Is Paraguay Safe to Travel to in 2026?

The United States Department of State maintains Paraguay at Level 1 of its Travel Advisory System, designating it amongst South America's safest destinations. This assessment places Paraguay below regional neighbours Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia on the risk spectrum, according to the March 2026 advisory update.

Five northern departments require special authorisation for American government employees. These restrictions reflect concerns about cross-border smuggling rather than generalised instability affecting tourists.

Paraguay recorded 4.7 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, significantly below the regional average of 17.2. Tourist-targeted violent crime remains statistically negligible outside border areas.

The Current Situation

Paraguay's political landscape remains stable under President Santiago Peña's administration. The country avoided the social unrest affecting Peru and Ecuador during late 2025. No current travel restrictions apply to British nationals beyond standard entry requirements.

The Paraguayan National Police expanded tourist protection units in Asunción and Ciudad del Este during March 2026. These deployments followed a 23% increase in reported pickpocketing incidents targeting foreign visitors between January and February.

Economic conditions improved modestly through early 2026. The guaraní strengthened 8% against the dollar since December 2025, reducing inflation pressures that previously drove petty crime increases.

Cross-border tensions with Brazil over Itaipu dam revenue sharing resolved through diplomatic channels in February. No security implications emerged for travellers visiting the facility, which remains Paraguay's primary tourist attraction outside the capital.

Regional Safety Breakdown

Asunción presents minimal security risks beyond urban petty crime. The historic centre experiences pickpocketing during daylight hours, particularly around the Palacio de los López and mercado areas. Armed robberies occur infrequently, typically after midnight in peripheral neighbourhoods like San Lorenzo and Luque.

Ciudad del Este requires heightened awareness due to its position on the Triple Frontier. Brazilian and Argentine criminal organisations use this 375,000-person city for contraband smuggling. The FCO confirmed three incidents involving tourists caught in enforcement operations during January 2026, though none resulted in serious harm.

Alto Paraguay, Boquerón, Presidente Hayes, Amambay and Concepción departments face movement restrictions for US government personnel. These northern regions border Bolivia and Brazil across sparsely populated territory used for drug trafficking. Independent travellers face no formal restrictions but should coordinate with local authorities.

The Trans-Chaco Highway connecting Asunción to Bolivia presents robbery risks between kilometre markers 400 and 650. The Paraguayan Highway Police established permanent checkpoints every 75 kilometres following four armed incidents in late 2025.

Encarnación and the Jesuit ruins attract substantial tourist traffic without significant security concerns. Local police maintain visible presence around UNESCO World Heritage sites. River crossings to Argentina operate normally with standard border procedures.

Crime & Safety

Pickpocketing represents the predominant threat to visitors across Paraguay. Thieves target smartphones, cameras and cash in crowded areas including bus terminals, markets and tourist sites. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs reported a 31% increase in theft reports from citizens visiting Paraguay during the first quarter of 2026.

Violent crime affecting tourists remains rare but occurs with sufficient frequency to warrant precautions. Armed assaults typically involve motorcycle-mounted thieves operating during evening hours. Victims who resist face elevated risks of injury, according to incident reports compiled by the British Embassy.

Public transport presents elevated theft risks. Long-distance buses travel through remote areas where robberies occur approximately once monthly on major routes. The Canadian government advises against overnight bus travel following three incidents since December 2025.

Police corruption exists but rarely impacts tourists directly. Officers may solicit small bribes during traffic stops or document checks. The US Embassy advises compliance with minor requests while documenting serious violations for formal complaint.

Fraud schemes targeting foreigners include fake police checkpoints and overcharging by taxi drivers. ATM skimming occurs at machines outside bank premises, particularly in Ciudad del Este's commercial district.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

British nationals require valid passports for stays under 90 days. No visa requirements apply for tourism purposes. Immigration officials may request proof of onward travel and accommodation bookings.

Yellow fever vaccination certificates become mandatory for travellers arriving from high-risk areas including Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. The requirement applies regardless of transit duration in affected countries.

Dengue fever presents the primary health risk for visitors. Paraguay recorded 15,847 confirmed cases through March 2026, representing a 67% increase from the same period in 2025. The outbreak affects all departments with particular concentration around Asunción.

Typhoid vaccination receives strong recommendations from health authorities. Water quality varies significantly outside major cities. Bottled water remains advisable for consumption and teeth cleaning throughout the country.

The Paraguayan Ministry of Tourism requires registration for organised tour groups exceeding eight participants. Independent travellers face no such obligations but benefit from informing the British Embassy of extended itineraries in remote areas.

Currency exchange operates through official channels exclusively. Black market currency trading carries legal penalties including detention. Credit cards achieve wide acceptance in Asunción but limited utility in rural areas.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Register with the Foreign Office's travel registration service before departure. Provide detailed itineraries when visiting northern departments or remote areas of the Chaco region.

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage. Paraguay's healthcare system requires cash payment for emergency services. The nearest advanced trauma facilities operate in Asunción, up to 500 kilometres from some tourist areas.

Download offline maps and emergency contact information. Mobile coverage remains unreliable across significant portions of the Chaco and northern departments.

Coordinate with established tour operators for visits to remote areas. Independent travel to places like the Pantanal wetlands requires local guides and communication protocols.

Monitor the security situation in Ciudad del Este if visiting Itaipu dam or crossing to Brazil. Criminal activity fluctuates based on enforcement operations in neighbouring countries.

Key Facts:

  • US State Department Level 1 advisory (lowest risk) maintained through March 2026
  • Five northern departments require special authorisation for US government employees
  • Dengue cases increased 67% year-on-year through March 2026 with 15,847 confirmed infections
  • Pickpocketing incidents affecting tourists rose 23% in first quarter 2026