🇵🇾 Paraguay visa requirements

Your passport dictates your entry into Paraguay. Most North Americans and Europeans get 90 days visa-free. Others, not so much.

Who Gets In (And For How Long)

Paraguay plays nice with a bunch of countries. If you’ve got a passport from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, or a few South American neighbours, you’re likely getting 90 days on arrival. This is extendable for another 90 days, though the process can be a bit clunky. You just need to visit the immigration office in Asunción before your initial stamp expires.

Then there are countries that get a visa on arrival. This list changes, so always double-check, but it generally includes places like Russia, Ukraine, and some Middle Eastern nations. They also get 90 days.

Anyone else? You'll need to sort out a visa before you arrive. This usually means heading to a Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby one. It’s not a quick process, so plan way ahead.

Overstaying Your Welcome: What It Costs

That 90-day visa-free stamp feels generous, but don't push it. While technically extendable, the process requires a visit to the immigration office. If you miss that deadline and your 90 days are up, you’re technically overstaying. The fine? It’s often cited as around $50 USD for the first few days, but can climb higher the longer you stay. More importantly, overstaying can cause issues when you try to leave or re-enter Paraguay later. Some reports mention a $2.50 USD per day fine, but this feels low for anything more than a few days. Bottom line: don't overstay. Get your extension sorted if you need more time. Also, make sure you get an exit stamp when you leave. Some travellers have reported issues on re-entry without one, even if they only left for a day trip to Brazil or Argentina.

What’s New on the Immigration Front?

Paraguay has been dabbling with modernization. For a while, there was talk of an eVisa system, especially for certain nationalities. However, its rollout has been slow and inconsistent. Some sources say it’s available for specific countries, others say it’s still largely theoretical. Quick warning: don’t rely on an eVisa unless you have concrete confirmation it’s working for your nationality and purpose of visit.

Fee structures can also shift. While the initial entry is free for many, extensions and residency applications have associated costs. Expect to pay fees for documentation, processing, and potential translations. These can add up, so budget accordingly. The general trend seems to be towards slightly more formalised processes, but Paraguay still retains that laid-back South American vibe. Double-checking the latest requirements with the Dirección General de Migraciones before your trip is always your safest bet.