Illegally Entering Paraguay

With four trips to South America behind me, I had only one country left to visit before I could claim the continent:  Paraguay.  I had done a lot of research on Paraguay prior to my Brazil trip and I learned that in order to visit Paraguay, we needed visas.  I didn’t have time to procure them before our flight left the USA.  Further, I had read that getting them at the border is not possible.  That left me with one option that I DO NOT recommend.  That was to enter the country illegally.

Once we explored the Iguacu Falls, we had our driver drop us off at the Brazilian side of the International Friendship Bridge.  She too needed a visa to enter Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and did not have it with her. Therefore we set off on our own crossing the bridge while our driver waited for us on the Brazilian side.

At one point on the bridge, it is possible to put one foot in each country at the border marking.

We finally arrived in Ciudad del Este, but did not officially cross the border.

From what I had read and could see Ciudad del Este is a center for duty free and electronic purchases.  I really don’t feel I missed anything by not exploring the city in great detail.  I got the impression that it was just another big city with no major tourist attractions.

I must say being in a country, even for a few minutes, illegally is a very scary experience.  I cannot for the life of me imagine how people actually live in countries illegally.  I would be too afraid of being taken to jail. Having been an illegal immigrant for a matter of minutes was enough for me.

~Bella