Paraguay
Country Specific Information

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October 23, 2007

  COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Paraguay map   Paraguay is a constitutional democracy with a developing economy.  Tourist facilities are adequate in the capital city of Asuncion, but they vary greatly in quality and prices.  Travelers outside Asuncion should consider seeking travel agency assistance, as satisfactory or adequate tourist facilities are very limited in other major cities and almost nonexistent in remote areas.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Paraguay for additional information.


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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport and visa are required.  U.S. citizens traveling to Paraguay must submit completed visa applications in person or by secure messenger to the Paraguayan Embassy or one of the consulates and pay a fee.  Paraguay issues visas for one-entry or multiple entries up to the validity of the U.S. passport.  Applicants under 18 years of age traveling alone must appear with both of their parents or a legal guardian.  In case of a guardian, an original and one copy of proof of legal guardianship are required.  A document of authorization from parents/guardian will be accepted only if it is notarized and certified by the county clerk.  Travelers entering or departing Paraguay with regular U.S. passports will be fingerprinted.  Effective January 1, 2008, some airlines will begin to include the Paraguayan airport departure tax in the price of the airline ticket.  It is recommended that you check with your airline in order to determine whether or not the departure tax has been included.  If the tax is not included in the airline ticket then payment would be required upon departure in either U.S. or local currency (no credit cards or checks accepted). Visit the Embassy of Paraguay web site at http://www.embaparusa.gov.py for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.


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SAFETY AND SECURITY:     As stated in the Department of State's latest Worldwide Caution, U.S. citizens overseas may be targeted by extremist groups and should maintain a high level of vigilance.  The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific terrorist threat to Americans in Paraguay.  Individuals and organizations providing financial support to extremist groups operate in Ciudad del Este and along the tri-border area between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.  Small armed groups have also been reported to be operating in the San Pedro and Concepcion Departments.  Drug trafficking remains a serious concern in the Department of Amambay.  Because of concerns about the lack of security in border areas, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion requires U.S. Government personnel and their family members to provide advance notice and a travel itinerary when traveling to Ciudad del Este or Pedro Juan Caballero.  As a general precaution, the Embassy also counsels its employees traveling outside of the capital to provide an itinerary including dates, contact names and telephone numbers where the employee may be reached.

Since January 2007, there have been numerous kidnapping incidents mainly in the Alto Parana department.  Targets have been members of the Paraguayan business community or their family members.  It is believed that the individuals responsible for the kidnappings are financially motivated and have pre-selected their targets based on the victims’ wealth. 

U.S. citizens should avoid large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.  Such activities have resulted in intermittent road closures including major routes traveled by tourists and residents.  While generally nonviolent, demonstrations and/orroadblocks have turned violent in the past.  Areas where such closures and barricades exist should be avoided.  U.S. citizens who encounter demonstrations and/or roadblocks should not attempt to continue the planned travel or to confront those at the roadblock.  Instead, they should avoid areas where individuals aredemonstrating and in case of roadblock, wait for the road to reopen or return to the origin of their trip.  Uniformed police often conduct roving checks of vehicles and passengers.
 
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, wherethe current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphletA Safe Trip Abroad.


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CRIME:  Crime has increased in recent years with criminals often targeting those thought to be wealthy.  Most crime is nonviolent, although there have been incidents where extreme violence has been used.  U.S. citizens have on occasion been the victims of assaults, kidnappings, robberies, and rapes.  Local authorities frequently lack the training and resources to solve these cases.  Under these circumstances, U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Paraguay should be aware of their surroundings and security at all times.  They should take common sense precautions including refraining from displaying expensive-looking cameras and jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.  Resistance to armed assailants has often aggravated the situation and therefore is not advised.

Armed robbery, carjackings, car theft, and home invasion are a problem in both urban and rural areas.  Street crime, including pick pocketing and mugging, is prevalent in cities.  The number of pick pocketing incidents and armed assaults is also increasing on public buses and in the downtown area of Asunción.  As many incidents on public buses involve individuals snatching valuables, passengers should not wear expensive-looking jewelry or display other flashy items.  There have been incidents of pilferage from checked baggage at both airports and bus terminals.  Travelers have found it prudent to hide valuables on their person or in carry-on luggage.  Unauthorized ticket vendors also reportedly operate at the Asuncion bus terminal, badgering travelers into buying tickets for substandard or non-existent services.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.  Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law.  In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.  More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm


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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. 

See our information on Victims of Crime.


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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Adequate medical facilities, prescription and over-the-counter medicine, supplies, and services are available only in Asuncion.  Elsewhere, these are limited and may not exist.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.


