Information for Participants

Visa requirements
Nationals of most countries (including the USA) will require a valid visa in order to visit Paraguay.

Visas are not required for nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Panama, Peru, South Africa, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela;  entering as tourists for a maximum stay of 90 days

Visas are not required for nationals of EU countries except nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do require visas.

A passport valid for six months after the intended length of stay is required by all except nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay with valid ID cards entering as tourists directly from their own country.

Visas can be obtained from Paraguayan embassies and consulates in your own country. Where there is no embassy or consulate in your country, please contact the embassy nearest to your country.

If you need a letter confirming your registration, this can be provided; however it can only be issued after a delegate has registered for the conference and payment has been received.

NB: Delegates wishing to take part in the excursion to Iguazu & Itaipu after the main conference will also need ensure they have a valid tourist visa for Brazil in advance.

Registration, Opening and Closing Sessions
Registration starts at 8:00am at the venue on Tuesday 4 December, in the main conference hall.

The Opening Session will begin at 13:30pm sharp on 4 December. The Closing Session will conclude at 13.00pm on 6 December. At the Closing Ceremony, participants will receive Certificates of Attendance and a CD-ROM containing the Conference papers.

Accommodation & Meals
Shared accommodation is available at the conference venue in the rural hotel operated by the San Francisco Agricultural School on the school grounds. Places at this hotel, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, are offered to all delegates* at no additional cost. Please note that this is ‘rustic style’ accommodation, and that rooms with private bathrooms are limited. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis, with preference given where advance payment for the conference has been made.
*subject to availability

A range of hotel accommodation is also available in Asuncion, approximately an hour’s distance from the conference venue. Options include Hotel Portal del Sol ($40-$60 per night) and the Sheraton ($80-$120 per night). Bookings should be made through the Conference Organizers to ensure the best possible price. NB: Accommodation in hotels located outside the conference venue is not included in the Conference registration fee.

Please indicate on your registration form your preferred choice of accommodation.

All meals for the duration of the conference are also included in the registration fee. Should you have any particular dietary requirements please ensure you mention these on your registration form.

Internet Access
Wireless internet access will be available at fixed locations across the conference venue. A number of internet terminals will also be provided for delegates use.

Climate
The average daytime temperature in Paraguay for December is 33C. However, all conference rooms are fitted with air conditioning to ensure your comfort.

Clothing
In keeping with the working farm school surroundings of the Conference and the hot climate, delegates are advised to pack light, informal clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Foreign Exchange
The local currency in Paraguay is the Guarani. ATMs are available in Asuncion as well as at the airport. Travellers cheques can only be cashed in Asuncion, an hour from the conference venue, and rates are lower than for cash. Foreign exchange facilities will, however, be available at the conference venue for those traveling with US Dollars.

Health
Delegates are advised to take the same general health measures that would be recommended for traveling to any developing country. Anti-malarials are not required for travellers visiting this region of Paraguay. Details of recommended vaccinations can be found here

Getting Around
Transport to and from the airport will be provided for delegates whose travel plans coincide with the conference start and end dates. For travel within Asuncion the use of taxis is recommended. For those traveling elsewhere throughout Paraguay and to its neighboring countries, a range of bus services are available.

Guide to Paraguay
Languages: Spanish & Guarani

Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4 ()

Electricity: 220V 50HzHz

Electric Plug Details: European plug with two circular metal pins. US style plugs with two flat parallel blades are also commonly accepted.