Paraguay

Paraguay

Use Normal Level of Caution
Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following departments: Asunción, San Pedro, Concepción, Canindeyú, Amambay, and Alto Paraná

The Republic of Paraguay is located in central South America and shares borders with Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The population is about 6.5 million people. The country has two distinct regions that are divided by the Paraguay River, which runs north and south. To the west, is the semi-arid Gran Chaco plains, and to the east is the fertile, temperate region where 95 percent of the population lives.

The government is a constitutional republic with a president as chief of state and head of government. Paraguay experienced 30 years of dictatorship until 1989, and the country was left with very little established infrastructure and political tradition. In the ensuing years, the country has struggled to maintain political stability. Paraguay faces problems of corruption, organized crime, and smuggling.

Tourists attractions include the wilderness, wildlife, and Jesuit ruins. However, the tourist infrastructure is somewhat limited.

Currency PYG: Guarani
Language Spanish
Capital Asuncion
Recent Alerts 1
Latest Alert July 21, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Paraguay (21 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Paraguay. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Paraguay.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Paraguay.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Paraguay, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue fever year round in Paraguay.

Malaria

In the past, malaria risk in this country was very low and in June 2018 the World Health Organization certified Paraguay as having eliminated malaria.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Paraguay. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, and including travellers transiting through Paraguay..

Chagas Disease

The risk to travellers of acquiring Chagas disease is extremely low. However, if staying in poor-quality housing, especially in rural areas, there is a higher risk since the insect that transmits this disease can reside in walls and ceilings.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Leishmaniasis

Most of the cases are reported from the Central Department, including Asunción, Cordillera and Paraguarí. The cutaneous form occurs mostly in forested areas such as Alto Paraná, Caaguazú, Canindeyú, and Amambay.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Paraguay.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is recommended, except generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the city of Asunción. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Paraguay. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, and including travellers transiting through Paraguay..

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Paraguay.

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication is not recommended.

Safety and Security in Paraguay

Emergency Numbers

911
131

Personal Safety

Most crime in Paraguay is not violent and normally tourists are not targeted, however, there has been an increase in robbery and assault with the use of weapons. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid displays of wealth, such as jewellery or expensive clothing. Street crime, such as pickpocketing or mugging, is common, and travellers should take precautions to secure documents and money. Travellers should be aware that there have been reports of theft by pairs of men on motorcycles. Also, there are reports of theft from luggage at airports.

There is some corruption in the police force, and police may solicit bribes. Police also may make a sweep checking vehicles and passengers, also sometimes soliciting bribes.

Be particularly aware of personal surroundings in downtown Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero, and avoid walking in these areas after dark.

Some reports recommend taking taxis rather than public transport due to increased pickpocketing and theft.

Areas To Avoid

While these areas are not officially noted as specific areas to avoid, be cautious when travelling in the northeastern provinces of San Pedro, Concepcion, Amambay, and Canindeyo. Illegal cross-border activities occur in these areas. Take extra precaution in the departments of Concepción and San Pedro where a small guerrilla-style group, the EPP, operates in the northern areas.

Extreme Violence

Kidnappings have occurred in Paraguay.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Sign up for a free account so that you can prepare for your trip and view the latest alerts.

Plan A Trip