Paraguay entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can enter Paraguay without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. No prior application or fee is needed — just show up at the border with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Paraguay. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Paraguay | Immigration officers at Silvio Pettirossi Airport regularly ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a flight booking out of Paraguay ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration may ask if you look under-resourced — a quick screenshot of your banking app works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Paraguay requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew before you go. No exceptions.
No visa, but don't skip the basics
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have digital copies ready on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción or cross by land from Argentina, Brazil, or Bolivia, you'll go through immigration control. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the immigration officer. They'll check your validity, blank pages, and may ask about your travel plans. Answer honestly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to enter Paraguay.
Download Paraguay Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree for New Zealand passport holders (visa-free entry already applies)
No need to apply; visa-free entry covers up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostNot available for visa-free nationals; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
No multiple-entry visa option for visa-free travellers; border runs are possible but may raise scrutiny.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years, renewable
CostApproximately $200–$500 USD (processing fees vary)
Requires proof of income, clean criminal record, and local sponsor. Apply at Paraguayan consulate abroad.
retirement visa
Permanent Residency for Retirees (Residencia Permanente para Jubilados)
Indefinite, after initial 2-year temporary residency
Approximately $200–$500 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension, clean criminal record, and local address. Offers full residency rights.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversor)
2 years, renewable, then permanent
Approximately $500–$1,000 USD (processing fees plus investment minimum of $5,000 USD in real estate or business)
For individuals investing in Paraguay (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment is low compared to other countries. Requires proof of investment and clean record.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Approximately $200–$400 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Paraguayan employer. Requires employment contract, company sponsorship, and clean criminal record. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100–$200 USD (processing fees)
For enrolled students at a recognized Paraguayan institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and clean record. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated per day; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | Approximately 50,000 PYG (~$7 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Paraguay
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Paraguayan airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSilvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) – Asunción · Guaraní International Airport (AGT) – Ciudad del Este
Health & vaccines for Paraguay
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Bolivia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Also mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain. Prevention same as dengue.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take extra precautions due to risk of birth defects.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders (e.g., with Brazil); prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Asunción
Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
Av. Mcal. López 3793, Asunción
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions, overstay payments, and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Ciudad del Este
Oficina Regional de Migraciones
Av. Monseñor Rodríguez, Ciudad del Este
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Handles border-related issues and extensions for visitors in the eastern region.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalAsunción
LanguageSpanish, Guaraní
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyParaguayan guaraní (PYG)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6,104.18 PYG
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave Paraguay and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online form required for New Zealand passport holders. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a Paraguayan embassy before travelling.
No, there is no visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You cannot change your status after entering. If you need a longer stay, plan ahead and apply for a visa at a Paraguayan embassy before your trip.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 100,000 PYG per day, but subject to change) and possible difficulties re-entering Paraguay in the future. It's best to leave on time.
Not required for New Zealand passport holders arriving directly from New Zealand. However, if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Bolivia), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor before travelling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.