Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. It is prevalent in cities, bus terminals and on public buses. Checked luggage has been pilfered at airports.

Armed robbery, car theft and burglary occur in both urban and rural areas. Muggings by motorcyclists—usually two men on a motorcycle—can occur day or night.

Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals.

Be cautious in Asunción. Avoid market or plaza areas and the Chacarita and Costanera areas of downtown Asunción.

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• remain vigilant at all times and avoid walking alone after dark
• if attacked, do not resist
• carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and keep the original in your hotel safe
• do not show signs of affluence, as wealthy looking tourists are more likely to be targeted by criminals
• don't carry large amounts of cash and keep cellular telephones and other valuable items out of sight
• don't leave bags, luggage or other valuable items in the car, and never in plain view
• keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked at all times, even if stopped
• choose ATMs in controlled areas such as in banks and avoid using them at night
• remain aware of your surroundings when exiting currency exchange bureaus and when using ATMs

Violent crime

Be extremely cautious when travelling near border areas due to organized crime and lack of security patrols.

Drug trafficking and crime are known to occur in Amambay and Canindeyu departments and along the tri-border area between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

A small armed guerrilla-style group known as the Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo [Paraguayan people’s army] (EPP) kidnaps for ransom. It operates in:

• the northern part of the department of San Pedro
• southern part of the department of Concepción
• Canindeyu and Amambay departments in the east

Although the EPP typically targets residents rather than visitors, be extra cautious if you travel to these areas.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Because of heavy rainfall and limited infrastructure, you should carefully plan your hiking trips to remote areas.

The Chaco wilderness is a harsh environment where you may encounter dangerous animals.  You should stay at an estancia (ranch property).

If you intend on hiking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Indigenous peoples

Visiting most areas populated by indigenous peoples should present no danger, with the exception of Mennonite colonies in the northern area of Chaco Paraguayo, where the Ayoreo woodland group lives. Some Ayoreos may perceive outsiders as a threat.

Telecommunications networks

Mobile telephone services outside urban areas are sparse and poor. In rural areas of Chaco Paraguayo, there is no cellular phone coverage outside of most Mennonite towns.

Road safety

Accidents are common. The number of traffic accidents tends to increase during the holiday season. Be particularly cautious during this period.

Drivers do not respect traffic laws and road signs are often lacking. There is no roadside assistance on most highways. Roads in rural areas are generally unpaved. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season.

When travelling outside Asunción after dark, stray animals and vehicles operating without headlights present hazards.

Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, especially at night. Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times.

Public transportation

Public transportation is readily available for urban and intercity travel. Buses and taxis may not meet Canadian safety standards.

• call taxi companies that are registered with authorities from a landline or from a hotel instead of hailing taxis on the street
• take note of the taxi’s registration and telephone numbers before you depart

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Paraguayan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid expected duration of your stay in Paraguay.

Ensure that your passport is stamped by an immigration official if entering Paraguay overland or you will receive a heavy fine when leaving the country.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required 
Business visa: required 
Student visa: required

Departure tax

An airport tax of US$25 must be paid upon departure from the Asunción airport. Some airlines include the departure tax in the cost of the airline ticket.

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in South America, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South America. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in South America, certain insects carry and spread diseases like, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), chikungunya, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), West Nile virus yellow fever and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in South America, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Medical facilities will often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Drinking water

Tap water in Paraguay is unsafe.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

LGBTQ2 travellers

Paraguay’s law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Paraguay.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Paraguay, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Paraguay.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Paraguay, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Paraguayan court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Paraguay to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%.  If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines.

You must carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Paraguay is the guaraní (PYG).

Canadian currency is not widely accepted. U.S. dollars (except for US$ 100 bills series CB and D) can be exchanged at most banks and exchange agencies (casa de cambio).

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged, particularly in the Chaco region. Roads within Mennonite colonies remain usually passable. 

More about hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons