Travel Report for Paraguay

Country Profile for
Paraguay

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 17, 2006 13:30 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:47 EST

Paraguay

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 3 and 8 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Incidents of violent crime are on the rise, including kidnapping for ransom. Although foreigners are not specifically targeted, travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution at all times, particularly in cities at night.
Canadians should exercise caution when travelling to the Departments of San Pedro, Canindeyú and Amambay. There have been carjackings by armed bandits along secluded parts of the road, from the junction at Mbutuy in Caaguazú Department east, across San Pedro Department and through Canindeyú Department to Salto del Guaira at the Brazilian border.

Ongoing economic recession has resulted in political instability and declining security. Armed robbery, car theft, and burglary occur. Street and other petty crimes are prevalent in cities. Violent incidents have occurred in public transportation. In Asunción, be cautious in public markets, particularly the Mercado Cuatro and, at night, in the neighbourhoods of the Chacarita, Ñemby, and Tacumbú. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. If attacked, do not resist. Checked luggage has been pilfered at airports.

Exercise caution when travelling to the border towns of Pedro Juan Caballero in the North-East and Ciudad del Este near the border with

Brazil

. Travel to outlying areas should be with a supervised tour group.

Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended. Curfews may also be in effect.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to

Paraguay

should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

Visits to the Chaco wilderness area should be undertaken with an experienced guide due to the harsh environment and risk of encountering dangerous animals. Staying at an "estancia" (ranch property) is recommended. It is against the law to hunt animals or remove plants. Because of heavy rainfall and limited infrastructure, hiking trips to remote areas should be carefully planned. Travellers should ensure they have proper equipment and sufficient food and water supplies. A travel itinerary should be left with the hotel or the embassy or consulate of

Canada

(see below).

Do not photograph airports, military establishments, police stations, or government buildings.

Visiting most indigenous areas should present no danger for travellers. The one exception is the Ayoreo woodland group, in the northern area of the Paraguayan Chaco, close to the Mennonite colonies. Some Ayoreos may perceive outsiders as threatening.

The emergency numbers for police are 911 and 441-111.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Motorists should exercise caution, since traffic laws are frequently ignored. Tourists travelling outside Asunción should avoid night travel, because stray animals and poorly lit vehicles are common driving hazards. Major roads connecting Asunción to other major cities and neighbouring countries are paved. Roads in rural areas are generally unpaved. During rainy periods, they may become impassable.

Taxi service is widely available. Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at ranks. After dark, they should be ordered by phone. Very few taxi drivers speak English.

Spot checks by the police are common, especially at night. Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times. It may be difficult to obtain service in English from the local police.

Rental vehicles are available. Roadside assistance is non-existent on most highways. In the event of an accident, the municipal police should be contacted to obtain a police report ("parte policial") for insurance purposes. If there are injuries, the police report must be obtained from the national police. Local police will often detain one or both parties to an accident.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

N/A

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

There are strict regulations against the temporary importation into or export from Paraguay of items such as firearms, medications, toys resembling weapons, or protected species.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Paraguay - ASUNCIÓN, Consulate of Canada
Address: 3 Profesor Ramírez at Juan de Salazar (between Perú and Padre Pucheu), Asunción, Paraguay
Postal Address: Asunción, Paraguay
Tel.: 595 (21) 227-207
Fax: 595 (21) 227-208
E-mail: honconpy@telesurf.com.py

The Embassy of Canada in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has consular responsibility for Paraguay.

Argentina - BUENOS AIRES, Embassy of Canada
Address: 2828 Tagle, C1425EEH Buenos Aires, Argentina
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1598, C1000WAP Correo Central, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: 54 (11) 4808-1000
Fax: 54 (11) 4808-1012
E-mail: bairs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/bairs

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct. This information is important since there is no answering machine at the Consulate in Paraguay.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Paraguay is 008-14-800, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Be sure that your passport is stamped by an immigration official if entering Paraguay overland or you will receive a heavy fine when leaving the country.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Paraguay. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

An airport tax of US$25 must be paid upon departure from the Asunción airport.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Paraguay and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the guaraní (G). Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. The U.S. dollar, however, can be exchanged in every "casa de cambios" (exchange agency) and most banks. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Paraguay (capital: Asunción) is located in South America, bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. Tourist facilities are good in the capital but range from poor to nonexistent in other areas. The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. Mobile telephone services have improved considerably, but services outside urban areas are sparse, poor and relatively costly by Canadian standards.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care ranges from limited to nonexistent in the countryside. Certain medication may not be available. Medical facilities will often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in the summer (October to March).

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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