Paraguay

Violent crime

Violent crime is increasing in Paraguay, including in the capital Asuncion and tourist areas such as San Pedro and Concepcion. Incidents include armed assault, car theft and kidnapping. 

If attacked or robbed, don’t resist as muggers are occasionally violent and can 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.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and other petty crime is common in major cities, and on public transport. Hotspots for petty crime include Asuncion, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero. 

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

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
• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• 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.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Demonstrations and protests

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

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

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

High-profile kidnappings have occurred in the country’s interior, including areas where a small guerrilla style group known as the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) or Army of the Paraguayan People, operates. The EPP operates in parts of Concepcion, Amambay, San Pedro and Canindeyu. 

Kidnappers can be violent. Foreign nationals are occasionally targeted. 

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. 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

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 thousands 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

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

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
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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

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, 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 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

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Paraguay.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Paraguay. However, people could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Other laws

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

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

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. Dual nationals may need to enter on their Paraguayan passport.

If you're a dual citizen, 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 Paraguay, especially when entering at a land border. 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 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 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

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for Chile

Travelling with children

Children under the age of 18, with a birthplace or residency in Paraguay, must leave Paraguay with a legalised 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

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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The currency of Paraguay is the Guarani (PYG).

Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency. 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.

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted.

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

• Concepcion
• San Pedro
• Amambay
• Canindeyu

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 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

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

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 or 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

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

Australian Consulate, Asuncion

Arguello 208 e/Mariscal
Lopez y Boggiani
1209 Asuncion, Paraguay
Phone: +595 981 419379

The Consulate is headed by an Honorary Consul and can provide limited consular services. This consulate is unable to issue passports.

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

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
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