The United States Department of State has placed Paraguay in Level 1 of its Travel Advisory System, the category that indicates the lowest general risk for travellers. However, Paraguay is specifically marked as “Level 1 with risk: Exercise normal precaution with higher security risk”: This means that while the country is broadly considered a safe destination, several departments still present elevated security concerns.
What is the travel advisory system?
The U.S. Department of State classifies every country and specific regions’ safety under a four-level alert system. Each level reflects the degree of security risk for travellers:
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precaution
Level 1 with Risk: Exercise Normal Precaution With Higher Security Risk
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 With Risk: Exercise Increased Caution With Higher Security Risk Areas
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Level 3 With Risk: Reconsider Travel With Higher Security Risk Areas to Avoid
Level 4: Do Not Travel
This tiered system allows travellers to quickly understand the relative safety conditions of each destination. The system is based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, terrorism threats, and other security concerns.
Paraguay’s position in the region
According to the guidance, Paraguay and Argentina are the only countries in the Southern part of South America that fall within the Level 1, as they are considered safer. In the wider Americas, Suriname and French Guiana also appear in this category, while in North America the only country with a Level 1 rating is Canada. Within Mexico, only the Yucatán Peninsula receives a similar evaluation.
By contrast, most other countries in the region fall under Level 2, which advises travellers to “exercise increased caution.” Meanwhile, Colombia, Guyana, and much of Central America are listed under Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Venezuela remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel, according to the U.S. government.
U.S. assessment of safe, or risky?
The U.S. Travel Advisory Map is designed as a guidance tool for American citizens, based on analyses of crime statistics, security trends, terrorism risks, and other relevant data. In Paraguay’s case, the advisory highlights specific departments: Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepción, and San Pedro, where criminal activity remains more prevalent.
The ranking reflects improvements in Paraguay’s overall security environment and safety. Thus system also reinforces the need for travellers to remain aware of local conditions, particularly in higher-risk zones.
Read more: Safety In Asunción: A Data-Driven Look At Security In Paraguay’s Capital.
