Paraguay Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US passport holders can visit Paraguay visa-free for up to 90 days. Paraguay is a landlocked South American country with a unique bilingual culture and a low tourism profile.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Paraguay without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Carry your valid US passport (6+ months validity recommended), onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds. No advance registration or fee. Paraguay does not have an ETIAS or similar pre-travel requirement.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
1 blank page required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Passport valid for at least 6 months. Return/onward ticket may be requested.
Fines for overstaying. Relatively straightforward to resolve.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and routine vaccinations.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Asunción requires standard urban precautions. Some border areas are risky. Petty theft occurs. Overall safer than many South American destinations.
Money & Costs
Currency
₲ Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $25 · Mid: $50 · Luxury: $120+
Tipping
Tipping 10% appreciated at restaurants.
Practical Info
Power
Type Type C, 220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
911 (all emergencies)
Getting There
Main Airports
Asunción (ASU)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Paraguay has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is winter (May-September) when temperatures are more comfortable (15-25°C/59-77°F) and humidity lower. Summer (December-February) brings intense heat exceeding 35°C (95°F) with high humidity, making sightseeing uncomfortable. The Chaco region is particularly extreme in summer, with temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F). Spring (September-November) sees jacaranda trees blooming in Asuncion. The Pantanal wetlands in the northeast are best visited during the dry season (June-October) for wildlife viewing.
Cultural Notes
Paraguay is unique in Latin America for maintaining its indigenous Guarani language alongside Spanish - over 90% of the population speaks Guarani, and it is used in daily life, music, and identity. The country has a remarkable history: devastating war against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay (1864-1870) killed over half the male population, and the subsequent Chaco War with Bolivia shaped national character. Paraguayans are resilient, family-oriented, and proud of their indigenous heritage. The Jesuit missions of the 17th-18th centuries represent a remarkable social experiment. Traditional music features the Paraguayan harp. Terere (cold mate tea) is the national drink, shared socially everywhere. The country is peaceful but economically challenged, with significant contraband trade along borders.
Insider Tips
Paraguay is South America most overlooked country - few tourists venture here, but those who do find genuine authenticity and warm welcomes. Asuncion, the sleepy capital along the Paraguay River, has colonial architecture and a fascinating Jesuit history museum. The Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesus de Tavarangue (UNESCO) rival those more famous in Argentina. The Chaco wilderness offers unique wildlife. Ciudad del Este, on the Brazilian border, is a massive shopping hub for South Americans. Infrastructure is basic; buses connect cities but can be slow. The guarani is the currency; US dollars are useful. Spanish and Guarani are official languages - Paraguay is Latin Americas most bilingual country. Beef is excellent and cheap; try sopa paraguaya (cheese cornbread).
Current Travel Situation
United States to Paraguay: What You Need to Know
Paraguay is bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia and remains one of South America's least-visited countries despite its stability and low crime rates. Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asuncion is the main gateway with connections from Sao Paulo (GRU), Buenos Aires (EZE), Lima, Bogota, and Panama City. No direct US flights exist. Paraguay uses both Spanish and Guarani as official languages; one of only a few countries where an indigenous language has co-official status. The US State Department has a Level 1 advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions).
How to Get There
Sao Paulo (GRU) and Buenos Aires (EZE) are the main regional hubs with regular connections to Asuncion. The Iguazu Falls (shared by Brazil and Argentina) is accessible from Paraguay; Ciudad del Este (eastern Paraguay) is just 20 km from Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side. Many travelers combine Paraguay with Argentina and Brazil on a southern cone itinerary.
Money & Banking
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan Guarani (PYG). USD and Brazilian Reais are widely accepted in border areas and some businesses. ATMs are available in Asuncion; card acceptance is growing but cash is preferred outside the capital. Paraguay is one of South America's cheapest countries: a restaurant meal costs $3-7, a beer is $1-2, and budget accommodation runs $15-30/night. Ciudad del Este is a major electronics and goods market attracting shoppers from Brazil and Argentina.
Practical Tips
Asuncion has an underrated historic center: the Palacio de Lopez (presidential palace), the Lopez Theatre, and the Plaza de los Heroes are all impressive. The Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue (UNESCO) are extraordinary colonial-era ruins in the south. The Chaco region (western Paraguay) is a vast semi-arid wilderness with rare wildlife including giant armadillos and pampas deer. Encarnacion on the Argentine border hosts the country's largest Carnival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paraguay safe for American tourists?
Yes. Paraguay has a Level 1 travel advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) from the US State Department. Crime rates are low compared to neighboring countries. Asuncion is generally safe; take standard precautions in market areas. The border city of Ciudad del Este has higher petty crime.
What language is spoken in Paraguay?
Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Uniquely, most Paraguayans speak both -- Guarani is widely used in everyday life, especially in rural areas and among lower-income communities. This makes Paraguay the only country in the Americas where an indigenous language is spoken by the majority of the population alongside the colonial language.
Can I visit Iguazu Falls from Paraguay?
You can get very close to Iguazu Falls from Paraguay. Ciudad del Este is just 20 km from Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) via the Friendship Bridge. However, to actually visit the falls, you need to enter Brazil (Iguazu National Park) or Argentina. US citizens can visit Brazil visa-free, so a day trip is easy.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Paraguay?
No, US citizens can visit Paraguay for up to 90 days without a visa. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months. Paraguay is one of South America's least-visited countries but offers authentic cultural experiences, Jesuit mission ruins, and the unique bilingual Spanish-Guaranà culture. Most visitors arrive overland from Argentina, Brazil, or Bolivia.
What is there to see in Paraguay?
Paraguay offers off-the-beaten-path experiences. The Jesuit Missions (Trinidad and Jesús) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with impressive 17th-century ruins. Asunción has colonial architecture, the Panteón de los Héroes, and riverside markets. The Chaco region is wild and remote, home to indigenous communities and unique wildlife. Ciudad del Este is a major shopping destination bordering Brazil and Argentina. Encarnación on the Paraná River has beaches and carnival. For nature, Ybycuà National Park offers waterfalls and hiking.
What makes Paraguay unique in South America?
Paraguay is the only truly bilingual nation in the Americas; Guaranà (an indigenous language) has equal status with Spanish, and most Paraguayans speak both. This reflects the preservation of indigenous culture unlike anywhere else on the continent. Tereré (cold mate) rather than hot mate is the national drink. The country survived a devastating war (1864-70) that killed most of its male population. Paraguay remains landlocked and somewhat isolated, giving it a more authentic, less touristy feel than neighbors. Shopping in Ciudad del Este is a major draw for regional visitors.