Safety and Security

The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific  threat to U.S. citizens in Paraguay. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant at all times while travelling.  A small armed anti-government militant group known as the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) operates principally in the northern region of San Pedro and southern region of Concepcion.  Drug trafficking and associated violence remains a serious concern in the region of Amambay.  Illicit activities, including arms and narcotics trafficking, occur in the area of Ciudad del Este and along the tri border area between Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Because of concerns about the lack of security in border areas and certain regions, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion requires U.S. government personnel and their family members to provide advance notice and a travel itinerary when traveling to Ciudad del Este, or to the regions of San Pedro, Concepcion, Amambay, and Canindeyu. As a general precaution, the Embassy also requests its employees to provide an itinerary and contact information whenever they travel outside the capital.

Over the past several years, there have been several high-profile kidnappings in the interior of the country – particularly in the region of Concepcion. Members of the Paraguayan business community and their family members have been targeted. It is generally believed that  kidnappings are financially motivated and kidnappers have selected their targets based on the victims’ wealth and perceived willingness to pay ransom.

Virtual kidnappings have also been reported in Paraguay.  Virtual kidnapping schemes typically involve an individual or criminal organization who contacts a victim via telephone and demands payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or friend.  While no actual kidnapping has taken place, 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 in an effort to rush the victim into making a hasty decision.  For example, a caller might attempt to convince a victim that his daughter was kidnapped by having a young female scream for help in the background during the call.  Callers will often go to great lengths to engage victims in ongoing conversations to prevent them from verifying the status and location of the “kidnapped” individuals.  Over the past several years, the region, including Paraguay, has seen an increase in virtual kidnappings reports.

Avoid large gatherings or other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. Such activities have resulted in intermittent road closures including major routes traveled by tourists and residents. While generally nonviolent, demonstrations and/or roadblocks have turned violent in the past. If you encounter demonstrations and/or roadblocks, do not attempt to continue your travel and do not confront the crowd. Instead, turn around and find a different route or wait for the road to reopen.

Stay up to date with security information by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime has increased steadily over the past several years posing a challenge to the Paraguayan National Police. Although most crime is nonviolent, there has been an increase in the use of weapons, and there have been incidents of extreme violence. U.S. citizens have on occasion been the victims of assault, robbery, and rape. Local authorities frequently lack the training and resources to solve these cases. Under these circumstances, U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Paraguay should be aware of their surroundings and security at all times. Travelers and residents alike should take common sense precautions; refrain from conspicuous displays of wealth such as wearing expensive-looking cameras and flashy jewelry, displaying large amounts of money, or other valuable items. Criminals often target those thought to be wealthy. Resistance to armed assailants has often aggravated the situation and therefore is not advised.

Armed robbery, car theft, and home invasions are a problem in both urban and rural areas. Street crime, including pick pocketing and mugging, is prevalent in cities. The number of pick pocketing incidents and armed assaults is also increasing on public buses and in the downtown area of Asuncion. A common tactic is the use of motorcycles by robbers to quickly approach their victims and then brandish a weapon and demand a wallet or purse. Please note that this method of operation – two men on a motorcycle – is something for which you should be attentive. As many incidents on public buses involve individuals snatching valuables, passengers should not wear expensive-looking jewelry or display other flashy items. There have been incidents of pilferage from checked baggage at both airports and bus terminals. Travelers have found it prudent to hide valuables on their person or in carry-on luggage. Unauthorized ticket vendors also reportedly operate at the Asuncion bus terminal, badgering travelers into buying tickets for substandard or non-existent services.

Despite concerted efforts by the Paraguayan Government over the last several years to improve the quality of its police force, corruption continues to be a problem within the Paraguayan National Police. Police are frequently involved in various criminal activities and actively solicit bribes. Uniformed police often conduct roving checks of vehicles and passengers. All lawful police instructions should be adhered to. However, the Embassy does not support the payment of bribes under any circumstances and encourages U.S. citizens to contact the Embassy if they believe they are being treated improperly.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you will be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Paraguay is 911 and for the Fire Department, including rescue of accident victims, is 131 or 132.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.