Paraguay customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Paraguay's customs service is known for strict enforcement of the cash declaration threshold and for prohibiting almost all fresh food and plant material at the border. Travellers arriving at Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi airport or at land crossings should expect physical inspections if they use the red channel, and undeclared cash can be seized on the spot.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying more than USD 10,000 (or the equivalent in PYG, roughly 75,000,000 PYG) in cash or negotiable instruments. Use the customs declaration form at the airport and present it to the officer before leaving the baggage hall.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods is USD 800 (about 5,900,000 PYG). Above that, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value, plus 10% VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use)
  • Fresh meat, dairy products, and unprocessed animal products
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants, and soil
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization
  • Pornographic materials and items offensive to public morals

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines (must have valid prescription and be in original packaging)
  • Pets and live animals (require import permit and health certificate)
  • Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones (may require registration and permit from aviation authority)
  • Satellite phones (require prior permission from CONATEL)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (Asunción) and other entry points, you walk through a red/green channel system. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel; if you exceed any allowance or carry restricted items, use the red channel. There is no separate arrival card for customs — you fill out a customs declaration form only if you have goods to declare or cash over the threshold.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. Paraguay classifies many common drugs as controlled, including strong painkillers (e.g. tramadol, codeine) and psychotropics; without a valid prescription they can be seized and you may be detained. Do not bring any narcotics or cannabis products — penalties are severe.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants, soil and animal products are prohibited or require a phytosanitary certificate. Declare any such items; undeclared food is confiscated and can trigger fines. Processed, sealed snacks are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is strictly enforced

If you carry more than USD 10,000 (or PYG equivalent) in cash or bearer instruments, you must declare it. Failure to do so can lead to seizure of the entire amount and possible criminal charges.

No duty-free shop on arrival

Paraguay does not have a duty-free shop in the arrival hall at Asunción airport. Any duty-free purchases must be made before boarding your flight to Paraguay.

Electronics and personal items

One laptop, one tablet, one camera, and one mobile phone per person are considered personal items and are duty-free. Additional electronics may be subject to duty and VAT.

Temporary import of vehicles

If you arrive with a foreign-registered vehicle, you must obtain a temporary import permit at the border. The vehicle cannot be sold or left in Paraguay without paying import duties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only with a valid prescription and in original packaging. Some common medications, especially opioids and psychotropics, are controlled and require prior authorization from the Paraguayan health ministry. Without proper documentation, they will be confiscated.
You must declare the excess and go through the red channel. You will pay a flat 20% duty on the value above USD 800, plus 10% VAT. If you fail to declare, you risk fines and confiscation.
You can bring any amount, but amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in PYG) must be declared on the customs form. Undeclared cash can be seized.
No. All meat, dairy, and fresh produce are prohibited. They will be confiscated and you may be fined. Only processed, shelf-stable snacks in small quantities are allowed.
Personal electronics like one laptop, one camera, and one phone are duty-free and do not need to be declared if they are for personal use. If you have multiple new devices, declare them.
Yes. You need an import permit from the Paraguayan animal health authority (SENACSA) and a health certificate from your vet. Quarantine may apply.
Paraguay has extremely strict drug laws. Smuggling narcotics can lead to lengthy prison sentences (up to 15 years or more). Do not attempt to bring any illegal drugs.

Official source

Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (Paraguay)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (Paraguay) before travelling.