Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Paraguay. Higher risk visitors may require specific security advice.

 

 Crime

 

Street crime like bag snatching and pick-pocketing, on public transport may occur. Many foreigners choose to use taxis in preference to public transport for security and convenience. Muggings and robberies (occasionally armed) also take place. Keep valuables, spare cash and spare credit cards in a safe place. Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs and where possible use machines that are not on the street. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery. Consider carrying cash and bank cards in separate pockets and only take with you the money you need at the time.

 

Take sensible precautions to safeguard your possessions. Keep essential items like mobile phones or wallets out of sight. Leave your passport and other valuables in a safe place.

 

Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking in downtown Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero alone during nighttimes.

 

In recent years a small number of high profile kidnappings have occurred. Although foreigners are not routinely targeted, you should remain vigilant.

 

If you need to report a crime you must go to the nearest police station. You can also contact the Tourist Police in Asuncion at (595 21) 446-608 or (595 21) 449-020; in Ciudad del Este (595 61) 502-715; Encarnacion (595 71) 204-102 and in Salto del Guaira (595 46) 243-575.

 

A small guerrilla-style group calling itself the EPP (Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo) operates in the northern part of the Department of San Pedro and southern part of the Department of Concepción. Take extra precautions if you travel to these areas. The EPP typically targets police, military and large landowners. They steal cattle and kidnap for ransom. Their attacks can be violent, including the use of explosives and firearms. A breakaway faction of the EPP called ACA (Asociación Campesina Armada) is involved in similar illegal activities and operates in the same areas as the EPP.

 

Local travel

 

Groups of demonstrators may sometimes block major roads throughout the country, including international routes used by local residents and tourists, resulting in considerable delays.

 

Road travel

 

You can use your EU driving license or an International Driving Permit while in Paraguay if you are visiting as a tourist. You must have your driver’s license, passport and entrance stamp with you while driving. If you hire a car, take out adequate insurance. Driving standards are poor and traffic accidents, particularly involving motorcycles, are frequent. Many motorcyclists drive with no crash helmets and no lights at night.

 

There are regular police checks nationwide, usually to check the vehicle and drivers’ documents (passport, entrance stamp, driver’s license) and perform breathalyser tests. These are particularly frequent in Asuncion, its neighbouring cities and the San Pedro and Concepcion Departments. Take extra care when travelling in and around these areas. Take care when travelling in the departments of Alto Parana, Concepcion, San Pedro, Amambay, Salto del Guaira, Canindeyu and the border with Bolivia where illegal cross-border activities are common.

 

Paraguay’s network of surfaced main roads is limited and of variable condition. Minor and rural roads remain unsurfaced and often become impassable during the rainy season and major paved roads (including in Asuncion) are prone to flooding during heavy rain. Large potholes are a hazard on most roads including in Asunción. Avoid driving on country roads at night, which can be particularly hazardous.

 

Stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits are often ignored and road signs indicating hazards are lacking in many areas. Road signs are generally poor and can be confusing, even for local drivers.

 

Many taxis and most of the bus companies do not meet European standards and rarely have functioning seat belts. Road rules and etiquette of driving in Paraguay do not always match those of the Western World.

 

The Terminal de Omnibus Asuncion is the main terminal for long distance journeys. The bus station has security but you should keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

 

River travel

 

Boat trips and excursions are available on the main rivers, but many vessels don’t meet European health and safety standards. Be cautious when swimming in rivers as many have strong currents. Avoid swimming in the River Paraguay around Asunción, which is highly polluted. Seek the latest official advice before swimming in the popular tourist destination of Lake Ypacaraí, close to Asunción.

 

Local laws and customs

 

All residents and visitors are required by law to carry an acceptable form of identification at all times. Foreign residents are issued with identity cards. You should carry a photocopy of the details page of your passport, as well as a copy of your entrance stamp.

 

Don’t become involved with drugs, as there are severe penalties for drug trafficking and possession. Prison sentences are mandatory, without bail, and prison standards are poor.

 

Homosexuality is legal, but Paraguay is a conservative society. Be aware that public displays of affection are infrequent and may be frowned upon.

 

Money

There are many ATMs accepting Cirrus, Maestro and Visa cards. You may be asked to provide identification if you are paying for items with a credit or debit card. Travellers’ cheques are not widely used. When exchanging money, use registered banks or bureaux de change. Don’t change money with people offering attractive rates on the street or on arrival at the airport, as false banknotes are common.

 

Health

Facilities for good private medical care exist but are limited to the major cities. Hospitals and GPs will expect immediate payment for medical services. The availability of certain types of medicines cannot be guaranteed. Elsewhere, facilities may not meet acceptable standards. If you need a regular prescription you should bring enough with you.  Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

There are regular outbreaks of dengue fever. Rain and flooding can lead to an increase in dengue carrying mosquitoes, leaving affected areas more vulnerable to dengue outbreaks. You should take precautions to prevent against mosquito bites. There have also been reported cases of the chikungunya virus, mainly of local residents returning from affected countries.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Entry requirements

Visas

 

EU Passport holders do not need a visa to enter Paraguay. On presentation of a valid EU passport you will normally be granted a 90-day stay in the country.

 

You must make sure on arrival that your passport is stamped by an immigration official, dated and signed. Anybody without an entry stamp in their passport will be fined when they leave the country. This is particularly important for anyone entering Paraguay at a land border. Sometimes long distance bus drivers tell foreign nationals that they can complete immigration formalities in Asunción. This is not true, and visitors will incur a fine if they do not get their passport stamped at the point of entry.

 

If you wish to extend your stay for another 90-day period, seek advice from the Direccion General de Migraciones.

 

If you are travelling to Paraguay to work or study you should contact the Paraguayan Embassy in your home country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Paraguay.  If you plan to travel to Argentina or the US you will need a visa in your ETD. You must contact the nearest Embassies of those countries in order to apply.

 

Please be aware that for UK citizens the British Embassy in Asuncion does not produce ETDs. In case you require an ETD it will be done so through the British Embassy in Buenos Aires.

 

Travelling with children

 

If you’re under 18, travelling across borders in the region without one or both parents, it’s advisable to have written permission to travel from both parents, duly certified by the Paraguayan Embassy in your home country. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that immigration officers often request documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.