 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 151 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.

In July 2022, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced the United States designated former Paraguayan President Horacio Manuel Carets Jara for his involvement in significant corruption. Former President Cartes obstructed a major international investigation into transnational crime to protect himself and his criminal associate from potential prosecution and political damage. In August 2022, the United States designated Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velazquez and Yacyretá Bi-National Entity Legal Counsel Juan Carlos Duarte for involvement in significant corruption, including bribery of a public official and interference in public processes.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyu, San Pedro, and Concepcion departments are known to have increased incidence of organized crime. Transnational criminal elements are active and engage in illicit trafficking of arms, narcotics, and goods in these departments, which are located along Paraguay’s northeastern border with Brazil. Police presence is limited.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Since 2008, persons claiming to be part of the Paraguayan People’s Army (EPP) are 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 organizations capacities.

Local experts suggest that most kidnappings go unreported. Rather, 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.

Drug Crime

Paraguay is the hemisphere’s second-largest producer of marijuana and has become a key transit corridor for cocaine going into Brazil, Argentina, and Europe. Brazilian organized crime groups, most notably the First Capitol Command (PCC) have continued their expansion into Paraguay and constitute a significant criminal presence. PCC operates in Pedro Juan Caballero (Amambay), Salto de Guairá (Canindeyú), and Ciudad del Este (Alto Paraná) and maintain a significant presence in Paraguayan prisons.

Narcotics traffickers use violence to settle matters between gang rival groups.

The Department of Amambay is the most violent area of the country based on number of homicides. The vast majority of the homicides committed in Amambay are drug-related.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

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, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2023 ranks Paraguay 71 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a very low impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

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.

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 Environment

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.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

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 March 2021, Asunción experienced nearly two weeks of unprecedented public protests against the Paraguayan government over its perceived faulty and corrupt response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 4,000 protestors took to the streets, demonstrating downtown and in front of the presidential residence. Crowds threw rocks and burned property, resulting in the police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, hundreds of arrests, more than 50 injuries, and extensive public property damage.

Throughout 2022, demonstrations in Asunción and other population centers focused mainly on corrupt public officials and impunity.

Protesters set up some roadblocks in Asuncion in 2023 following the April presidential election, but the unrest abated after approximately 70 people were arrested.

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.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

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 U.S. Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance program, International Bureau of International and Law Enforcement Affairs, 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.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in Paraguay is 911 Operators generally do not speak English.

The PNP has various specialized units including K9, explosives disposal, and special operations. In the Asunción metropolitan area, call +595 (21) 445-858 for local police headquarters.

Transportation Security

Road Safety

Most urban streets comprise cobblestones over dirt. Some streets in Asunción and other large cities are paved. However, these streets often flood during heavy rains, making them impassable. Potholes appear suddenly, and often remain unrepaired for months. Nearly all rural roads are unpaved and can be impassable during the rainy season (November-April). Road signs indicating hazards are lacking in many areas. Avoid driving or traveling at night on highways outside urban areas due to the number of vehicles without proper lights. Defensive driving is a requirement, as traffic is extremely congested and unpredictable. Paraguayan drivers only need minimal skills to obtain a driver's license, and driver’s education prior to licensing is uncommon. Drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, and many drive without insurance coverage. Many traffic lights are inoperable or difficult to see, and a large number of intersections have no stop signs at all, making right-of-way unclear and passage dangerous.

Intercity highway maintenance is not equal to U.S. standards. The privately maintained toll road between Caaguazú and Ciudad del Este and the routes between Asunción and both Encarnación and Pedro Juan Caballero are generally in good condition. The Trans-Chaco route is in fair condition except for the portion between Mariscal Estigarribia and the Bolivian border, which is unpaved and at times impassable.

Paraguay has experienced a marked increase in the use of motorcycles. Paraguayans can obtain motorcycles cheaply and often with no safety training. Motorcycles pass on both sides of vehicles, often in a very dangerous manner and sometimes on sidewalks. Due in large part to a lack of enforcement of traffic and safety regulations, most traffic deaths occur in accidents involving motorcycles. U.S. travelers have been injured and killed in traffic accidents throughout Paraguay. The Touring and Automobile Club provides some roadside assistance to its members.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation is readily available for urban and intercity travel, but safety is a major concern. Buses vary in maintenance conditions and may not meet U.S. safety standards. Public bus accidents occur. Many buses pass through high crime areas and are susceptible to robbery. Taxi, Uber, and MUV services are available in most cities throughout Paraguay. Mobile rideshare services are also available in the capital area. No passenger train service exists. Bicycle travel may not be safe because of traffic and other road hazards. The level of public and private driver training and safety awareness does not reach minimum U.S. standards.

Aviation Concerns

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the international airport serving Asunción. Eastern Airlines provides limited direct flights from Asunción to Miami. Copa Airlines provides connecting flights to the United States transiting Panama. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Paraguay, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Paraguay’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

Paraguay is landlocked. The Government of Paraguay does not regulate or control small watercraft on lakes or rivers. The Prefectura (Coast Guard) patrols the Paraguay and Parana rivers for smuggling and drug trafficking.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Significant human rights issues include credible reports of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by security forces; harsh and at times life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; substantial problems with the independence of the judiciary; serious restrictions on free expression and media, including intimidation of journalists by politically and economically powerful actors; serious government corruption; lack of investigation of and accountability for violence against women; and human trafficking, including the worst forms of child labor.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

The constitution prohibits discrimination based on sex, but the government does not effectively enforce this provision. There is no comprehensive law against discrimination. Women generally enjoy the same legal status and rights as men. Nonetheless, gender-related discrimination persists, and employers are sometimes reluctant to hire female employees who might require maternity leave as set forth in the labor code. Women experience more difficulty than men in securing employment. For example, the National Police Academy’s admissions policy does not allow female applicants who are married or have children to become cadets, although no such restriction exists for men who have children.

