Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Soccer Hooliganism

U.S. Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay

Security Message for US Citizens

Soccer Hooliganism

October 10, 2017

Last weekend a soccer match in Pedro Juan Caballero turned violent when supporters of the two teams clashed in the stands, leaving four people injured. As a reminder, soccer hooliganism is a reality in Paraguay as it is in South America generally. While tonight’s World Cup qualifying match between Paraguay and Venezuela and other local matches are largely expected be non-violent, even sporting events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens residing or living in Paraguay should exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings of sports fans before or after soccer matches.

· See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Paraguay Specific Information .

· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay located at 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue at +595 21 213 715 from 7:30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +595 21 213 715 extension 2210 or +595 21 213 715 and listen to the prompt for emergencies.

· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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