Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Paraguay. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

For entry requirements for Paraguay, please contact the nearest Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Safety and Security

Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free, however, violent crime is increasing and in Asunción, it is best to avoid walking near the Presidential Palace or Congress at night, as both are near a slum where foreigners have been victims of assault. 

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could target civilians, including foreign tourists.

Crime in areas frequented by tourists is increasing.  Travellers should avoid wearing expensive jewellery, carrying large amounts of cash or carrying handbags. 

Dengue is a serious risk in Paraguay. Risk occurs primarily during the warmer months (November to April), especially in urban areas.

 The Embassy recommends Yellow Fever vaccination for all travellers over one year of age visiting rural and forested areas, including Iguaçu Falls.

Malaria is a risk in the southeastern departments of Alto Paraná, Canindeyú, Caaguazú, Caazapá, and Guaira.

Local Laws and Customs

The government have very harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession of drugs.  You should therefore be very careful with your luggage and belongings and avoid any contact with prohibited drugs.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Paraguay experiences a subtropical climate in the Paraneña region and a tropical climate in the Chaco. The Paraneña region has a humid climate, with abundant precipitation throughout the year and only moderate seasonal changes in temperature. During the Southern Hemisphere's summer, which corresponds to the northern winter, the dominant influence on the climate is the warm sirocco winds blowing out of the northeast. During the winter, the dominant wind is the cold pampero from the South Atlantic, which blows across Argentina and is deflected northeastward by the Andes in the southern part of that country. Because of the lack of topographic barriers within Paraguay, these opposite prevailing winds bring about abrupt and irregular changes in the usually moderate weather.

Additional Country Info

Travellers should be careful when north-eastern provinces of Amambay and Canindeyu where smuggling is common and violent incidents occur from time to time.

ROAD SAFETY

Some of Paraguay’s principal roads are paved, but of variable quality. Most minor roads are unpaved rough tracks, which can be impassable at times.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS

The Embassy of Ireland in Buenos Aires is accredited to Paraguay - for contact details, please click here  (Opens in new window)