Traveling tips for Paraguay – what you should know before a trip to Paraguay

Do you have travel plans to Paraguay? Its natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, or the allure of an off-the-beaten-path adventure are the main draws, but before you pack your bags, there are a few important things to think about.

Navigating the complexities of Paraguay may significantly improve your vacation experience, from obtaining the necessary entrance paperwork to comprehending the local customs and sights. So what should you know before traveling to this treasure of South America

This article covers a wide range of topics, including how much a dollar buys in Paraguay, what documents are required to visit the country, how long it takes to obtain a tourist visa, and much more.

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What documents do I need to enter Paraguay?

To enter Paraguay, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid at the time of entry. It should have at least six months of remaining validity.
2. COVID-19 Test Result: Travelers aged 12 and up must present a negative RT-PCR/LAMP/NAAT COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before departure or a negative antigen test result taken in a time not exceeding 24 hours before boarding.
3. Vaccination Record: Foreign travelers not residing in Paraguay, aged 18 and over, must present a complete vaccination record to enter the country. The Paraguayan Ministry of Health considers someone “fully vaccinated” for six months after receipt of the initial series of vaccines. After six months, a booster shot is required to maintain this designation.
4. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
5. Biometric Data: Paraguay requires biometric data collection upon arrival for security purposes.

What to know before going to Paraguay?

Here are some things you might find useful to know before going to Paraguay:

1. Natural and Cultural Beauty: Paraguay is a country of natural landscapes, architecture, Guaraní indigenous culture, and tasty street food. It’s a melting pot of indigenous heritage and colonial history. You can visit places like Saltos del Monday, one of Paraguay’s best-kept secrets, and San Rafael Park, a reserve of pristine Atlantic forest.
2. Cities to Visit: Asunción, the capital, is an intimate, walkable district of cobbled streets, low-slung colonial architecture, and little plazas. Encarnación is a cheery river beach city popular with locals in the summer. Ciudad del Este is popular among shoppers and is near the Iguazú Falls.
3. Friendly Locals: Paraguayans love foreign visitors. They regard tourists as curious and eager to share their culture and traditions.
4. Language: Nine out of 10 Paraguayans speak Guaraní, an indigenous language, and Spanish. Learning a few words of Guaraní can be a nice way to connect with locals.
5. Visa Requirements: Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan need a tourist visa to go to Paraguay. If you’re flying to Pettirossi Airport, you can get a visa on arrival.
6. Safety: Paraguay is a relatively safe country, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings

Is Paraguay good for tourists?

Yes, Paraguay can be a good destination for tourists, especially for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are some reasons why:

1. Cultural and Natural Beauty: Paraguay offers a mix of natural landscapes, architecture, Guaraní indigenous culture, and tasty street food. It’s a melting pot of indigenous heritage and colonial history.
2. Safety: Much of Paraguay is safe for tourists to visit. Major incidents like murder, rape, and assault are very rare, however, getting robbed or mugged can be a risk. It’s always recommended to use common sense and stay alert.
3. Budget-Friendly: Paraguay can be a budget-friendly destination. With proper planning, daily expenses can be as low as $15–20 a day.
4. Less Touristy: Few Western tourists visit Paraguay, which can make for a more authentic and less crowded experience.
5. Friendly Locals: Paraguayans are known to be friendly and welcoming to foreign visitors.

How much is the entry fee for Paraguay?

The entry fee for Paraguay, often referred to as a reciprocity fee, varies depending on the country of origin. Here are some examples:

• For citizens of the United States, the fee is $160.
• For citizens of Canada, the fee is $150.
• For citizens of Australia, the fee is $135.

What do people in Paraguay do in their free time?

In Paraguay, people enjoy a variety of activities in their free time, including:

1. Family and Social Gatherings: Families are the center of Paraguayan culture. Most social activities, vacations, and weekends are family events. Paraguayans are very hospitable, and conversation is a national pastime.
2. Outdoor Activities: Young people in Paraguay spend a lot of time around the pool during the summer to beat the heat. The vacation destination of San Bernardino fills up with youngsters during this time, as everyone tries to cool down around Lake Ypacarai.
3. Sports: Paraguayans have a passion for soccer. It’s common to see people playing sports during their free time.
4. Arts and Crafts: Paraguayan culture involves many traditions that celebrate its native arts, crafts, music, instruments, and dance.
5. Food: In Paraguay, vendors sell food on the street almost anywhere, and it’s common for people to eat and drink their meals in public squares.
6. Teen Activities: Paraguayan teenagers like to spend their weekends together going out as a group: playing sports, having picnics, going to parties or movies, taking walks, or hanging out in parks. Dancing is a big part of Paraguayan culture.

How much do Americans have to pay for a visa to Paraguay?

U.S. citizens can obtain a visa upon their arrival in Paraguay by paying a consular fee which is currently $160.

Can I use US dollars in Paraguay?

In Paraguay, the official currency is the Paraguayan guarani (PYG). However, United States dollars (USD) are also widely accepted. Visitors are advised to use banks or official Bureaux de Change for exchanging money rather than street exchange kiosks, as there are many counterfeit notes in circulation. Here are some details about the exchange rate:

• 1 US Dollar (USD) is approximately equal to 7,410 Paraguayan Guarani (PYG).
• The exchange rate may fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check the most up-to-date rates before your trip.

How far does a dollar go in Paraguay?

As of the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar is equivalent to approximately 7,410 Paraguayan Guarani. However, the cost of living in Paraguay can give you a better idea of how far a dollar can go.

Here are some average costs for common items and services in Paraguay:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 30,000 Guarani (around $4)
• A meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 160,000 Guarani (around $21.6)
• A liter of milk: 6,785 Guarani (around $0.92)
• A loaf of fresh white bread: 4,938.93 Guarani (around $0.67)
• A liter of gasoline: 30,085.20 Guarani (around $4.06)

How long can you stay in Paraguay without a visa?

Is there an arrival visa for Paraguay?

Yes, there is an arrival visa for Paraguay. U.S. citizens can obtain a visa upon their arrival in Paraguay. The visa is granted at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, Paraguay. They will have a duration of ten (10) years. The requirements to obtain the arrival visas are:

1. Valid passport.
2. Cash payment of US $160.00 of the corresponding tariff.

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How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Paraguay?

The processing time for a tourist visa to Paraguay for U.S. citizens is typically around 7–10 business days.

For more travel guides and helpful resources, bookmark our website and stay tuned for future updates. Do you have any questions about traveling to Paraguay? Feel free to reach out, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow adventurers seeking their next unforgettable travel experience. Safe travels!