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Is Paraguay dangerous? A practical safety guide

Paraguay ranks among the region's safest countries for homicide. Where to take extra care, how to avoid theft, and what to do on the road or in an emergency.

By Published Updated 3 min read

Backpacker waiting on the sidewalk to cross a busy avenue with traffic and buildings in downtown Asunción
Illustrative scene of a downtown street in Asunción. Always cross at the crosswalk and look both ways, even on a green light.
In this guide
  1. What do the numbers say?
  2. Where should you take extra care?
  3. How to avoid theft in the city
  4. The real risk: roads and traffic
  5. Protests, weather and health
  6. Emergency numbers

Paraguay is not a dangerous country by Latin American standards: in 2025 it recorded 6.1 homicides per 100,000 people, the third-lowest rate in the region after Argentina and Chile, according to InSight Crime (La Nación⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). For visitors and residents, the everyday risks are different: bag snatching on buses, poorly lit areas at night and, above all, traffic.

What do the numbers say?

InSight Crime's figures, as reported by La Nación, show 391 homicides in 2025, down from 477 in 2024, with the rate falling from 7.5 to 6.1. The regional median is around 17.6. The report points to drug trafficking, corruption and cigarette smuggling as the main criminal dynamics, which mostly affect people involved in those businesses rather than travellers.

That doesn't mean nothing happens. It means your risk depends a lot on where you are and what you're doing.

Where should you take extra care?

  • The Brazilian border. The UK government warns that criminal organisations smuggle drugs and arms along the eastern border, from Pedro Juan Caballero down to Ciudad del Este and the Tri-Border Area, and that violent crime there is rising (GOV.UK⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). The border departments are Amambay, Concepción, Alto Paraná, San Pedro and Canindeyú.
  • Northern San Pedro and southern Concepción. This is where the EPP, a small armed group, operates, mainly targeting police, the military and ranches (same source). If you're heading there, check the latest news and travel by day.
  • Ciudad del Este. The shopping district is packed and pickpockets work it: backpack on your front, wallet out of sight (Wikivoyage⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).

Asunción, Encarnación, San Bernardino and inland towns call for the ordinary precautions you'd take in any city.

How to avoid theft in the city

The UK government's advice⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠ matches what any local would tell you:

  • Buses: bag snatching and pickpocketing are the most common problem. Keep your bag in sight and be wary of unsolicited offers of help.
  • ATMs: use machines inside supermarkets, malls or banks, not on the street.
  • Taxis: book by phone, through your hotel or an app rather than hailing one.
  • At night: avoid isolated or badly lit areas, including big-city downtowns once the shops close.
  • Your phone: keep it away while walking. If you're robbed, hand things over: muggers are sometimes armed.

The real risk: roads and traffic

Paraguay has one of the highest road death rates in the world (Wikivoyage⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). Motorbikes are everywhere (often without helmets), some cars drive at night without lights, stop signs and speed limits are widely ignored, and rural roads are dangerous after dark and can be impassable in the rainy season (GOV.UK⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).

  • Zero alcohol: the limit is 0.00%, and police can take your licence on the spot.
  • Checkpoints: common in Asunción, the metro area, San Pedro and Concepción. Carry your licence and passport with its entry stamp.
  • Night driving: avoid it on rural roads if you can.
  • Seat belts: often broken in taxis and buses.

Protests, weather and health

  • Blockades and protests: common on main roads and in downtown Asunción near government buildings, often with little warning. Avoid crowds and follow local news (GOV.UK⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).
  • Flash floods: heavy rain floods avenues in Asunción and neighbouring cities. Never cross a street with running water.
  • Rivers: many have strong currents, and the Paraguay River around Asunción is heavily polluted, so don't swim in it.
  • Markets: gas-fired food stalls and poor wiring make fire a constant risk in narrow aisles.
  • Dengue: Paraguay is in the risk zone (Wikivoyage⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠); use repellent.

Emergency numbers

FAQ

Is Paraguay safe for tourists?

Broadly yes by regional standards: in 2025 it had 6.1 homicides per 100,000 people, the third-lowest rate in Latin America according to InSight Crime. The common risks are petty theft and traffic.

Which parts of Paraguay are most dangerous?

The Brazilian border from Pedro Juan Caballero to Ciudad del Este, because of drug trafficking, and northern San Pedro and southern Concepción, where the EPP armed group operates.

Is Asunción safe at night?

With normal precautions, yes. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, including downtown after the shops close, and use a booked taxi or an app.

What is the emergency number in Paraguay?

911. In Asunción you can also call the tourist police on +595 21 446 608.

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