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Paraguay has a score of 1.7 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe), albeit based on limited data. All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to Paraguay by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Paraguay, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

No laws explicitly prohibit discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons, and cases of violence and discrimination occurred.

The law does not allow individuals to officially change their birth names to anything that could “cause confusion over the person’s sex.” As a result, transgender individuals must maintain names on their vital documents that do not match their gender identity. LGBTQI+ rights activists report this created difficulties for transgender individuals when accessing essential services, including denial of those services. Travelers carrying a nonbinary X-gender passport should not expect issues gaining entry into Paraguay. While Paraguayan legal structures do not recognize nonbinary gender classification in some respects, they have added an additional “Unknown” gender category to accommodate travelers who identify as nonbinary. This designation allows nonbinary X gender passport holders to be properly documented and granted entry into Paraguay

The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Paraguay has a score of 37/100, ranking 113 out of 198 countries on the index.

Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Paraguayan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of state services, and the government seeks to enforce these prohibitions. Nonetheless, access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with disabilities, as authorities rarely enforce mandated accessibility requirements.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

The law protects members of ethnic minorities or groups from violence and discrimination, but not racial minorities or groups. The government did not enforce the law effectively, most often in cases involving indigenous communities. The Public Ministry is responsible for investigating crimes against ethnic minorities. The Ombudsman’s Office is charged with safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities, although it often failed to do so. Members of ethnic minority groups face discrimination in finding employment, accessing credit, receiving equal pay, owning or managing businesses, accessing education, and accessing housing.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Anti U.S. sentiment appears only on rare occasions.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

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.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Paraguay 136 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide based on surveys in 139 countries and jurisdictions, and is the leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. The most recent index ranks Paraguay 99 out of 139 worldwide, where 1 means the strongest perceived rule of law.

Communication Issues

The law and constitution provide for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, and the government generally respected this right. An independent press and a functioning democratic political system combined to promote freedom of expression, including, for the most part, members of media, although widespread corruption in the judiciary hindered protections in court.

Journalists occasionally suffer harassment and intimidation, primarily from politically motivated “bots” or automated social media profiles, but also from politicians. Media and international NGOs report several such recent incidents against journalists. There have been no incidents of violence against journalists reported.

The government does not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content, and there have been no credible reports that the government monitored private online communications without appropriate legal authority. There are no known issues traveling with satellite phones.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Paraguay 91 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom in the World report rates Paraguay as partly free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.

Health Concerns

For medical emergencies in Asunción, call 911 with a local service provider, or +595 21 911 with outside provider. Adequate medical facilities, prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplies, and services are available in Asunción. Elsewhere, these are limited or may not exist. Medical care in public hospitals, especially outside of Asunción, is generally below U.S. minimum standards of care. Hospital and clinic facilities are typically substandard. Doctors and nurses typically do not possess minimum levels of experience and training. A shortage of medical staff often leaves clinics operating with unqualified personnel or insufficiently staffed.

Dengue fever and chikungunya (Chik-v) are viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes year-round. In 2021, there were a total of 16,897 confirmed cases in Paraguay resulting in four deaths. The General Directorate of Health Surveillance noted that most of these cases were from two departments: Central and Asunción. Symptoms can include fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain, and muscle or bone pain. There is no specific treatment for either; vaccines are still in the developmental phase.

Paraguayan health officials have also confirmed Zika virus cases in Paraguay, though monitoring has not been sufficient. The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness communicable from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Among other effects, there have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies with mothers infected by Zika virus while pregnant.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Paraguay. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel.

Due to the presence of yellow fever in parts of Paraguay, the CDC recommends that visitors obtain the yellow fever vaccination. Rabies and diarrheal diseases are also present.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Except for antibiotics and narcotics, most medications are available without a prescription.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Local city water is considered safe for drinking, though many local residents drink bottled, boiled, or specially treated, purified water. Beverages that are bottled or otherwise packaged and sealed are usually safe to drink.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Paraguay’s rivers suffer from toxic dumping, as tanneries release mercury and chromium into the rivers and streams. Inadequate means for waste disposal poses health risks for urban residents.

Paraguay is currently experiencing its third consecutive year of drought, leading to historically low river levels and growing economic losses. Paraguay is especially vulnerable to low water levels because it depends heavily on the Paraguay-Parana riverway to transport its exports to market, and relies almost exclusively on hydropower to generate domestic electricity.

Review OSAC’s report, Central Asia Earthquake Preparedness. [Only in countries near the Stans]

Cybersecurity Concerns

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.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

There are no significant counterintelligence concerns in Paraguay.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

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).

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.

Photography

There are no significant concerns with taking photographs of public buildings from public places.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Carry identification with you and be prepared to show to authorities. Police periodically conduct vehicle checkpoints at intersections in cities in an effort to raise their visibility and hamper criminal movements through high-crime areas.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

There are no significant critical infrastructure concerns beyond general lack of developed roads and energy grids in rural areas.

OSAC Country Chapters

Paraguay has a Country Chapter that meets in Asunción.

Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asunción. Tel: +595 (21) 213-715; After-hours Emergency: +(595)(21) 229-581.

Paraguay Country Security Report