Paraguay

Violent crime occurs, including in the capital city of Asunción and tourist areas such as San Pedro and Concepción. Incidents can involve armed assaults, car thefts, and kidnappings. 

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

Pickpocketing and other forms of petty crime are common in major cities and on public transport. Hotspots for petty crime include Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Pedro Juan Caballero. 

If you are attacked or robbed, don't resist, as muggers can be violent and may be armed.

Transnational criminal organisations carry out drug trafficking and arms smuggling, particularly along Paraguay’s eastern border with Brazil.

This is most prevalent from Pedro Juan Caballero south to Ciudad del Este, including the Tri-Border Area of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

These organisations have carried out violent attacks in these north-eastern provinces as well as Asuncion. While tourists have not been specifically targeted, bystanders could still be at risk.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be alert in tourist locations, crowded public places and downtown areas
• avoid walking after dark
• only use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks and shopping malls and avoid using them after dark
• ask your hotel about areas to avoid downtown
• ensure your belongings are secure at all times, particularly when using public transport
• use registered taxis
• keep car windows closed, doors locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight
• do not leave valuables in your car, including in the boot.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe. 

High-profile kidnappings have occurred in areas where the group known as the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) or Army of the Paraguayan People, operates. The EPP operates in the northeast, Concepción and San Pedro. Foreigners living in these areas could be targeted.

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

More information, including advice on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping: 

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests occur frequently, usually in downtown Asuncion near government offices and can lead to roadblocks and road closures causing delays. Public protests and large events can turn violent. 

To protect yourself:

• 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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

The rainy season is from December to March. Heavy rains can disrupt public transport schedules. Floods can occur.

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

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.

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

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

Other common insect-borne disease risks include:

• dengue
• chikungunya

Insect-borne disease outbreaks have occurred in Asuncion, Concepcion and Ciudad del Este.

To protect yourself from disease:

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

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include, but are not limited to:

• 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 major cities but is limited in smaller cities and rural areas.

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

More information:

• Arrested or in prison

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal but same-sex marriages are not recognised. 

People could be discriminated against based on their same-sex relationships, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of the country.

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

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Paraguay doesn't recognise Australian-Paraguayan dual nationality. Australian-Paraguayan dual nationals need to enter using their Paraguayan passport.

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

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visitor visas

Australian passport holders don't require visitor visas to enter Paraguay when they travel on a regular passport for up to 90 days.

Ensure your passport is stamped, signed, and dated by immigration when entering. If you don't, you'll have to 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. 

For more information on the destination's entry/exit requirements, check Paraguay’s National Directorate of Immigration’s website.

Yellow fever vaccination 

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter. 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 or visiting Paraguay’s National Directorate of Immigration’s website.

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

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

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

Travelling to Brazil from Paraguay

Read our travel advice for Brazil. Australians need a visa to enter Brazil.  For more information, contact the embassy or consulate of Brazil.

Travelling with children

Children under the age of 18, with a birthplace or residency in Paraguay, must leave Paraguay with a legalised travel authorisation from any non-accompanying parent(s). A birth certificate may be required to verify the parents. If one of the parents is deceased, a death certificate will need to accompany the birth certificate. 

Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of Paraguay about the required documents for minors travelling to/from Paraguay and how to obtain them.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

The currency of Paraguay is the Guarani (PYG).

Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. Failing to do so is a violation and can result in the seizure and forfeiture of your money. 

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.

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
• Brazil

Be cautious when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, as criminal activities are common. Avoid crossing the borders after dark.

If you intend to make a day trip to Brazil, make sure you meet the entry/visa requirements.  

Road travel

Driving in Paraguay can be dangerous. 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

Taxis are often in poor condition and many 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 or ride-hailing apps which are available in major cities
• after dark, book registered taxis by phone or at major hotels

Air travel

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 or 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australian Consulate, Asuncion

Av. Santisimo Sacramento 1026
Esquina Roque Centurion
Edificio Eteria (4th floor ‘’Fundacion Moises Bertoni’’)
Asuncion, Paraguay

Phone: +595 985 191 000

The Consulate is headed by an Honorary Consul and can provide limited consular and passport services. 

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

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

Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires

Villanueva 1400,
(C1426BMJ)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Phone: +54 11 4779 3500
Website: www.argentina.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
X: @EmbAustraliaBA
Instagram: ausemb_ar 

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