As of Monday July 28, 2025, a unified immigration control system has been implemented at the Encarnación-Posadas land border crossing between Paraguay and Argentina. The new system streamlines procedures for both vehicular, and pedestrian traffic. Jorge Kronawetter, Director of Paraguay’s Migration Office, announced plans to extend this system to the Clorinda-Falcón border crossing in the near future.
The joint control system, initially for Encarnación-Posadas train passengers, now expands to drivers and pedestrians. It applies to those crossing the San Roque González de Santacruz International Bridge.
Reducing checkpoints
“We started with the train, where the system worked effectively, and joint protocols were established. Now, we have extended it to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This first step allows us to conduct a single control point starting this Monday, handled solely in Argentina, with fully integrated systems,” Kronawetter explained.
Under this new system, immigration procedures for entering and exiting both countries are now conducted exclusively on Argentine territory, reducing the process from four checks (two in Paraguay, and two in Argentina) to just two integrated controls. This change aims to minimise delays, eliminate redundant procedures, and expedite cross-border movement.
Immigration system testing phase
Kronawetter emphasised that while the controls are conducted in Argentina, data is reflected in both countries’ systems. This means alerts and restrictions are drawn from the databases of both Paraguay and Argentina.
“We are currently in a testing phase to make any necessary adjustments before making the system permanent,” Kronawetter noted. He added that the same system is planned for implementation at other border crossings, specifically mentioning the Clorinda-Falcón crossing.
The measure is particularly relevant in light of two major international events scheduled to be held in Paraguay. These are the 2025 ASU Junior Pan American Games and the 2025 Paraguay World Rally Championship. Both events will attract thousands of visitors and require modern, agile, and secure border procedures to ensure a smooth tourist experience.
“Our goal is to roll out this unified control system at Clorinda-Falcón once preparations for the World Rally event are complete. This will allow us to optimise human resources, and increase the number of booths on the Paraguayan side, further speeding up entry into the country.”
“Cutting border crossing time in half”
Kronawetter highlighted that the unified system and joint controls cut crossing times in half for citizens moving between the countries. He also noted that the World Rally event in Paraguay’s Itapúa department accelerated the implementation of these long-planned border improvements.
The unified immigration control marks a significant step toward enhancing efficiency and cooperation at the Paraguay-Argentina border. With expectations of further improvements in the coming months.
