🇵🇾 Paraguay visa for EU citizens

US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free. Most others pay for a visa or need to apply beforehand.

Who walks in visa-free to Paraguay?

Paraguay keeps things simple for many Western travellers. US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders get a 90-day tourist stamp on arrival, no questions asked. This is your entry ticket. You can usually extend this for another 90 days once inside the country, but we'll get to the paperwork later.

If your passport isn't on that VIP list, you'll likely fall into one of two categories. Some countries have visa-on-arrival agreements, meaning you can get your visa at the airport or border crossing. This often costs around $50-$100†. Others require you to apply for a visa before you travel, usually through a Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your home country. This process can take weeks. Check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality. Don't guess on this one.

How long can I really stay in Paraguay?

That initial 90 days is generous for a tourist. But here's where people get tripped up: extending it. You need to visit the Dirección General de Migraciones (Immigration Department) in Asunción or a major city before your first 90 days expire. It's not a walk-in service. You'll need documents, and it can take time. The extension also grants another 90 days.

Overstaying is where it gets costly. While fines can vary, expect to pay around $50 USD† per month of overstay, plus potential difficulties leaving the country. Some sources mention a $100 USD† fine for the first month. It's far better to get your extension sorted or depart before your time is up. Also, be aware that re-entering immediately after your 90 days might raise eyebrows or require a different visa. Some travellers report needing to leave and wait a few days before re-entering on a new tourist stamp. Always get an exit stamp when you leave.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp: what's the deal?

This is the digital nomad's eternal question, and Paraguay is no different. Officially, you're entering as a tourist. Working remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist stamp is technically a legal grey area. Paraguayan immigration is primarily concerned with who is working for whom inside Paraguay. If you're not earning money locally or engaging in business within Paraguay, most border officials and immigration officers won't bother you.

The reality is that many remote workers operate on tourist visas for extended periods without issue. The key is to keep a low profile. Avoid mentioning you're "working" if asked directly at immigration. Say you're "travelling" or "on vacation." You're not breaking Paraguayan law by connecting to your overseas employer's VPN. The risk comes if you try to establish local business ties or work for a Paraguayan company without the proper permits. For most digital nomads, the tourist stamp is sufficient for remote work.

What's new with Paraguay's entry rules?

Paraguay has been slowly modernizing its immigration processes. While a full-blown eVisa system for all nationalities isn't yet a reality, there have been some moves. In the past year or so, there's been talk and some limited rollout of online visa application portals for certain nationalities who previously required pre-approval. This aims to speed up the process and reduce the need for embassy visits.

Fees can also fluctuate. Always double-check the current visa-on-arrival cost and the extension fees with immigration officials or reliable expat forums before you travel. Paraguay isn't known for constant, rapid changes like some European countries, but keeping an eye on official government announcements or recent traveller reports is wise. The core 90-day visa-free entry for major Western nationalities remains the constant.