Safety and security

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Paraguay is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

While most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free, violent crime is increasing in areas frequented by tourists and you should take sensible precautions. 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, carrying handbags or showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• In Asunción, avoid walking near the Presidential Palace or Congress at night, as both are near a slum where foreigners have been victims of assault.
• Be careful in the north-eastern provinces of Amambay and Canindeyu where smuggling is common and violent incidents take place from time to time.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Paraguay, be aware that while some of the county’s principal roads are paved, the quality of the surface varies. Most minor roads are unpaved rough tracks, which can be impassable at times. If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Illegal drugs

There are very harsh penalties for anyone caught trafficking or in possession of drugs. Be very careful with your luggage and belongings and avoid any contact with prohibited drugs.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate

Paraguay has a subtropical climate in the Paraneña region and a tropical climate in the Chaco. The Paraneña region is generally humid, with plenty of rain throughout the year and only moderate seasonal changes in temperature.

During the summer, the dominant influence on Paraquay’s 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.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

There are no visa requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Paraguay for touristic purposes (up to 90 days).

Irish citizens travelling to Paraguay for other purposes should contact their nearest Paraguayan Embassy in advance of their visit to clarify their visa requirements.

Six month passport validity is required from the date of entry to Paraguay and one blank passport page. Please check your passport in plenty of time before travel and if it needs to be renewed please use our Online Passport Renewal System.

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.

Health

There is a risk of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Paraguay. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19.

Irish citizens should continue to adhere to the advice of Paraguayan authorities and comply with local measures, as applicable. Additional advice and information is available from the Paraguayan Ministry of Health.

Yellow fever

We recommend yellow fever vaccination for everyone over the age of one who is visiting rural and forested areas of Paraquay, including Iguaçu Falls.

Malaria

Malaria is a risk in the southeastern departments of Alto Paraná, Canindeyú, Caaguazú, Caazapá, and Guaira. Before travelling, get up-to-date medical advice as to whether you will need anti-malarial medication. When you arrive, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Dengue fever

Dengue is a serious risk in Paraguay, particularly during the warmer months (November to April) and especially in urban areas. Take sensible precautions against mosquito bites.