How long can Americans stay in Paraguay without a visa?

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Accepted Answer

Americans can stay in Paraguay for 90 days visa-free, with easy extensions available. 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:

1. **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.

2. **Pay the Overstay Fine**: Migraciones charges a fixed overstay fine of 6 daily minimum wages, ₲702,462 (about US$120) under the fee table in force from 1 July 2026 (fees change every 1 July; US dollar amounts use the Central Bank of Paraguay reference rate of ₲5,851 per US$ on 1 October 2026). This isn't recommended as a long-term strategy.

3. **Apply for Residency**: The best long-term solution. You can apply for temporary residency while on your tourist visa. Migraciones does not publish a processing time, and you're legal while it's pending (you hold a residencia precaria card).

**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 after permanent residency, about 5 years from arrival)
- No need to worry about overstay issues

How long can Americans stay in Paraguay without a visa?

Key Takeaways

The 90-Day Tourist Period

Extending Your Stay

Important Considerations

Why Most Americans Choose Residency

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Sources

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