Paraguay is one of the easiest countries to visit in South America: the vast majority of tourists don't need to arrange a visa in advance. But it's worth knowing the rules for your nationality, the passport requirements and the options for arriving, especially if you'll cross overland from Argentina or Brazil. This guide sums up everything practical so you arrive without surprises in 2026.
Do you need a visa for Paraguay?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of around 70 countries can enter without a visa for tourism or business; the rest must arrange one in advance. These are the main categories:
| Origin | Entry regime |
|---|---|
| Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and associates) | Entry with national ID card only; extended stays |
| European Union, United States, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel and most of South America | Visa-free, up to 90 days |
| Russia, China, India, Turkey, South Africa, Morocco, among others | Visa-free, up to 30 days |
| Much of Africa, Asia and the Middle East (Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, etc.) | Require a visa arranged in advance |
Immigration policies change; before traveling, confirm your case with the nearest Paraguayan consulate or the National Directorate of Migration.
Entry requirements
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months on entry (for those entering with a passport; Mercosur citizens use their ID card).
- Onward or return ticket, which immigration may request.
- Occasionally, proof of funds or accommodation, though this is rarely required of ordinary tourists.
Visa on arrival
Some nationalities that aren't visa-exempt can obtain a visa on arrival at Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, paying a fee —on the order of USD 160 in cash— and proceeding straight to immigration. Not all nationalities qualify for this option, so verify your case before flying.
Getting there by air
The main air entry point is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), in Luque, a few kilometers from Asunción. There aren't as many direct intercontinental flights as to other regional capitals, so the usual route is to connect through nearby hubs: São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima or Panama offer the most frequent connections. From the airport, downtown Asunción is reached by taxi, ride-hailing apps or bus.
The second international airport, Guaraní, is in Ciudad del Este and is handy if your plan starts in the east (Itaipú, Monday Falls) or if you arrive from Brazil.
Getting there by land
Paraguay shares very busy land borders, and for travelers from neighboring countries crossing overland is often the most comfortable and economical option:
- From Brazil: the Friendship Bridge links Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este. It's one of the busiest crossings on the continent.
- From Argentina (south): the San Roque González bridge links Posadas with Encarnación, ideal if you're heading straight to the Jesuit circuit.
- From Argentina (Asunción): the Clorinda–Puerto Falcón crossing connects to the Asunción metropolitan area via the Remanso bridge.
In all cases, register your entry with immigration even if the crossing is quick: the entry stamp matters for your legal stay.
Customs and what you can bring in
As a tourist you can bring in your personal effects and a duty-free allowance of goods for your own use. High-value purchases, especially when leaving toward neighboring countries, do have allowance limits that depend on the destination country. If your plan includes shopping in Ciudad del Este, it's worth checking the caps that apply to your country in advance.
Money
The local currency is the guaraní (PYG, Paraguay's currency). Change some cash for daily expenses —exchange houses abound in cities and border areas, with good rates— and use cards in hotels, restaurants and urban shops, where they're widely accepted. ATMs are common in Asunción and large cities; in remote areas like the Chaco, carry cash. At the border, US dollars and Brazilian reais circulate freely.
Connectivity and internet
Getting a local prepaid SIM is cheap and easy: carriers have sales points at the airport, malls and around the city, and data coverage is good on highways and urban centers. In the deep Chaco the signal becomes intermittent, so download offline maps if you're heading into it.
Health
There are no general health requirements for tourists arriving from most countries, but for certain tropical areas —and depending on your regional itinerary— the yellow fever vaccine may be recommended. Check with a travel medicine clinic before departure. Bring repellent: near rivers and in summer, mosquitoes are part of the landscape.
Travel insurance
Although Paraguay doesn't require travel insurance to enter, getting it is highly advisable. Private healthcare in Asunción is good quality, but insurance covers you for the unexpected —accidents, a dental emergency, lost luggage or a missed connecting flight. If your itinerary includes nature or adventure activities in the Chaco, check that the policy covers them. For long stays or if you plan to drive, add specific coverage.
Tips for your arrival
- From the airport to downtown: from Silvio Pettirossi, ride-hailing apps and taxis are the most comfortable way to reach Asunción; agree on the fare or use an app to avoid surprises.
- First exchange: change a moderate amount to guaraníes on arrival for initial expenses; you'll find better rates at city exchange houses than at the airport.
- SIM and data: getting a local SIM in your first hours makes transport, maps and bookings easier. Bring your ID to register it.
- First tereré: say yes if you're invited to a round of tereré —the national drink; it's the fastest way to break the ice with Paraguayans and understand the local culture.
Keep exploring
- Paraguay Travel Guide 2026: what to see and do
- Jesuit route: Trinidad and Jesús, the World Heritage almost nobody visits
- Paraguayan cuisine: chipa, sopa paraguaya and the tereré ritual
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay as a tourist?
Most visa-exempt countries get 90 days; some, 30. Mercosur citizens have broader conditions. If you need more time, look into extension or residency options.
Can I enter with just an ID if I'm Argentine, Brazilian or Uruguayan?
Yes. As a Mercosur citizen you can enter with your national ID card, without a passport.
What's the best way to arrive from Buenos Aires or São Paulo?
By air, there are frequent connecting flights via those cities to Asunción. By land, international buses are comfortable and economical, especially from northern Argentina and southern Brazil.