Security Overview for Paraguay

Paraguay has suffered from decades of political and economic instability and corruption, which have led to high rates of crime and frequent public protests. The rate of violent and petty crime and smuggling is high. Crime rates are highest in Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, and armed assaults are on the rise. In Asuncion limit travel to the downtown tourist sites, shopping areas and the riverfront government district. Because of a high rate of credit card fraud, limit card use to upscale hotels, stores and restaurants and witness all transactions. Only use ATMs inside banks or large hotels.

Hotel- and telephone-dispatched taxis or a private car and driver are the most secure methods of transportation. Avoid using public transportation due to safety and security concerns. Limit overland travel to daylight hours. Roadside banditry is frequent in the Canindeyu, San Pedro and Caaguaza departments. In cities, drive only on main thoroughfares that are well-lit and populated due to the threat of carjackings in remote and downtrodden neighborhoods.

Large-scale civil unrest is not common, but some demonstrations occasionally turn violent, especially in the capital. Farmers regularly march in Asuncion to demand government subsidies. Police and military security personnel have used force to quell violence and disperse crowds, but locals view the armed forces with greater respect than local and national police units, who they contend are prone to corruption. The police are reportedly poorly trained and underpaid, whereas the military is more specialized and better compensated.

Terrorists are reportedly active in in Paraguay, although attacks are not common. Islamic extremist cells, including Hizballah and Palestinian Hamas, reportedly operate and possibly train in the remote tri-border region of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina; travel to this region with caution. Terrorist cells are also suspected of being active in Ciudad del Este.

Locals view the armed forces with greater respect than they do the local and national police units, who are more prone to corruption. The police force is poorly trained and underpaid, whereas the military is more specialized and better compensated.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.