Travel Summary
- Airlines have been instructed to separate any passengers who present flu symptoms. Upon arrival at the airport, they will be assessed by a medical team. Where swine flu is suspected, passengers are held under observation or sent to a hospital for treatment. All passengers must complete a form, providing details of places visited, any flu-like symptoms they are displaying and contact details in Paraguay.
- There is no British Embassy in Paraguay. Any enquiries should be directed to the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. For emergency consular assistance only, please contact the Honorary Consul in Asunción. Please see the General and Contact Details section of this advice for more details.
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A small number of British tourists visit Paraguay every year. Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free. However, violent crime is increasing, so you are advised to be on your guard and exercise caution at all times, particularly in cities at night. In Asuncíon it is not advisable to walk near the Presidential Palace or Congress at night, as both are near a slum where there have been cases of armed assault on foreigners.
- There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- Passports must be stamped on entry, dated and signed by an immigration officer.
- We 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. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
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.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. You should be particularly alert in downtown Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero, where it is not advisable to be on foot after dark, due to increasing crime. You should also avoid walking near the Presidential Palace and Congress in Asuncíon at night, as both are near a slum where there have been cases of armed assault on foreigners.
The Paraguay President is Fernando Lugo who assumed office on 15 August 2008, overturning 60 years of rule by the same political party. Lugo´s government has publicly stated its intention to address endemic corruption in government and to undertake a series of land reforms. It also intends to continue the ambitious business sector reform programme started by the previous government. This aims to provide a long term framework for investment. It includes a focus on increasing production of key commodities such as beef and cereals and maintaining a favourable exchange rate. This approach, coupled with a country risk rating of B+, is making Paraguay attractive to foreign investment.
A recent increase in attempted invasions of private agricultural land by “landless peasants” following Lugo´s election as President has led to greater police activity especially in San Pedro and Concepcion Departments. You should exercise caution, particularly in these areas, and avoid any protests and demonstrations.
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.
There are no rail services and no regular passenger services on the Parana River. The most reliable form of travel within Paraguay is by long distance bus services
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
There are severe penalties for drug trafficking. Prison sentences in such cases are mandatory, without bail, and prisons standards are poor.
Paraguay has few of the normal facilities for tourists outside the main towns. 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 Your Trip.
Entry requirements
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.
Health
A (H1N1) - Swine Flu
Airlines have been instructed to separate any passengers who present flu symptoms. Upon arrival at the airport, they will be assessed by a medical team. Where swine flu is suspected, passengers are held under observation or sent to a hospital for treatment. All passengers must complete a form, providing details of places visited, any flu-like symptoms they are displaying and contact details in Paraguay.
Dengue Fever
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 the Central department, although there is a risk of Dengue Fever throughout the country. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has implemented a control programme. The Paraguayan Ministry of Health has also reported a number of deaths from DHF.
Yellow Fever
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.
Malaria and Leishmaniasis
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.
General
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.
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 and the UK Department of Health website. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
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.
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 banks or bureaux de change. We 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.
