ResidencyUpdated 2025-01
How long can Americans stay in Paraguay without a visa?
Americans can stay in Paraguay for 90 days visa-free, with easy extensions available.
Key Takeaways
- 90 days visa-free entry for US citizens
- Easy border run extensions available
- Overstay fine is ~$2-3/day (not recommended long-term)
- Residency application possible while on tourist visa
- Most long-term expats choose formal residency
Americans can stay in Paraguay for up to 90 days without a visa. This is part of Paraguay's visa-free policy for US passport holders, which makes initial entry and exploration straightforward.
The 90-Day Tourist Period
When you enter Paraguay with a US passport, you'll receive a 90-day tourist stamp. This period is sufficient for most exploration visits and gives you time to:
- Explore neighborhoods and housing options
- Meet with immigration lawyers
- Open preliminary bank accounts (some banks work with tourists)
- Experience daily life before committing to residency
Extending Your Stay
If you need more time, you have several options:
- **Border Run**: The most common method is to briefly exit to Argentina or Brazil and re-enter. You'll receive a fresh 90-day stamp. While technically allowed, doing this repeatedly may raise questions.
- **Pay the Overstay Fine**: Paraguay is lenient about overstays. The fine is approximately $2-3 per day, capped at around $500. Many expats simply pay this when leaving. However, this isn't recommended as a long-term strategy.
- **Apply for Residency**: The best long-term solution. You can apply for temporary residency while on your tourist visa. The application process takes 2-3 months, and you're legal while it's pending.
Important Considerations
- Paraguay doesn't stamp passports on exit, only entry
- Immigration is generally relaxed but following rules is advisable
- If you plan to stay long-term, residency is the proper path
- The 90 days is cumulative per entry, not per year
Why Most Americans Choose Residency
While the tourist visa is convenient, most Americans who plan to live in Paraguay long-term apply for residency because:
- It provides legal certainty
- Required for many banking services
- Necessary for buying vehicles in your name
- Path to citizenship (3 years)
- No need to worry about overstay issues
Have More Questions?
Explore our comprehensive guides to Paraguay
More Residency Questions
How fast can I get Paraguay citizenship?
3 years is the minimum time to citizenship. Paraguay has one of the fastest naturalization timelines in the world.
What documents do I need for Paraguay residency?
You need: passport, birth certificate, police clearance, and photos. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated to Spanish.