Travel Vaccines and Advice for Paraguay
Paraguay is located in central South America. It is a landlocked country that is bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. It is also on the Paraguay River and is often referred to as the Heart of South America.
There are many activities in Paraguay for travellers to do. You can take a day trip to Iguassu Falls, see the Itaipu Dam, go on the Foz Iguacu City Tour, and so much more. You can also visit some of Paraguay’s top attractions like the Yaguaron Church and the Colonist’s Museum.
Whether you’re a nature lover, want to see the sites or are interested in Paraguay’s culture, it is a perfect place to be. There is so much to see and do when you come to Paraguay.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Paraguay?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Paraguay
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Paraguay?
What Is the Climate Like in Paraguay?
How Safe Is Paraguay?
Itaipu Dam
What Should I Take to Paraguay?
Canadian Embassy in Paraguay
Do I Need Vaccines for Paraguay?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Paraguay. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Paraguay: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Paraguay |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Paraguay |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is primarily transmitted through tainted food and water. Protection against this disease involves vaccination combined with good hygiene and careful food consumption.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by fever, jaundice, and bleeding. The yellow fever vaccine, given as a single injection, offers effective, long-lasting immunity against the virus and is crucial for travellers to and residents of endemic areas in Africa and South America.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travellers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
While Paraguay has not had a yellow fever outbreak in recent years, some bordering countries have. Make sure you receive a yellow fever vaccine before your trip.
Malaria and dengue are also present in Paraguay. Be sure to bring repellent and netting. Antimalarials may be recommended depending on your travel plans.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Paraguay
Prevent Bug Bites in Paraguay
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Paraguay
When abroad, prioritize food safety by adhering to PHAC guidelines: opt for fully cooked dishes, steer clear of raw seafood, and choose eateries with good hygiene practices. Stick to bottled beverages, be cautious with ice, and drink alcohol responsibly. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea through vigilant hand hygiene and avoiding unsanitary street food.
Infections To Be Aware of in Paraguay
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Prevention includes mosquito bite avoidance, safe sex, and travel precautions.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Paraguay?
A passport and visa are required to enter Paraguay. While you can get a visa on arrival, it is best to have one before departing on your trip.
A minor must show notarized authorization from a parent or guardian with their visa application.
Paraguay Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Paraguay? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Paraguay and Canadian Travel and Tourism
When you leave Paraguay by airplane, you have to pay an airport departure tax. The tax is sometimes added in the cost of the airline ticket.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Paraguay?
Paraguay has several popular tourist destinations with different weather conditions throughout the year.
Asunción, the capital city, has hot summers and mild winters with rain from November to March.
Ciudad del Este, in eastern Paraguay, has hot summers and mild winters with rain from October to April.
Encarnación, in southern Paraguay, has hot summers and mild winters with rain from October to April.
Areguá, a town near Asunción, has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters and rain from November to March.
Paraguay is a landlocked country, which means it doesn’t have any beaches. But, it has many rivers and lakes where people can go fishing, boating, and swimming.
If you plan to visit Paraguay, it’s important to check the weather forecast to know what to pack and what activities to plan.
How Safe Is Paraguay?
Paraguay is generally a safe country for travellers, but it’s important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing services.
- Keep valuables like passports, cash and electronics in a secure location, like a hotel safe.
- Stay in reputable accommodations with good security measures.
- Know the local laws and customs and follow them.
- Stay informed on current events and news in the area you will be visiting.
- Learning some basic Spanish can be helpful in communicating with locals.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risks associated with travel in Paraguay and have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Itaipu Dam
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
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threat throughout the world.
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Itaipu Dam is a huge hydroelectric power plant located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. Visitors can take a tour of the dam to learn how it produces electricity for both countries. The tour includes a visit to the control room and a look at the turbines and generators.
The dam also has an eco-museum with interactive exhibits on sustainable development and renewable energy. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the top of the dam wall or visit the observation deck for a panoramic view of the dam and the river.
It is a great opportunity for people to learn about this impressive engineering feat, renewable energy, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Paraná River.
What Should I Take to Paraguay?
There are some things you will need to bring on your trip to Paraguay.
- Passport and Visa — You must have a valid passport to travel to Paraguay. A blank page is required to be stamped. A visa is also required to come to this country.
- Clothes — Casual clothes are good to pack. Neutral colors and wearing neat clothing to restaurants are recommended. Jeans, t-shirts for the summer, and long sleeves and sweaters for the winter. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to protect you from the sun’s rays.
- Health — It’s important to pack for your health and safety. Prescription medicines, medical supplies, and over-the-counter medicines should be taken with you. You will also need supplies to prevent illness or injury as well as a first aid kit.
Canadian Embassy in Paraguay
If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in Paraguay, there is a Canadian consulate in the capital city of Asuncion.
Consulate of Canada to Paraguay in Asunción
Edificio Citicenter,
Avenida Mariscal Francisco Solano López 3794 (Cruz del Chaco entrance),
5th floor,
Asunción Paraguay
Phone: 981403778
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Paraguay
“Our nurse was very knowledgeable and friendly. She didn’t try to push anything. We really enjoyed our visit and are ready to go to Paraguay.”
“Nurse was accommodating, she explained and answered my questions regarding our trip to Paraguay. My little one was vaccinated. Now, I’m more confident travelling with my baby.”
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