Paraguay

Violent crime

Violent crime is increasing in Paraguay. Incidents include armed assault, car theft and kidnapping. Tourist areas, such as San Pedro and Concepción, are also affected.

The risk of violent crime increases after dark.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and other petty crime is common in major cities. Take care on public transport and in major tourist areas.

Thieves on motorbikes sometimes steal from pedestrians or threaten them with weapons.

Drug trafficking is a serious issue, particularly in the region of Amambay and the city of Ciudad del Este.

Hotspots for thieves include:

• Asunción
• Ciudad del Este
• Pedro Juan Caballero

To protect yourself from crime:

• be alert in tourist locations, crowded public places and downtown areas
• avoid walking after dark
• ask your hotel about areas to avoid downtown
• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• ensure your belongings are secure at all times
• use registered taxis

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist as thieves are often armed.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They occur frequently, usually in downtown Asunción close to government offices.

Protests and demonstrations have led to roadblocks and road closures. This can cause severe traffic congestion.

To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• don't cross roadblocks
• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

A small guerrilla-style group known as the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EEP), or Army of the Paraguayan People, operates in:

• the northern part of the San Pedro department
• the southern part of the Concepción department

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

High-profile kidnappings have occurred in the country's interior, including areas where the EEP operates. Kidnappers have targeted wealthy locals, police and landowners.

Be alert if you travel to these areas. Kidnappers can be violent.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

The rainy season is from December to March. The rain can disrupt public transport schedules.

Monitor regional weather forecasts to plan your travel.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring any medication, check if it's legal in Paraguay. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

There's a risk of yellow fever in Paraguay. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Other insect-borne disease risks include:

• malaria
• dengue
• Zika virus
• chikungunya

Many cases of insect-borne infections are reported. The worst outbreaks have occurred in Asunción, Concepción and Ciudad del Este.

Zika virus is common across Paraguay. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

More information:

• Department of Health

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis A
• rabies

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid bathing in fresh water, such as lakes and rivers
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek medical advice if you suspect poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical care is adequate in Asunción, but is limited in rural areas.

Hospitals often need an up-front payment or proof of medical insurance before they'll treat you, even in an emergency.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or in prison

LGBTI travellers

Avoid public displays of affection.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Paraguay, but the country is conservative.

Same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Paraguay.

It's not illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including mandatory prison sentences and heavy fines.

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Other laws

In Paraguay it's illegal to:

• import or export firearms, medications, toys that look like weapons, and protected species
• hunt animals
• remove certain plant species from nature reserves
• photograph airports, military sites, police stations or government buildings

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Paraguay doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Dual nationals must enter on a Paraguayan Passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Vistor visas

You need a visa to enter Paraguay.

At Asunción International Airport, you can pay cash for a 90-day visa valid for multiple entries.

At other ports of entry, you'll need to have a visa before you arrive. Whether you arrive by air, land or sea.

Get your passport stamped by immigration when entering Paraguay by land. If you don't, you'll pay a fine when you leave.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Paraguay for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Other requirements

Travelling with children

A child aged under 18 who travels alone or with only 1 parent needs a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or parents.

Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of Paraguay about what you need to do.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Paraguay. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Check the yellow fever entry requirements by contacting the nearest embassy or consulate of Paraguay.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling to or from Paraguay through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. 

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Paraguay
• Travel advice for the US

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The currency of Paraguay is the Guarani (PYG).

Use registered banks or an exchange bureau to change money. Avoid changing money with people on the streets. Counterfeit notes are common.

You may need to show ID when paying with a credit or debit card.

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted.

Take care if you travel to the north-eastern provinces of:

• Concepción
• San Pedro
• Amambay
• Canindeyú

Illegal cross-border activities are common and may become violent.

If hiking in remote areas, register your details with park authorities. Research local natural hazards and conditions before you go.

Travelling to Iguazu Falls

If you plan to visit Iguazu Falls, read our:

• travel advice for Argentina
• travel advice for Brazil

 We can't help you to apply for visas to visit other countries.

Road travel

You're almost 2 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Paraguay than in Australia.

Driving in Paraguay can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• disregard for traffic regulations
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles, especially outside urban areas
• unsealed roads
• stray animals on the road in rural areas
• vehicles without headlights on rural roads

The network of sealed roads in Paraguay is limited. Heavy rains can make some roads impassable.

If you plan to drive in Paraguay:

• You will need an international driving permit.
• check you have adequate travel insurance
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• avoid driving at night in rural areas

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Most taxis are in poor condition and don't have functioning seat belts.

Some taxis may appear to be official but aren't registered. There are reports of passengers being robbed in unregistered taxis.

If you need to take a taxi:

• use only registered taxi companies
• after dark, book registered taxis by phone or at major hotels

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Paraguay's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 441-111.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Asunción. It provides limited consular services and can't issue passports.

The office is open part-time. You need to make an appointment.

Australian Consulate, Asunción

Australian Consulate, Asunción
Prócer Arguello 208 e/Mariscal
López y Boggiani
1209 Asunción, Paraguay
Phone: (+59 521) 608 740
Fax: (+59 521) 608 740

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Argentina.

Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires

Villanueva 1400,
(C1426BMJ)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4779 3500
Fax: +54 11 4779 3581
Website: argentina.embassy.gov.au (Spanish)
Facebook: Australia in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
Twitter: @EmbAustraliaBA

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia