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US State Dept Updates Paraguay Travel Advisory: Border Crime Risks

The US Department of State revised its guidance for Paraguay, highlighting specific border regions where criminal activity poses a significant threat to visitors.

By Priya Navarro  ·  August 20, 2026  ·  Paraguay
US State Dept Updates Paraguay Travel Advisory: Border Crime Risks

The U.S. Department of State has issued new travel guidance for Paraguay, maintaining the country's "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" rating while detailing heightened security risks in specific northeastern departments. This update, released on Wednesday, clarifies that criminal groups remain highly active in Alto Parana, Amambay, Canindeyu, Concepcion, and San Pedro. These areas serve as primary routes for the smuggling of drugs and weapons along the Brazilian border, creating an environment where police presence is often sparse. The advisory explicitly warns Americans traveling to Paraguay about these specific zones, distinguishing them from the safer urban centers of the country.

The revised document places Paraguay in context alongside other South American destinations. While Chile and Ecuador received updates citing unrest and higher crime rates respectively, Paraguay’s advisory focuses on organized crime networks rather than general societal instability. According to World Bank data, Paraguay recorded a homicide rate of seven per 100,000 people in 2023, a figure significantly lower than Ecuador’s 46 per 100,000. This statistical disparity underscores that the danger in Paraguay is geographically concentrated, affecting those visiting Paraguay from the US who venture into remote borderlands rather than the main tourist corridors.

What This Means for American Travelers to Paraguay

For US tourists in Paraguay, the core implication is geographic awareness. Most visitors arriving in Asuncion or exploring the Guaranian heartland face standard urban security risks, such as pickpocketing. However, the advisory imposes strict operational restrictions on government personnel that serve as a proxy for general safety advice. Nighttime driving between the flagged departments is prohibited due to the risk of ambush or robbery. Furthermore, the use of municipal buses in these specific areas is discouraged because of the high likelihood of assault. Americans planning independent trips must understand that the "normal precautions" label does not apply uniformly across the entire map. Logistics for road trips require careful route planning to avoid the northeastern cluster of high-risk departments. Insurance policies may also scrutinize claims arising from travel to these specifically designated zones, so verifying coverage before departure is a prudent step for Paraguay tourism enthusiasts.

Travel Tips for Americans Visiting Paraguay

  • Map your itinerary to exclude Alto Parana, Amambay, Canindeyu, Concepcion, and San Pedro unless you have a specific, vetted reason to be there. These areas are not typical stops on standard cultural tours.
  • Avoid all nighttime driving in the northeastern region. If a road trip is essential, plan to stay in secure accommodations within these departments rather than transiting through them after dark.
  • Refrain from using local municipal buses in the flagged border areas. Private transportation or hired drivers offer greater control over routes and security protocols.
  • Stay informed by monitoring local news for any shifts in criminal activity patterns, as the advisory notes that smuggling routes can shift, potentially altering risk zones.

American travelers should check the latest U.S. State Department travel advisory for Paraguay before booking.

Photo by Axel Torres on Pexels

Source: Santa Clarita Valley Signal

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