U.S. issues Level 1 travel advisory for Paraguay, increased caution in certain departments

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Paraguay, maintaining Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) overall, but advising increased caution in the departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepción, and San Pedro due to crime. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to these areas and are prohibited from using municipal buses. Criminal groups are active along the northeastern border with Brazil, smuggling weapons and drugs.