Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Paraguay
About
| Paraguay is a little-known landlocked country, which has found itself somewhat isolated from even its neighbours in the past by geography and politics. Visit the National Fine Arts Museum which holds 19th-century paintings and colonial works. Conquer the foothills of the Cordillera de los Altos to explore the historic village of Paraguarí and its several old buildings in colonial style. San Bernardino, a holiday resort situated on Lake Ypacarai, 47km from the capital. Owing to its beaches and lake shores, it's very popular during the summer months. It also has a camping ground. Visit one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Italpú Dam, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Prepare to see the breathtaking waterfalls in Ciudad del Este, 326km (204 miles) east of the capital. |
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| Capital: | Asunción (ASU) |
| Currency: | Guyanese Dollar (GYD). USD is widely accepted. |
| Language: | Spanish and Guaraní. English is rarely heard or understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 595 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best time to go: | May – September. Summers can be very hot and humid, with the majority of rainfall between December and March. Winter (June – September) is mild with a few cold days. |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | Outside of Asunción, medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies if travelling outside the main city. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Avoid photographing military buildings and personnel, and other potentially sensitive subjects. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Paraguay without incurring customs duty: • Goods to the value of US$300 (if arriving by air or water) or US$150 (if arriving by land). |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Paraguay
189 Strelitzia Rd, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria 0181
Tel: 012 3471047
E-mail:consulate@paraguayembassy.co.za
Web: www.paraguayembassy.co.za/consulado/visas/
Hours: Mon - Fri 0830-1630
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 1; Apr 17-18; May 1, 14-15; Jun 12; Aug 15; Sep 29; Dec 8, 25, 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 1; Apr 2-3; May 1, 14-15; Jun 12; Aug 15; Sep 29; Dec 8, 25, 31
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for a maximum stay of 90 days if entering for tourism purposes.
If stay is longer than 90 days please contact the Embassy.
Entry Requirements
- Ticket and itinerary
- Passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months, with 2 blank pages.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Buenos Aires, Argentine
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio |
