Paraguay has implemented updated health requirements for international visitors. The National Directorate of Migration and the Ministry of Health enforce new protocols aimed at protecting public health, and managing international arrivals. Resolution 268/2025, enacted in July 2025, updates and formalises vaccination requirements, particularly strengthening controls for visitors from countries with known health risks.
Focus on high-risk areas
The latest Paraguay health requirements focus specifically on travellers from countries with documented disease outbreaks. All foreign nationals arriving from risk areas; including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Peru, must present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate, either in physical or digital format. This provides flexibility while maintaining security standards.
Health requirements for risk areas
Travellers from risk areas who have not yet received the yellow fever vaccine, must get it at least ten days before departure to ensure it becomes effective. The vaccine is widely available at public health centres, and international travel clinics.
Paraguay’s strict approach reflects its long-standing success: the country has not reported a yellow fever case since 2008. This record builds trust among international visitors, and underscores Paraguay’s commitment to public health.
Exemptions under the new health regulations
The Ministry of Health recognises that certain individuals cannot receive vaccinations due to medical contraindications. These travellers must provide a medical certificate issued by a healthcare professional or health authority from their country of origin. However, exempted individuals face additional requirements, including health monitoring for six days after arrival.
Age-based exemptions apply to children under one year and adults over 59 years. Additionally, travellers in transit who remain in a risk country for less than 24 hours are also exempt. These exceptions account for short-term or unavoidable travel scenarios.
Measles vaccination strongly recommended
Due to recent global outbreaks, Paraguay now strongly recommends measles vaccination for all international visitors. This is especially important for travellers from countries such as Canada, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, Peru, and Costa Rica.
Paraguay has maintained measles-free status since 1998, and continued prevention is essential. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, acute diarrhoea, and possibly blindness. There is no cure; vaccination remains the most effective protection.
Special entry authorisations
Paraguay allows special entry permissions for humanitarian, commercial, or technical reasons, such as specialised technicians and crew members. These cases require prior approval from the General Directorate of Health Surveillance. Approved travellers are also subject to six-day monitoring.
A responsible and open destination
Paraguay’s long-standing record of preventing disease outbreaks supports its image as a safe and responsible destination, whether for tourism, business, or long-term stays. Travellers should speak with a healthcare provider well in advance of their trip to ensure they meet all health requirements.
To get vaccinated against yellow fever in Paraguay, the simplest option is to visit the Ministry of Health office, where the vaccine is provided free of charge to all who wish to receive it.
Read more: Paraguay’s Government Forms National Team To Improve The Health System.
