Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crime

Crime, including violent crime, has increased in recent years. Armed robbery, car theft and burglary occur in both urban and rural areas. Remain vigilant at all times and avoid walking alone after dark. If attacked, do not resist.

Street crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging is prevalent in cities, bus terminals and on public buses. Muggings by motorcyclists—usually two men on a motorcycle—can occur day or night. Ensure that your personal belongings and passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. 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. Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep cellular telephones and other valuable items out of sight. Remain aware of your surroundings when exiting currency exchange bureaus and when using automated banking machines (ABMs). Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals. Choose ABMs in controlled areas such as in banks and avoid using them at night.

In Asunción, be cautious in both unpopulated and overcrowded areas. Avoid market or plaza areas and the Chacarita and Costanera areas of downtown Asunción.

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.

Checked luggage has been pilfered at airports. Pack valuables in your carry-on luggage or carry them on you.

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) operates in the northern part of the department of San Pedro and southern part of the department of Concepción, as well as in Canindeyu and Amambay departments in the east. This group kidnaps for ransom. Although the EPP typically targets residents rather than visitors, be extra cautious if you travel to these areas.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Occasional demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes occur in the capital and on main highways. Local transportation services may be disrupted and violent incidents may occur. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended.

Road travel

Road accidents are frequent. Traffic laws are frequently ignored and road signs are often lacking. There is no roadside assistance on most highways. Roads in rural areas are generally unpaved and may become impassable during rainy periods. When travelling outside Asunción after dark, stray animals and vehicles operating without headlights present hazards. The number of traffic accidents tends to increase during the holiday season. Be particularly cautious during this period.

Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times, even if stopped. Do not leave bags, luggage or other valuable items in the car, and never in plain view. Cars that are parked on the street and left unattended are often broken into.

Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, especially at night. Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times. Local police may not speak English or French.

Public transportation

Taxis can be hailed on the street. After dark, however, they should be ordered by phone. Very few taxi drivers speak English or French. Outside Asunción there are no metered taxis so negotiate the fare in advance.

There is no international train service available to and from Paraguay.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Hiking

Because of heavy rainfall and limited infrastructure, hiking trips to remote areas should be carefully planned. Ensure you have proper equipment and sufficient food and water supplies. A travel itinerary should be left with the hotel or with the Consulate of Canada in Asunción. Buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Never hike alone.

General security information

Tourist facilities are good in the capital but may be limited or unavailable in other areas. 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.

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.

You should only undertake visits to the Chaco wilderness with an experienced guide because of the harsh environment and risk of encountering dangerous animals. Staying at an estancia (ranch property) is recommended.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Paraguayan authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Paraguay or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Paraguay, which must be valid for the duration of their stay in the country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

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.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians require a valid visa to enter Paraguay.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Canadians arriving by air at the Asunción Silvio Pettirossi International Airport may obtain a visa en arribo (visa upon arrival), valid until the expiration date of their passport, for a fee of US$150 (payable in cash only). If you are planning to enter via other points of entry, you should apply for a visa in advance at the closest Paraguayan embassy or consulate.

Airport tax

An airport tax of US$25 must be paid upon departure from the Asunción airport. This tax is normally included in the price of your airline ticket.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

If you have a medical emergency while abroad, officials at the nearest Canadian government office can provide you with a list of licensed health-care providers.

Medical care is adequate in Asunción but limited and of substandard quality in rural areas. A shortage of nurses and doctors often leaves clinics staffed with unqualified personnel. Medical facilities will often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. There is no air ambulance service from Paraguay to any foreign destination, so purchasing private air medical evacuation insurance before travelling to Paraguay is advisable.

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 & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal drugs

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Laws

There are strict regulations against the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, medications, toys resembling weapons or protected species.

It is against the law to hunt animals in or remove certain plant species from nature reserves.

Photographing airports, military establishments, police stations and government buildings is prohibited.

Rental vehicles are available. An International Driving Permit is required.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Paraguay. However, if you enter Paraguay on a Paraguayan passport, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services. You should carry your Canadian passport with you and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities to minimize this risk. Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the guaraní (PYG). Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. U.S. dollars can be exchanged in every exchange agency (casa de cambio) and at most banks. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Natural disasters & climate

The rainy season, which extends from November to March, can affect the accessibility or reliability of intercity transit. During the rainy season, the roads in the northern part of the Chaco region are impassable, except for roads within Mennonite colonies.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency assistance after hours, call the embassy of Canada in Buenos Aires and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613 996 8885.