South America and South Atlantic Islands

Paraguay

Still current at: 15 October 2008

Updated: 15 August 2008

Terrorism

 

 

Crime

Instances of serious violent crime, including kidnapping, have decreased lately. However, weapons can easily be obtained in Paraguay and are routinely carried. Although foreigners are not specifically targeted, you are advised to remain alert at all times. 

You are advised to take sensible precautions – avoid wearing expensive jewellery, carrying large amounts of cash or carrying handbags.  Essential items, such as mobile phones or wallets should be kept out of sight when out walking or using public transport.  Armed assaults and pickpocketing on public transport and in areas frequented by foreigners are increasing. Many foreigners choose to use taxis in preference to public transport for security and convenience.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Paraguay Country Profile

 

Local Travel

 

There are increased military and police checks nationwide, usually to check documents.

 

Care should be taken when travelling in the north eastern provinces of Amambay and Canindeyu where illegal cross-border activities are common and often violent.

 

Due to an increase in crime, you should be particularly vigilant at night in downtown Asuncion, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero, where it is not advisable to be on foot after dark. You are advised not walk in the areas around the Presidential Palace and Congress after dark, where there have been reports of armed assaults on tourists.  

 

There are no rail services and no regular passenger services on the river.

 

Road Travel

 

Paraguay's network of surfaced main roads is limited and of variable condition.  There is an ongoing programme to upgrade the major routes but minor roads remain unsurfaced and often become impassable during heavy rains.  Large potholes are an additional hazard, particularly in Asunción.  Unlit vehicles and cattle sleeping on the roads make night driving on country roads inadvisable.  It is common to travel within Paraguay by long distance bus services.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

All residents and visitors are required by law to carry an acceptable form of identification with them at all times: foreign residents are issued with identity cards.  You should carry a photocopy of the details page of your passport. You are advised to leave your passport, other important documents and large amounts of money in a safe place.

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking.  Prison sentences in such cases are mandatory, without bail, and prisons standards are poor.

Paraguay is an isolated, landlocked country that has few of the normal facilities for tourists outside the main towns.  It is also a country that is finding its way after many decades of dictatorship. You should therefore be realistic about the standards of service and facilities that you can expect to find.

Homosexuality is accepted, but Paraguay is also a conservative society. You are therefore advised to show respect for local customs.  

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visas

 

If you are staying for less than three months and you have a British Passport, you do not require a visa to enter Paraguay.  You must make sure on arrival that your passport is stamped by an immigration official, dated, signed and sealed. 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 non-Mercosur 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 point of entry.

If you wish to stay longer than three months as a visitor you must produce a "certificado de buena conducta" (certificate of good conduct) in order to apply for a residence permit.  You should obtain this certificate from your local police station in the UK before travelling, as the Honorary Consul cannot issue one.  This must be issued in the month before you leave the UK and has a limited validity of six months.

If you intend to stay in Paraguay for longer than three months (e.g set up a business, work or study) you should contact the Paraguayan Embassy in London.

They can provide further assistance before travelling in order to make sure you get the necessary entry clearance documentation.  It can be a lengthy process to regularise your status in country if you arrive in Paraguay without the required documentation.

 

Travelling with children

 

If you are under 18, travelling across borders in the region without one or both parents, it is advisable to have written permission to travel from both parents, duly certified by the Paraguayan Consulate in London.  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.

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue Fever, which has severe flu-like symptoms and can sometimes be fatal (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever).

The most affected region is Asuncion and Central department, although there is a risk throughout the country.  The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has issued a country-wide alert and a control programme is underway. The Paraguayan Ministry of Health has also reported a number of deaths from DHF.

Since February 2008 there have been no reported cases of Yellow Fever in Paraguay. However, you should still be vaccinated against the disease if you intend to travel to Paraguay. Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever are spread by mosquito bites. You should use mosquito repellent regularly and cover up with suitable clothing.  If you do fall ill you should seek immediate medical advice. There are cases of meningitis being reported in areas located about 200 km from Asunción.

There are occasional reports of outbreaks of malaria and Leishmaniasis (transmitted by insects) is also on the increase. You should bring insect repellent with you, as local brands are not usually as potent as those available in the UK.

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. If you need a regular prescription you should bring enough with you.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Paraguay.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 13,000 adults aged 15 or over in Paraguay were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

For further information on endemic diseases, such as malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Paraguay you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
  

Representation in Paraguay

There is no British Embassy in Paraguay. The British Embassy in Buenos Aires now has overall responsibility for Paraguay and all enquiries should be directed to them at the contact details given below. For emergency consular assistance only, please contact the British Honorary Consul in Asunción: Dr Guillermo F Peroni; Address: Eulogio Estigarribia, 4846 C/Monseñor Bogarin, Asunción, Paraguay; Tel: (595) (21) 210405; Fax: (595) (21) 600448; Email: guillermo.peroni@pstbn.com.py or veronica.roa@pstbn.com.py.

Money

ATMs are widespread, many accepting Cirrus, Maestro and Visa cards.  You should be aware that you may be asked to provide identification, such as a passport, if paying for items with a credit or debit card. Travellers' cheques are not widely used.  When exchanging money, you should use registered bureaux de change.  We strongly advise that you do not change money with people offering attractive rates on the street or on arrival at the airport, as false banknotes are common.