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TRAVEL REPORT
Paraguay

1. RECENT UPDATES

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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor an outbreak of yellow fever in Paraguay. Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites. For more information, see the Travel Health Advisory published by the PHAC.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Paraguay

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in this country due to limited medical resources, generally poor road conditions, and increasing crime rates.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations and Unrest

The political situation is largely stable. Occasional demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes occur in the capital and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted and violent incidents may occur. Curfews may also be in effect. Canadians should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports. It is unadvisable to attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended.

Crime

Armed robbery, car theft, and burglary occur. Street and other petty crimes such as pickpocketing are prevalent in cities and on public buses. Checked luggage has been pilfered at airports. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. If attacked, do not resist. Weapons are carried by many locals and could be used by criminals.

In Asunción, be cautious in public markets, particularly the Mercado Cuatro and, at night, in the neighbourhoods of Chacarita, Nemby, San Lorenzo and Tacumbú.

Violent crime has increased in recent years. Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have been reported, especially in the Department of Alto Parana. 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, as well as to the border towns of Pedro Juan Caballero in the northeast and Ciudad del Este near the borders with Brazil and Argentina. These regions are known for drug trafficking and criminal gang activity. There have been carjackings by armed bandits along secluded parts of the road, from the junction at Mbutuy in Caaguazú Department, travelling east across San Pedro Department and through Canindeyú Department to Salto del Guaira at the Brazilian border. Travel to outlying areas should be with a supervised tour group.

There have been incidents of drugs being used (including scopolamine) to incapacitate travellers in order to rob or attack them. Scopolamine can be administered through aerosols, cigarettes, gum, or in powder form. As scopolamine can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems, Canadians should exercise caution when offered food or drinks from strangers or new acquaintances.

Security and Wilderness Activities

Visits to the Chaco wilderness area should be undertaken with an experienced guide because of the harsh environment and risk of encountering dangerous animals. Staying at an estancia (ranch property) is recommended. 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 with the Consulate of Canada in Asunción.

General Security Information

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

Visiting most areas populated by indigenous peoples should present no danger for travellers. The one exception is the northern area of the Paraguayan Chaco, close to the Mennonite colonies, where the Ayoreo woodland group lives. Some Ayoreos may perceive outsiders as a threat.

Tourist facilities are good in the capital but range from underdeveloped to nonexistent in other areas. Mobile telephone services have improved considerably, but services outside urban areas are sparse and poor. In rural areas of Chaco Paraguayo, cellular phone coverage is non-existant outside of most Mennonite towns.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Paraguayan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Paraguay and its consulates for up-to-date information.

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

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.

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

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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.

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

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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

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
Tel.: 595 (21) 227-207
Fax: 595 (21) 227-208
E-Mail: honconpy@tigo.com.py

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

Argentina - BUENOS AIRES, Embassy of Canada
Address: Tagle 2828, C1425EEH Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: 54 (11) 4808-1000
Fax: 54 (11) 4808-1111
E-Mail: bairs-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.argentina.gc.ca

You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor an outbreak of yellow fever in Paraguay. Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites. For more information, see the Travel Health Advisory published by the PHAC.

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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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is adequate in Asuncion, but ranges from limited to nonexistent in the countryside. Medical facilities will often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Certain medication may not be available. Take a sufficient quantity of prescription medication with you.

As in many other areas in the Caribbean, Central America and Latin America, travellers in Paraguay are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases including dengue fever.

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8. 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

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

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

It is against the law to hunt animals in or remove certain plant species from nature reserves.

Photographing airports, military establishments, police stations, or government buildings is prohibited.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic laws are frequently ignored. Tourists travelling outside Asunción should avoid night travel, because stray animals and poorly lit vehicles often pose threats. Road signs indicating hazards (such as dangerous curves) are often lacking. Roads in rural areas are generally unpaved. During rainy periods, they may become impassable. The number of traffic accidents tends to increase during the holiday season. Drivers should be particularly cautious during this period.

Police check points are common, especially at night. Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times. It may be difficult to obtain service in English or French from the local police.

Road accidents are frequent. 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.

Rental vehicles are available. Travellers using public transit sometimes fall victim to theft or other crime.

Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at ranks. After dark, however, they should be ordered by phone. Very few taxi drivers speak English or French.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the guaraní (PYG). Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. U.S. dollars can be exchanged in every casa de cambio (exchange agency) and at most banks. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs 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. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from December to March, and can affect the accessibility or reliability of intercity transit. During the rainy season, the roads in the northern part of the Chaco region are impassable, except for the Mennonite Colonies.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

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.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, 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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12. ANNEX

N/A

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