While boarding my flight from Bogota, Colombia to Asuncion, Paraguay the conversation went like this (factor in a bit of language barrier as well)
Gate Agent: You have proof of COVID vaccination?
Me: Yes. (I show her)
Gate Agent: You have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination?
Me: Yes. (I show her)
Gate Agent: This is a one way ticket, where is your ticket out of Paraguay?
Me: I don’t have one.
Gate Agent: Well, when are you leaving Paraguay?
Me: I have no idea.
Gate Agent: You need to show me proof on onward travel…
Me: But I don’t have any…
At this point she tells me to stand aside and they board the rest of the flight. Then a conference starts among airline staff. Lots of pointing at me and talking in Spanish.
Gate Agent: We can’t let you board without proof you will leave Paraguay.
Me: Are you certain? I have been planning this trip for a very long time and have never come across any mention anywhere of Paraguay having such a requirement.
Gate Agent: Yes, you absolutely need proof of forward travel.
Me: Does ANYTHING saying I’m leaving Paraguay count?
Gate Agent: Of course.
So now…. with a plane full of people literally waiting… I frantically use my phone to buy a random bus ticket online, for $10, taking me from Asuncion to the Argentine border… that I will never use.
Me: Will this work?
Gate Agent: Of course, now please hurry and board.
The levels of pointless here… I just cannot….
P.S. After landing in Asuncion I asked the border control agent if proof of forward travel is required, he said no, and seemed to have zero idea what I was talking about.
A Bit Gone 