Paraguay Visa Requirements 2026: Visa-Free Countries and Entry Rules
Paraguay maintains visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from dozens of countries across South America, Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, though specific border rules depend heavily on nationality, passport category, and planned length of stay. Citizens of nations like Argentina, Brazil, Germany, South Korea, and the United States can cross the border without a tourist visa under current exemptions, but recent policy shifts—including a major rule change for Venezuelan travellers—highlight why international visitors must verify entry credentials directly with diplomatic authorities before booking travel.
Visa-Free Countries and Regional Exemptions
According to the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ordinary passport holders from a wide array of jurisdictions can enter the country without securing a tourist visa beforehand. Throughout South America, exemptions cover Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay.
Across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, visa-free access applies to travellers from the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. European exemptions span Germany, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
In Asia, visa-free entry is open to citizens of South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. South Africa represents the sole African nation on the list, while Australia and New Zealand cover Oceania.
Permitted Lengths of Stay and Special Entry Laws
While visa-free entry is common, the permitted duration varies by nationality. A standard tourist exemption typically allows stays of up to 90 days, but exceptions apply. Paraguay’s Migration authority states that Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, and American nationals can enter without a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days under Law No. 7314, an arrangement valid until 13 August 2027.
Several Central American countries—including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama—also share the 90-day limit. The Dominican Republic holds a distinct timeline, allowing its citizens to enter visa-free for up to 60 days. Authorities emphasize that tourist exemptions do not grant permission to live, work, or carry out paid activities permanently, which require separate residency or work authorizations.
Policy Revisions for Venezuelan Nationals
Paraguay updated its immigration framework regarding Venezuela, representing one of the most substantial regulatory changes of the year. While Venezuelan citizens previously enjoyed visa-free entry for up to 60 days, the Paraguayan Government revoked that exemption.
Since 10 January 2026, Venezuelan nationals have been required to obtain a visa prior to arrival. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the policy adjustment was implemented to ensure prior verification of documentation and background information before individuals reach the border. The National Directorate of Migration reflects this update, classifying Venezuela among countries subject to mandatory tourist visas.
Passport Categories and Diplomatic Distinctions
International travellers must also distinguish between ordinary passports and official travel documents. Certain countries hold visa agreements that apply exclusively to diplomatic, official, or service passports without extending the same privileges to ordinary tourists.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that this distinction applies to nations such as Cuba, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Qatar, Vietnam, Egypt, and Morocco. An ordinary passport holder from any of these countries cannot rely on a diplomatic agreement to cross the border without a visa. Officials advise checking current requirements directly through the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Directorate of Migration ahead of departure.