Paraguay Travel Health Guide: Vaccines, Risks & Safety Tips

Your Health Guide to Traveling in Paraguay

Paraguay is one of South America's best-kept secrets. Landlocked between Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia, it offers a quieter, more intimate version of the continent: colonial architecture in Asunción, the thundering Iguazú tributaries, and a culture shaped by Guaraní traditions that feel genuinely alive rather than performed for tourists. If you are planning a trip here, you are in for something real.

Before you go, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers everything your health needs for Paraguay: which vaccines to get and when, whether the tap water is safe, what illnesses to watch for, how mosquito-borne disease risk varies by region, and what US citizens need to know about entry requirements. None of it is complicated once you know what to focus on.

WayPax is here to make that preparation straightforward. Think of this page as the knowledgeable friend you wish you had before every trip, someone who has already done the research and wants you to arrive healthy, stay healthy, and come home with nothing but good stories.

At a Glance

Category	Details
Risk Level	Medium
Region	South America (landlocked interior, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia)
Tap Water Safe	Not reliably safe outside major cities; drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines Recommended	Yes: MMR, yellow fever (for certain areas), typhoid, tetanus
Visa Required for US Citizens	No visa required for tourist entry

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccines before traveling to Paraguay?

Yes, several vaccines are recommended before visiting Paraguay. According to the CDC, all international travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) before travel, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers aged 9 months and older heading to certain areas of the country. Typhoid and tetanus are also part of the standard pre-travel checklist for Paraguay. Talk to a travel health provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date so there is enough time for vaccines to take effect.

Is tap water safe to drink in Paraguay?

Tap water in Paraguay is not reliably safe for travelers to drink. According to government travel health guidance, water quality in urban areas like Asunción is generally better but can still be compromised by power outages or infrastructure disruptions. Outside major cities, water may contain pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) or chemical contamination. Stick to bottled water or properly treated water throughout your trip, and be cautious about ice in drinks when you are outside urban centers.

Are there health entry requirements for Paraguay?

There are no confirmed mandatory health documentation requirements for entry into Paraguay based on current available sources. That said, yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended if your itinerary includes certain areas of the country, and you should carry proof of vaccination in case it is requested at a border crossing or by a connecting country. Always check current entry conditions with the US Department of State close to your departure date, as requirements can change.

What common illnesses do travelers get in Paraguay?

Mosquito-borne illnesses are the most notable concern for travelers to Paraguay, including chikungunya (a viral illness causing fever and joint pain), malaria in some areas, and yellow fever in certain regions. Waterborne illness from contaminated food or water is also a real risk, particularly outside major urban centers. The CDC also highlights measles as a travel-associated concern given increasing global activity. Staying vaccinated, using insect repellent, and being careful about what you eat and drink covers the majority of your risk.

How good are medical facilities in Paraguay?

Medical facilities in Paraguay vary considerably between urban and rural areas. Asunción and other major cities have hospitals and clinics that can manage most common travel illnesses, but facilities in rural or remote areas may be limited. It is wise to carry a basic travel health kit and know the location of the nearest reputable clinic before heading outside the capital. Comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly worth considering for any trip that takes you beyond the main cities.

Do I need travel insurance for Paraguay?

Travel insurance with solid medical coverage is a smart call for Paraguay. The combination of mosquito-borne disease risk in some regions, variable water quality outside urban areas, and uneven medical infrastructure means that an unexpected illness could require care that is difficult to access or expensive without coverage. Look for a policy that includes emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation, particularly if your plans involve travel outside Asunción or Ciudad del Este. Sorting your insurance before departure takes about ten minutes and gives you genuine peace of mind.

Get Your Personalized Travel Health Plan for Paraguay

Paraguay sits at a medium health risk level, with mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and yellow fever (in certain regions) requiring real attention before you travel. The MMR vaccine is specifically recommended by the CDC for all international travelers heading to Paraguay, and a licensed travel health provider can review your vaccination history and itinerary to determine whether additional protection, including any prescription-based prevention, is right for you. WayPax connects you with the tools and guidance to get your health plan sorted before you land.

Start Your Trip Kit

Health Risks in Paraguay

Paraguay presents a medium overall travel health risk. The risks are real but manageable with the right preparation, and they vary meaningfully depending on where in the country you are going.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes are the most significant health concern for travelers in Paraguay. The country is landlocked and largely low-lying, with a subtropical climate that supports year-round mosquito activity, making insect precautions relevant throughout your trip rather than only in certain seasons. The CDC has warned travelers about chikungunya (a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes fever, rash, and significant joint pain) during a documented outbreak in Paraguay. Malaria, a parasitic blood infection transmitted by mosquito bites, is a recognized risk in some areas of the country according to the CDC. Yellow fever, a potentially severe viral illness, is a risk in certain parts of Paraguay rather than nationwide. Your practical defense against all three is the same: use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation is not well-screened. Whether malaria prevention medication is appropriate for your specific itinerary is a decision a licensed travel health provider should make based on exactly where you are going.

