visas for Canadians entering Paraguay

[oldguy]

I am Canadian. My bike is in Montevideo and after Christmas I am heading toward Paraguay and Bolivia via Argentina. A new Paraguay embassy note says Canadians require visas as of Nov. 20, 2012 when crossing the border and must have them in advance except if entering by air. Have any Canadians entered by a land crossing since Nov. 20? Are visas available at the crossing? Thanks

[markharf]

I may be wrong, but my understanding is that the visa requirements for Canadians have been loosened, not tightened, as of Nov. 20th. In the past you needed a visa in advance no matter how you entered Paraguay--it was never available on arrival. As of a month ago, you should be able to get a visa on arrival by air, but still not by land.

Visas are expensive for such a wee little nondescript country, but easily had same day or overnight in neighboring capitals.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

[scooper]

Mark

please do not blame Paraguay, but blame Canada. it cost a person from Paraguay atleast a $1000.00 in expense to get a Canadian visa, if approved. If not approved you loose your money, atleast we can get it overnight for a few dollars and the visa is approved the moment you pay!

[markharf]

Originally Posted by scooper

please do not blame Paraguay

I didn't blame anyone, anywhere, and I know what reciprocity is about from both perspectives. I'm just offering the key facts to someone who asked (and seemed to be missing the point).

Mark

[oldguy]

Boy you fellows seem to be off your meds. I just wanted to comfirm that visas were not available at the border. Thanks to the replies I now know that I must get one while in Montevideo. Gracias.

It is not very common any more (having travelled internationally since 1970) to need visas in advance, especially in Latin/South America...work permits yes, but visas not often. thanks again.

oldguy

[markharf]

You're welcome. Thanks for your views on my medication requirements.

In advance: Brazil, Suriname, Paraguay and (as of Jan 7th) Argentina. It is getting more, not less common. And while the whole visa issue is more or less moot in Europe (except Russia and Belarus), Africa and much of Asia take some planning ahead.