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MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.


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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Paraguay is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

U.S. citizens have been injured and killed in traffic accidents.  Only minimal standards must be met to obtain a Paraguayan driver's license, and driver education prior to licensing is not common.  Drivers throughout Paraguay routinely ignore traffic regulations.  No vehicle insurance is required, and many Paraguayans drive without any insurance coverage.  Persons who drive in Paraguay should be prepared to drive defensively and with their own insurance in both urban and rural areas.

Public transportation is readily available for urban and inter-city travel.  Buses vary in maintenance conditions and may not meet U.S. safety standards.  Armed robberies occur on buses in cities and rural areas, sometimes with the apparent collusion of the bus driver.  Taxis are available and may be called using telephone numbers listed in the newspapers.  No passenger train service exists.  Bicycle travel may not be safe due to traffic and other road hazards.

Most urban streets consist of cobblestones over dirt.  Some roads in Asuncion and other large cities are paved.  However, these roads frequently develop potholes that often remain unrepaired.  Nearly all rural roads are unpaved, and during rainy periods and the rainy season (November-March/April) they may be impassable.  Road signs indicating hazards, such as sharp curves or major intersections, are lacking in many areas. 

Driving or traveling at night is not advisable outside Asuncion because pedestrians, animals or vehicles without proper lights are often on the roads.  In addition, assaults and other crimes against motorists traveling at night have occurred.  Extra precautions should be exercised along infrequently traveled portions of the rural roads.

Intercity highway maintenance is not equal to U.S. standards.  The privately maintained toll road between Caaguazu and Ciudad del Este and the routes between Asuncion and Encarnacion and Asuncion and Pedro Juan Caballero are in good condition.  Most other intercity routes are in good to fair condition, with brief stretches in poor condition.  The Trans-Chaco route is in fair condition except for the portion between Mariscal Estigarribia and the Bolivian border, which is unpaved and at times impassable.

In Asuncion, the following phone numbers exist for roadside/ambulance assistance:
Emergency Services, including police and ambulances:  911.
Fire Department, including rescue of accident victims: 131, 132.

The Touring and Automobile Club provides some roadside assistance to its members.  The Club may be contacted in Asuncion by visiting its offices at 25 de Mayo near Brazil, First Floor, or telephoning 210-550, 210-551, 210-552, 210-553, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon, except for Paraguayan holidays.  The Touring Club also has offices in Ciudad del Este (tel. 061-512-340), Coronel Oviedo (tel. 0521-203-350), Encarnación (tel. 071-202-203), San Ignacio Misiones (tel. 082-232-080), Caaguazu Campo 9 ( tel. 0528-222-211), Santani (tel. 043-20-314), Pozo Colorado (tel. 0981-945-177 / 0981-166-264 / 0981-939-611, Villa Florida (tel. 083-240-205) and Ybyyau (tel. 039-210-206).  Towing services are scarce outside of urban areas.  Twenty-four-hour tow truck services from Asuncion may be contacted by telephoning (021) 224-366, (021) 208-400, (cellular service provider) Tigo by dialing *822 or 0971-951-930.  For an extra fee, these companies may provide service outside of Asuncion, but they typically demand immediate payment and may not accept credit cards.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the web site of Paraguay’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.senatur.gov.py and http://www.mopc.gov.py/.


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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Paraguay’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Paraguay’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs.initiatives/oversight/iasa.


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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Paraguay’s customs authority may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Paraguay of items such as firearms, medications, toys resembling weapons, or protected species.  It is advisable to contact the Paraguayan Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of Paraguay's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Paraguay does not recognize dual Paraguayan nationality for American citizens.  Under Article 150 of the Paraguayan Constitution, naturalized Paraguayans lose their nationality by virtue of a court ruling based on unjustified absence from the Republic for more than three years, or by voluntary adoption of another nationality.

Please see our Customs Information. 


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CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Paraguay’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Paraguay are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. 

Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
 


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CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information, see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption andinternational parental child abduction.

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REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Paraguay are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Paraguay.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue; telephone (011-595-21) 213-715, fax (011-595-21) 213-728; Internet: http://paraguay.usembassy.gov, email: paraguayusembassy@state.gov.  The Consular Section is open for U.S. citizen services, including registration, Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., except for U.S. and Paraguayan holidays; telephone (011-595-21) 213-715, fax (011-595-21) 228-603.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 4, 2007 to update the Sections on Exit/Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime and Traffic Safety, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Special Circumstances, and Children’s Issues.


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