Waterborne and Foodborne Illness

Water quality in Paraguay is uneven. Government travel health guidance notes that even in urban areas, power outages and infrastructure disruptions can temporarily compromise water safety. Outside major cities, water may carry pathogens or chemical contamination. This same infrastructure variability affects food safety in rural areas, where hygiene standards in food preparation can be less consistent. The practical response is simple: drink bottled or treated water everywhere, avoid ice unless you know its source, and choose freshly cooked, hot food over raw or pre-prepared options when you are outside Asunción or Ciudad del Este.

Vaccine-Preventable Infectious Diseases

Beyond mosquito-borne illness, Paraguay has a recognized risk profile for several vaccine-preventable diseases. Measles activity has been increasing globally, and the CDC specifically calls out full MMR vaccination before travel to Paraguay. Typhoid (a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water) is also cited in Paraguay-specific travel vaccine guidance. These are diseases where vaccination gives you strong, reliable protection, so getting your shots sorted well before departure is the single most effective thing you can do.

Recommended Vaccinations for Paraguay

Several vaccines are recommended before traveling to Paraguay, and getting them in place at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip gives them the best chance to work. Here is what the CDC and other travel health authorities recommend.

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): This vaccine protects against measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus that has been increasing in activity globally. The CDC recommends that all international travelers be fully vaccinated before travel to Paraguay, with a special note that infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive an early dose. Confirm your vaccination status with your provider before you travel.
• Yellow Fever: This vaccine protects against a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause serious liver and kidney damage. The CDC recommends it for travelers aged 9 months and older visiting certain areas of Paraguay. Get this at least 10 days before departure, as it takes time to become effective.
• Typhoid: This vaccine protects against a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water. It is included in Paraguay-specific travel vaccine advice and is particularly relevant if your trip takes you outside major urban centers. Allow at least 2 weeks before departure for the injectable version to take full effect.
• Tetanus: This vaccine protects against a bacterial toxin that can cause severe muscle spasms and is transmitted through cuts or wounds. The WHO recommends that travelers to Paraguay be up to date with tetanus vaccination. If your last booster was more than 10 years ago, now is a good time to get a top-up.

Your exact vaccine needs depend on your health history, your specific itinerary within Paraguay, and any underlying medical conditions. A travel health provider or clinic can review all of this with you and make sure nothing is missed.

Tap Water and Food Safety in Paraguay

Tap water in Paraguay is not reliably safe to drink, and your safest default throughout the trip is bottled or treated water.

Water Safety

Government travel health guidance describes tap water safety in Paraguay as variable rather than uniformly reliable. In Asunción and other major urban centers, drinking water is generally treated and considered potable (safe to drink), but power outages and water shortages can disrupt that at any time. Outside major cities, water may be contaminated with pathogens (disease-causing organisms) or chemicals, and the risk of waterborne illness rises. Bottled water is widely available and is your most straightforward option. If you are in a situation where bottled water is not accessible, boiling water for at least one minute or using a certified water purification filter or chemical treatment tablets are effective alternatives. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are confident it was made from treated water, particularly when you are outside urban areas.

Food Safety

Food safety in Paraguay follows the same urban-versus-rural pattern as water safety. In Asunción and Ciudad del Este, restaurants and food vendors generally maintain reasonable hygiene standards. The further you travel from major cities, the more variable that becomes. Your safest choices are foods that are freshly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and foods that have been sitting out at room temperature for an extended period. Street food can be perfectly fine when it is prepared in front of you over direct heat. When in doubt, the classic traveler's rule applies: boil it, cook it, peel it, or skip it.

Common Traveler Illnesses in Paraguay

The illnesses that most commonly affect travelers to Paraguay fall into two categories: mosquito-borne infections and gastrointestinal illness from food or water. Knowing what to look for means you can act quickly if something feels off.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral illness (a virus-caused infection) transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The CDC has issued specific warnings to travelers about chikungunya risk during a documented outbreak in Paraguay. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headache, and rash. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so prevention through insect repellent and protective clothing is essential. If you develop a sudden high fever with joint pain during or after your trip, see a doctor promptly and mention your travel history.

Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic infection (caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites) recognized as a travel health risk in some areas of Paraguay, according to the CDC. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches, appearing anywhere from one week to several months after a bite. Whether preventive medication is appropriate for your specific itinerary is something a licensed travel health provider should assess based on exactly where you plan to go. If you develop fever during or after travel in an area with malaria risk, seek medical care the same day and tell the doctor where you have been.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through food or water contaminated with the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. Symptoms include prolonged fever, stomach pain, headache, and sometimes a rash. Paraguay-specific travel health guidance lists typhoid as a relevant illness risk. Vaccination provides strong protection, and careful food and water choices add another layer of defense. If you develop a fever lasting more than a few days after eating or drinking something questionable, get evaluated by a doctor.

Waterborne Gastrointestinal Illness

Gastrointestinal illness (stomach and intestinal infection) from contaminated water or food is a plausible risk for travelers outside Paraguay's major urban areas, according to government travel health guidance. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and sometimes vomiting. Staying hydrated is the priority if you get sick. Oral rehydration salts, available at most pharmacies, are useful to carry. If symptoms are severe, include blood, or last more than 48 to 72 hours, seek medical attention rather than waiting it out.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens Visiting Paraguay

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Paraguay as a tourist. According to the US Department of State, entry is permitted without a visa for tourist purposes.

Your passport must be valid at the time of entry, and you should have at least one blank page available for the entry stamp, as the US Department of State notes this is requested by Paraguayan immigration officials. The maximum permitted tourist stay for US citizens is not confirmed in current official sources, so check directly with the US Department of State or the Paraguayan consulate before you travel. Entry requirements can and do change, so verifying current conditions close to your departure date is always a good idea.

Quick Answers

I am traveling to Paraguay soon, what vaccines should I consider before my trip?

The CDC recommends that all international travelers to Paraguay be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella) before travel, given increasing measles activity globally. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers aged 9 months and older visiting certain areas of the country, and typhoid vaccination is also included in Paraguay-specific travel vaccine guidance. The WHO recommends being up to date with tetanus as well. A travel health provider can review your personal vaccination history and itinerary to confirm what you specifically need.

Can you tell me if it is safe to drink tap water and eat street food in Paraguay?

Tap water in Paraguay is not reliably safe to drink. Government travel health guidance notes that even in urban areas like Asunción, infrastructure disruptions can compromise water quality, and outside major cities the risk is higher. Bottled or properly treated water is the safest choice throughout your trip. Street food that is freshly cooked and served hot in front of you is generally lower risk, but raw, pre-prepared, or room-temperature foods carry a higher chance of causing gastrointestinal illness, particularly outside major urban centers.

What health risks should I prepare for before visiting Paraguay?

Paraguay carries a medium travel health risk profile. Key risks include mosquito-borne illnesses such as chikungunya, malaria in some areas, and yellow fever in certain regions, as well as vaccine-preventable diseases including measles and typhoid. Government guidance also flags variable water quality, particularly outside major cities, as a source of potential gastrointestinal illness. Your best preparation combines up-to-date vaccinations, consistent use of insect repellent, and careful food and water choices throughout the trip.

If I get sick in Paraguay, what should I know about medical care and pharmacies?

Medical facilities in Paraguay are more accessible and better equipped in Asunción and other major cities than in rural areas. Pharmacies in urban centers are generally well-stocked and pharmacists can assist with common travel ailments. If you develop symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness such as fever, joint pain, or chills, seek medical care promptly and tell the doctor your travel history within Paraguay, since some areas carry higher disease risk than others. Comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is particularly valuable if your itinerary takes you beyond the main cities.

What kind of travel insurance makes sense for a trip to Paraguay with health coverage included?

For Paraguay, a travel insurance policy with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation is the most important feature to look for. Given that medical facilities outside Asunción and Ciudad del Este can be limited, evacuation coverage ensures you can be transported to appropriate care if needed. Policies that cover treatment for infectious diseases, including mosquito-borne illnesses documented in Paraguay such as chikungunya (per CDC outbreak warnings), are worth prioritizing. Confirm your policy covers the full duration of your trip and any adventure or rural activities you have planned.

Travel Ready for Paraguay: Your Next Step

Water safety variability between urban and rural Paraguay, combined with the distinct outbreak-specific risk of chikungunya on top of routine vaccine recommendations, means your preparation needs to be tailored to your actual itinerary rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist. A licensed travel health provider can assess your specific plans and health history to determine whether additional precautions, including any prescription-based options, are right for you. WayPax gives you the tools and the right provider connection to get that done efficiently, well before your departure date.

Start Your Trip Kit