Destinations / Paraguay
Driving in Paraguay as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Paraguay drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your national licence for desks and checkpoints.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Paraguay expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h rural highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PYG. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on highways during the day. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.0% alcohol tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Paraguay
At the pump
State firm Petropar and private chains sell Nafta (Kape 88, Oikoite 93, Aratiri 97) and Diesel (Pora and Mbarete), with regular petrol around USD 1.09/litre; cards are widely accepted in cities.
After a crash
Call 911 for police and the SEME ambulance service on 141; leave the vehicles in place for a serious crash until the Policia Nacional/Caminera files a report, which is required for insurance and rental claims.
Sources: petropar.gov.py · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Paraguay?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Paraguay drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your national licence for desks and checkpoints.
Which translation format is used for Paraguay?
Paraguay uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Paraguay ask for a translation?
Asunción desks request an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Paraguay?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.