Paraguay

Översikt

The most significant risk that travellers to Paraguay are exposed to is crime, including petty and violent crime. Paraguay has generally positive regional relations and despite historic tensions with Brazil over cross border crime, there is no feasible threat of interstate conflict. Civil unrest is common and the public sector is exposed to periodic strikes. Extreme environmental conditions including both drought and flooding regularly affect large areas of Paraguay and can disrupt both energy supplies and transport. Dengue fever epidemics are reported on an almost annual basis.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Paraguay. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Outbreaks of Dengue Fever have been reported in Paraguay, and peak transmission occurs during the warmer months, from October to April. Risk is present in both urban and rural areas.

Paraguay has confirmed cases of Chikungunya in the departments of Amambay, Central, Guairá and Paraguarí. Insect protection measures s are essential.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older, including for travellers going to Iguaçu Falls. Vaccination is not recommended if only traveling to Asuncíon.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Paraguay. All travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Leishmaniasis is highly endemic in rural areas in the departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canendiyu, Guaira, and San Pedro. The use of a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk is recommended.

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Paraguay. Vaccine is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas, people who will be working with or around animals, people who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in the country.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Paraguay.

Medical Facilities in Paraguay vary in quality and can often be unsanitary, if not non-existent in rural areas.

Pharmacies are available in Asunción and other major urban areas, but limited elsewhere. It is advisable to bring any prescription/necessary medicines from the home country.

Private insurance policies are recommended that include medical evacuation by air. Medical Services will expect payment in cash regardless of any travel insurance.

Find below some medical facilities often considered to be above average

Hospital La Costa de Asunción
Av. Artigas 1500
+595 21 2171717

Sanatório Migone de Asunción
Av. Eligio Ayala, 1293
+595 21 218 2000

Pass

Visitors to Paraguay must be travelling on a passport that is valid for the duration of the stay. Passports must a have entry stamp or possible face a fine when leaving the country. This is especially important if entering via a land border.

Members of Mercosul Union can travel with national identification documents. It is however advisable to check which national documents are accepted, and the validity required.

Visum

Visas required for all nationalities, apart from those coming from the European Union (EU) and those from the countries comprising the South America customs union, MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur), Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the US. These can be obtained from any Paraguayan embassy prior to departure.