Paraguay entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
South African passport holders can enter Paraguay without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Paraguay. Airlines at Johannesburg and Cape Town may 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 routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to roughly $500–$1,000 USD. Immigration may ask if you look under-funded, but it's not a standard check. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to fly to Paraguay, even if you have a return ticket.
No extension possible
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your trip carefully — if you need more time, you must apply for a visa at a Paraguayan embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
Most flights from South Africa connect through São Paulo or Buenos Aires. At Asunción airport, follow signs to 'Migración' for passport control. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. This usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green/red channel system — if you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Paraguay Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Paraguayan embassy in South Africa. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires proof of income, clean criminal record, and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Permanent Residency for Retirees (Residencia Permanente para Jubilados)
Permanent, after 2 years temporary residency
~$200 USD application fee + legal fees
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of income, criminal record, and health insurance. Allows full residency and work rights.
digital nomad visa
Temporary Residence for Remote Workers (Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For remote workers with foreign income (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Requires proof of employment, income, and health insurance. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Permanent Residency for Investors (Residencia Permanente para Inversores)
Permanent, after 2 years temporary residency
~$500 USD application fee + investment
For investors making a minimum investment of ~$70,000 USD in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and clean record. Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of PYG 5,000,000 (~$700 USD). | PYG 100,000 (~$14 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Paraguay do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsSilvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) · Guaraní International Airport (AGT)
Health & vaccines for Paraguay
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders with Brazil and Argentina; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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 General de Migraciones
Av. Mcal. López 3793, Asunción
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and payment.
Ciudad del Este
Oficina Regional de Migraciones
Av. Mcal. López y Av. San Blas, Ciudad del Este
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the east.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 6,069.5 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 visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Paraguay before the 90 days are up. If you overstay, you may face fines and future entry issues.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Paraguay does not require yellow fever vaccination for South African passport holders. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check with your airline.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6 months and a return ticket. Expect longer queues at busy crossings like Ciudad del Este.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 100,000 PYG per day, but amounts vary) and a possible ban from re-entering Paraguay for a period. Always leave on time.
No, Paraguay does not require an arrival declaration for South African passport holders. Just your passport and return ticket.
No, there is no visa on arrival for South Africans. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa at a Paraguayan embassy before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.