Paraguay
About Paraguay
| Currency | Guarani (PYG) |
| Language | Spanish |
| Capital | Asuncion |
The Republic of Paraguay is located in central South America and shares borders with Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The population is about 6.5 million people. The country has two distinct regions that are divided by the Paraguay River, which runs north and south. To the west, is the semi-arid Gran Chaco plains, and to the east is the fertile, temperate region where 95 percent of the population lives.
The government is a constitutional republic with a president as chief of state and head of government. Paraguay experienced 30 years of dictatorship until 1989, and the country was left with very little established infrastructure and political tradition. In the ensuing years, the country has struggled to maintain political stability. Paraguay faces problems of corruption, organized crime, and smuggling.
Tourists attractions include the wilderness, wildlife, and Jesuit ruins. However, the tourist infrastructure is somewhat limited.
Recommended Vaccinations For Paraguay
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Paraguay. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers 1 year of age and older from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela, and for travellers having transited for more than 24 hours in these countries. However, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older. The vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the city of Asunción.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Paraguay
There are no recommendations for Paraguay at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Paraguay
For Most Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever
There is a risk of dengue fever year round in Paraguay.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Paraguay.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Paraguay.
For Some Travellers
West Nile Fever
There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Paraguay, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Yellow Fever
There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Paraguay. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers 1 year of age and older from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela, and for travellers having transited for more than 24 hours in these countries. However, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older. The vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the city of Asunción.
Chagas Disease
The risk to travellers of acquiring Chagas disease is extremely low. However, if staying in poor-quality housing, especially in rural areas, there is a higher risk since the insect that transmits this disease can reside in walls and ceilings.
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Paraguay
Personal Safety
Most crime in Paraguay is not violent and normally tourists are not targeted, however, there has been an increase in robbery and assault with the use of weapons. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid displays of wealth, such as jewellery or expensive clothing. Street crime, such as pickpocketing or mugging, is common, and travellers should take precautions to secure documents and money. Travellers should be aware that there have been reports of theft by pairs of men on motorcycles. Also, there are reports of theft from luggage at airports.
There is some corruption in the police force, and police may solicit bribes. Police also may make a sweep checking vehicles and passengers, also sometimes soliciting bribes.
Be particularly aware of personal surroundings in downtown Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero, and avoid walking in these areas after dark.
Some reports recommend taking taxis rather than public transport due to increased pickpocketing and theft.
Although same-sex relations are not illegal in Paraguay, local attitudes may not welcome homosexuality.
Extreme Violence
Kidnappings have occurred in Paraguay.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning, especially in Asunción. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Areas To Avoid
While these areas are not officially noted as specific areas to avoid, be cautious when travelling in the northeastern provinces of San Pedro, Concepcion, Alto Paraná, Salto del Guairá, Amambay, Canindeyu and border areas with Bolivia. Illegal cross-border activities occur in these areas. Take extra precaution in the departments of Concepción and San Pedro where a small guerrilla-style group, the EPP, operates in the northern areas. Exercise caution in the Tri-Border Area of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, particularly from Pedro Juan Caballero south to Ciudad del Este.
